There are various causes of bicycle accidents, which can result in multiple injuries. Some of these injuries are lifelong, meaning you will have to pay the hospital, rehabilitation, and medicine bills for the rest of your life. Bicycle accidents can also bring about property damage and, in some cases, loss of life.
If you or a loved one is injured in a bicycle accident, you should consider reaching out to a Madisonville bicycle accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you file bicycle accident claims that compensate you for the damages you incurred. Issacs & Issacs Personal Injury Lawyers may be able to give you the guidance you need.
Circumstances Allowing for Compensation
As a driver, you have a duty of care to fellow road users, and they have the same responsibility towards you. You all need to follow road safety rules closely, ensuring you do not act recklessly while driving. It is important to pay attention to any people or vehicles on the road.
Sometimes, however, road users don’t follow these rules, resulting in road accidents like bicycle accidents. If you are a victim of such an accident, you are eligible for compensation from the responsible party. However, before you receive the compensation, you must prove:
- that the responsible party acted negligently or was reckless in some way. This involves cases of comparative negligence
- that you received injuries and other damages because of their careless actions.
There are different types of negligent circumstances that make it possible for you to file a bicycle accident claim, including:
Lack of Awareness
Motorists can get tunnel vision and not pay attention to other road users. This can lead them to change lanes without checking to see that no one is approaching. Others open their driver or passenger doors without first confirming that the road is free. These behaviors can harm oncoming bicyclists, and some even lead to grievous injuries.
Misjudgment
No matter how skilled a motorist you are, you still need to make correct judgments on the road. This means you need to make decisions carefully when behind the wheel, such as misjudging the distance between you and an oncoming bicyclist.
You also need to avoid turning off the road or making sudden changes without calculating your decisions. Follow simple road safety rules such as indicating every turn and checking all mirrors before switching lanes. Ensure to do this even when you think you are alone on the road.
Reckless Behavior
Some people drive dangerously or act recklessly while behind the wheel. This includes instances where drivers talk on the phone or eat while driving. It is important to pull off the road before doing any of these actions to avoid endangering your lives and those of other road users.
Other motorists also drive while drunk or under the influence of drugs. This impairs their judgment and inhibits their reflexes, meaning they might not be able to react in time if something appears in front of them suddenly. Avoid driving while under the influence of prescribed medication as well unless your doctor clears you.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Madisonville, call 800-333-9999
Evidence Supporting Bicycle Accident Claims
The amount and relevance of evidence you collect after an accident can make or break your case. Talk to a bicycle accident lawyer serving the Madisonville area to find out what relevant evidence supports your case. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you cannot talk to a lawyer, you might need to take matters into your own hands.
Some of the evidence you can collect immediately after an accident includes contact details of all parties involved in the accident and that of any witnesses around. Take pictures and video footage of the scene, showing the layout of the road and where all vehicles, including your bike, end up. You should also include footage of injuries to yourself and the damages to your bike.
Other evidence you can collect includes:
- copies of CCTV or dashcam footage
- a police report of the accident and your statement
- medical report after visiting the emergency room
Only do this if you can move and are not badly hurt. Wait for the ambulance to arrive if you think someone may be severely injured. Also, don’t move unless you are sure you will not cause further damage.
If an ambulance doesn’t come to the scene, make sure you go to the hospital and get checked out by a medical professional within 24 hours. This prevents any underlying issues from creeping up on you. It is also a way to get medical documentation of your injuries.
Madisonville Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-333-9999
How Much Compensation Can You Get?
All bicycle accidents are different, and so are the circumstances leading to the accident. This means there isn’t a one size fits all solution for compensation. Talking to a Madisonville bicycle accident lawyer can help you know what kind of damages you can file for and the amount of compensation you can receive.
Some of the general damages you can file for include:
- Cost of fixing or replacing your bike
- Psychological and physical trauma
- Replacement costs for other personal property damaged in the accident
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- All other expenses related to your injuries, including rehabilitation and care costs
A lawyer can evaluate your case and come up with the best course of action. They communicate with you and the insurance company to make sure your needs are successfully met. A lawyer can also present your case before a judge if it comes down to that.
A lawyer can compile a list of your injuries and give them a monetary value that will be used to calculate your compensation. Be forthcoming with your injuries to avoid having your claim disputed.
Click to contact our Madisonville Personal Injury Lawyers today
Talk to an Isaacs & Isaacs Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
The accident attorneys at Issacs & Issacs Personal Injury Lawyers have over 400 years of combined legal experience, which we can use to deal with your case. We don’t charge upfront fees or costs, meaning you won’t have any out-of-pocket expenses; we don’t get paid unless we win or settle your case. Call 1-800-800-8949 or fill out our free consultation form to speak to an attorney serving Madisonville today.
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