Bicycle accidents can lead to severe or even fatal injuries. This is because bicyclists don’t have the protection of bigger and heavier vehicles, leaving them to feel the full force of the accident.
An Edgewood bicycle accident lawyer can help file your compensation case and negotiate for the justice and compensation you deserve. Let us look at the steps you should take if you or your loved one are injured in a bicycle accident.
Types of Recoverable Damages in Bicycle Accidents
An Edgewood bicycle accident lawyer can file claims for recovering the damages you incur during a bicycle accident. These damages can belong in any of these three categories:
Economic Damages
This refers to any damages that have or involve money. Such damages include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost income and benefits
- Rehabilitation costs
- Surgeries
We will fight for compensation that covers all these costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages do not involve money directly. Compensation will cover mostly emotional costs and the emotional toll the accident takes on the victim. Common non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Wrongful Death Damages
The family of a person who dies from a bicycle accident can file a wrongful death claim. Damages can include the medical bills if the deceased was hospitalized before they passed away. They also cover funeral expenses and the loss of household services.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Edgewood, call 800-333-9999
Factors That Affect the Compensation You Can Recover
Each case differs from the next. However, there are certain factors to consider when calculating the amount of compensation you can receive. Such factors include:
- Age and occupation of the victim
- Impact on the victim’s working ability
- Mobility or disability problems
- Impact on the quality of life
You have to make sure that the injuries you seek compensation for are related to the accident. You can also show proof that the injuries worsened a preexisting condition. This is why getting hospital records is essential as it shows the extent of your injuries and your damages.
Edgewood Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-333-9999
Why Contact a Lawyer
An Edgewood bicycle accident lawyer covers all the basics to ensure your case is as foolproof as possible. We take all the burden off your shoulders and let you focus on getting better. We interview the authorities and medical team to help quantify your losses and fight for proper compensation.
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What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
The moments after a bike accident can be chaotic and cause a lot of confusion. What you do after an accident can affect your case.
Keep Calm and Call the Authorities
You need to keep your cool and assess the situation to see what you can do. The most important thing is to reach out to the police and to get medical treatment.
Get the Other Party’s Information
If you can, try and collect as much contact information as possible from the at-fault party. This includes their name, address, insurance information, and any vehicle information. You may also want to get information from witnesses before the authorities arrive. This step makes it easy for you to reach out to these people later to determine how the accident happened.
Gather Evidence
You can also collect evidence, such as pictures and videos of the accident scene and damages to your bike. Take a record of any injuries you might have, too. This comes in handy when you are filing a personal claim or lawsuit.
If you are too injured to complete the steps above, much of the information you need should be on the police report.
Consult with an Attorney
Reaching out to an Edgewood bicycle accident lawyer is also an important step. This lets your lawyer assess the scene and get any evidence you might miss. It also helps our team get a firsthand account of the situation and gives us ample time to plan a way forward.
Get Medical Care
One thing you should not neglect doing, no matter how insignificant you think your injuries are, is seeking medical help. This not only prevents any chances of injuries masked by shock, but you can also use the medical records as proof when discussing compensation.
Avoid Speaking to the Other Party or Their Insurer
It is important to refrain from speaking to the other party or their insurance company. Don’t sign any releases until you have a go-ahead from your attorney. This gives you a chance to get a fairer settlement.
Do Not Admit Fault
You should also avoid apologizing or admitting any fault. Admitting fault gives the other party grounds to nullify your claim. It can also create a case of comparative negligence, robbing you of the chance to get full compensation.
Contact an Edgewood bicycle accident attorney to ensure you don’t make any mistakes that jeopardize your case or undermine your claim. Let your lawyer handle all the legal procedures and instead focus on getting better.
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Determining Fault for a Claim
There are multiple causes of bicycle accidents and they each have different circumstances. We must determine and establish liability to recover compensation. At times, at-fault motorists might be responsible for the accident, while sometimes more than one party is involved.
For example:
- A car driver who opens their door without checking the road to ensure no bicyclist is coming can cause an accident. In such a case, the driver is likely determined at fault, and you can sue them for any injuries you get.
- Other times, bicyclists land in potholes that send them careening over the handlebars. Construction workers, property owners, or government entities may be responsible for such an accident, especially if they did not put up any warning signs. You can sue in such cases.
- Government entities can also be the responsible party in other types of bicycle accidents. This happens in cases of improperly marked or poorly maintained roads. You can sue any responsible parties and file premises and product liability claims against the at-fault party.
Get a Bicycle Accident Lawyer to Help Your Case Today
At Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers, we are willing and ready to take your case. Our attorneys will ensure they work with you to construct a workable strategy tailored to your situation. We have attorneys serving Edgewood with enough experience to handle your case. We don’t charge any upfront fees or costs, working on a contingency-fee basis. Get help from an Edgewood bicycle accident lawyer today.
Call or text 800-333-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form