Accidents involving bicycles tend to be among the most dangerous crashes on the road. Bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries due to the massive size difference between cyclists and other vehicles. After these incidents, victims may have to deal with months of recovery and high medical bills.
Consult a bicycle accident lawyer if you have experienced this type of situation to protect your rights and increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
How an Elkhart Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Elkhart, you might be entitled to compensation from the party or parties responsible for the crash. However, that’s easier said than done. Filing a personal injury claim can be quite a complex process. It involves collecting evidence from the accident scene, like eyewitness accounts and information, going over police reports, consulting with medical professionals, and negotiating with insurance representatives.
Doing all of these can be extremely difficult when you are still injured from the accident. With an Elkhart bicycle lawyer by your side, you won’t have to worry about any aspect of the claims process. Your attorney can handle all the legwork on your behalf while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Your lawyer can file all the relevant paperwork, consult with doctors to determine the full extent of your injuries and what it can cost to treat them and negotiate with the insurance provider. If the negotiations aren’t successful, your attorney can take the case to court and argue on your behalf. Hiring a lawyer provides access to a professional with legal knowledge, an in-depth understanding of the claims process, and your best interests at heart.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Elkhart, call 800-333-9999
Why Bicyclists Are Especially Vulnerable
Unlike motorists who are protected by the vehicle’s shell, seatbelts, and airbags, cyclists are entirely exposed. You can prevent yourself from injury by wearing a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, and maybe some leather clothing.
Due to the immense difference in size and weight between cyclists and the other vehicles on the road, even a minor ‘tap’ can cause significant damage. As a result, bicycle accidents tend to result in severe and sometimes fatal injuries, even at relatively low speeds.
Additionally, bicyclists can be hard to spot from vehicles, which means that cyclists are even more likely to be involved in a crash.
Elkhart Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-333-9999
Common Causes of Bicycle Accident Injuries in Elkhart
Biking may be one of the healthiest and greenest ways to get around, but it does have some risks. Although motorists have a legal obligation to watch out for cyclists and other road users, accidents can happen for a wide variety of reasons, including:
- Inattentive Motorists: Drivers might not spot a bicycle if they aren’t paying attention to their surroundings or are distracted by their phones or passengers.
- Sidewalk or Road Defects: If the road, sidewalk, or bike lane has defects like potholes or unevenness, a cyclist may lose control of their bicycle.
- Driving While Intoxicated: A driver who gets behind the wheel while intoxicated is significantly likely to cause a bicycle accident. Likewise, a drunk cyclist can also cause an accident.
- Defective Bicycle: A bicycle malfunction could result in an accident. This can happen if some mechanism fails or locks up, making the rider lose control and crash into a motorist, pedestrian, or another cyclist.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Some conditions, like rain, snow, and fog, can make it hard for drivers to see cyclists on the road. Cyclists should consider investing in reflective jackets to make themselves more visible on the road.
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Determining Liability After a Bicycle Accident in Elkhart
The hours, days, and weeks after a bicycle accident can be hectic. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you might have to receive emergency care at the crash site before being transported to the hospital. Once your condition has stabilized, you’ll probably wonder how you can cover the mounting medical bills. So, who can be held responsible for all the financial damages you have sustained?
Your attorney can help prove that another party or parties acted negligently or recklessly and that their actions led to the accident that injured you. You could file a personal injury case against a distracted or intoxicated driver whose actions caused you bodily harm. You could also sue a pet owner if a dog or cat attacked you while cycling, leading to an accident.
If poor road conditions caused your bicycle to crash, you could sue the local government or authority that’s in charge of roadways. The bicycle manufacturer could also be held liable if the accident was caused by a bicycle that was sold to you while it was defective. You could also sue a restaurant owner if you collide with a restaurant sign on the sidewalk and crash.
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Damages You Can Get for a Bicycle Accident Claim
Your personal injury attorney can advise you on your legal options and work to get you enough compensation to cover:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Scarring, disfigurement, or loss of limb
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages
- Loss of income earning capacity
- Wrongful death if a loved one died due to a bicycle accident
Contact Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Review
Has a bicycle accident in Elkhart left you with nursing injuries and facing expensive medical bills? Consider reaching out to Isaacs & Isaacs Personal Injury Lawyers to discuss your legal options. We have recovered $1 billion in settlements for our clients, and our team is ready to fight for you to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case review.
Call or text 800-333-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
