What if I Don’t Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer for My Case?

What Are the Major Causes of Bicycle Accidents?

One of the most critical factors in preventing bicycle accidents is understanding the common causes of these incidents. Thus, by being aware of these causes, you can take measures to avoid them and stay safe while cycling.

So, here are ten common causes of bicycle accidents to be aware of:

• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield
• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Poor road conditions
• Door collisions
• Improper passing
• Inexperienced cyclists
• Riding against traffic
• Inadequate lighting

What Are the Injury Rates of Cycling?

Cycling is a popular form of transportation and recreation activity in the United States. However, riding a bike carries the risk of injuries in accidents.

According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, there were 846 pedal cyclist fatalities and an estimated 49,000 cyclists injured in motor vehicle traffic accidents in the United States. It represents a 5.1% increase in cyclist fatalities from the previous year.

Furthermore, studies show that the bicycle injury rate is higher than motor vehicles per mile traveled. The organization "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention" (CDC) reported that in 2018, the death rate for cyclists was more than six times higher than for vehicle occupants.

Regarding injury rates, a study by the University of California found that cyclists involved in bike accidents have a higher hospitalization rate than the occupants of motor vehicle accidents.

What Are the Main Bicycle Accident Injuries?

Bike accidents can result in injuries ranging from minor scrapes and bruises to severe and life-changing damage. Therefore, knowing the most common types of bicycle accident injuries can help you take steps to prevent them. 

You must prepare yourself if you or a loved one are involved in a bicycle accident. So, here are a few bicycle accident injuries:

• Head injuries, including concussions and lethal brain injuries
• Road rash and cuts from contact with pavement or other surfaces
• Fractured or broken bones, especially in the arms, wrists, and collarbone
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
• Internal organ damage or bleeding
• Joint dislocations, particularly in the shoulders or knees
• Dental and facial injuries, such as broken teeth or jawbone
• Emotional trauma and PTSD from the accident

If you have faced a bicycle accident and have sustained any of these injuries, seeking prompt medical attention and legal assistance can help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

What to Do After a Bike Accident?

If you've faced a bike accident, taking the proper steps immediately to protect your case following the incident is essential. Therefore, acting promptly after the accident can help guard your legal rights and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation. 

So, here are some critical steps to take after a crash.

• Call 911: Contact the emergency services immediately after the accident.
• Gather Information: Collect the driver's contact, insurance, and license details, and witnesses' contact information.
• Take Photos: Photograph the accident scene, damage to the bike, and your injuries.
• Get Medical Attention:  Even if you feel good, getting a medical checkup is crucial to detect any underlying injuries.
• Report the Accident: Report the accident to the police and your insurance company.
• Do Not Admit Fault: Do not apologize or admit fault to anyone at the scene.
• Keep Records: Keep track of all the medical bills and property damage receipts. These also cover any other expenses related to the accident.
• Contact a Lawyer: Contact a bicycle accident lawyer to help you with the legal process and get the compensation you deserve.

Remember, the moments after a bicycle accident can be confusing and stressful. But taking specific steps to protect yourself and your rights is essential.

 Following these tips can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. And it will also allow you to move forward after the particular injury.

What Type of Damages Can You Claim in a Bicycle Accident Case?

You may wonder what damages you can claim if you encounter a bicycle accident. So, here are generally five types of damages you can claim in a bicycle accident case:

1. Medical Expenses: You will likely incur medical expenses if you face an injury in a bicycle accident. These include hospital bills, doctor visits, medication costs, and physical therapy sessions. These expenses can add up quickly. Moreover, you may be entitled to compensation for these damages.
2. Lost Wages: If your injuries from the bicycle accident caused you to miss work, you can recover lost wages. Thus, this includes income you would have earned if you were not injured. And it also covers any future earning potential that may have been affected by your injuries.
3. Property Damage: Besides personal injuries, bicycle accidents can damage your bike and other personal property. Thus, you can recover the costs of repairing or replacing your damaged property.
4. Pain and Suffering: Physical injuries from a bicycle accident can cause significant pain and suffering. As a result, it happens immediately after the accident and in the long term. Therefore, you can claim compensation for these non-economic damages.
5. Emotional Distress: Bicycle accidents can be traumatic experiences. These include emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). So, you may be entitled to compensation if you experience emotional pain due to the accident.

It's important to note that the damages you can claim will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.

That's why working with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer is crucial. So, he can help you understand your rights and fight for your deserved compensation.

Why Do I Need Bicycle Lawyers?

If you have experienced a bicycle accident, you may wonder if it's worth hiring a lawyer to get a personal injury claim. So, here are some reasons why it could be:

• Help: A bicycle accident lawyer can provide guidance and help you understand your legal options.
• Guidance: They can guide you to recover the compensation you deserve.
• Relieves stress: A lawyer can relieve you of the burden and anxiety of handling the insurance companies and legal paperwork.
• Handles cases for you: They can handle communication and negotiations on your behalf.
• Collects evidence: They can help you gather evidence. Such as witness statements and accident reports, to build a strong case.
• Represents you: If necessary, a bicycle lawyer can be your representative in court and fight for your rights as a cyclist.
• Provides value: With legal expertise, you can avoid receiving a lower or no settlement.

Hiring a bicycle accident lawyer to obtain a personal injury claim is worth it. They can provide invaluable legal expertise and help you recover the compensation you deserve. So don't hesitate to contact a lawyer if you face a bicycle accident.

How Much Will I Be Compensated for a Bike Accident?

The compensation for a bike accident will depend on various factors. These include the severity of your wounds and the extent of property damage. And it will also cover the circumstances surrounding the accident. 

According to recent data, the average settlement for a bicycle accident is around $50,000. However, this can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injuries sustained, the medical expenses incurred, and the level of fault of each party involved.

For instance, cases involving catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries may result in settlements exceeding $1 million. Similarly, cases, where the driver is clearly at fault may result in larger settlements.

Remember, each case is unique, and working with a skilled bicycle accident attorney is essential to obtain a fair settlement that adequately compensates for your damages.

Does Insurance Cover Bike Damage?

Bicycle riders often wonder if their insurance policy covers bike damage, especially when involved in an accident. Unfortunately, the answer may vary depending on the insurance policy you have. Here are a few related features:

1. Personal property coverage: For example, if you have homeowner's or renter's insurance, you may recover your bike under your personal property coverage. However, the range may be limited to specific causes, such as theft or damage caused by a fire or a natural disaster.
2. Separate bicycle insurance policy: On the other hand, if you have comprehensive car insurance or a separate bicycle insurance policy, you can recover your bike in case of an accident. In addition, in some states, the at-fault driver's insurance may also cover the cost of bike damage.
3. Difference between coverage and insurance: It is important to note that insurance policies and coverage limits may differ from one provider to another. Therefore, carefully reading and understanding your insurance company policy is crucial to determining what is and is not covered.
4. Hire a skillful bicycle accident attorney: Additionally, it is advisable to seek legal guidance from an experienced bicycle accident attorney who can help you navigate the insurance claim procedure and ensure you receive fair compensation for your bike damage.

In conclusion, insurance coverage for bike damage varies depending on the policy you have and the cause of the damage.

Therefore, reviewing your insurance company policy carefully, seeking legal guidance, and documenting any damage incurred during an accident is essential.

Bicycle Accident Lawsuit - Learn And Practice Your Legal Rights

Knowing your legal rights is crucial if you've encountered a bicycle accident injury. Bike Legal can assist you in navigating the legal procedure and getting the compensation you deserve. 

So, here are some reasons to choose our firm to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer:

1. Experience and Expertise: Our firm has a team of skilled bicycle accident lawyers specializing in this area. Our team of bike accident attorneys has the knowledge and expertise to navigate the legal process and fight for your rights.
2. Maximum Compensation: The experienced bicycle accident lawyers at our firm work diligently to guarantee that you receive the maximum compensation you deserve for your severe injuries and damages.
3. Personalized Attention: We offer personalized attention to each of our clients. Our personal injury attorneys will listen to your concerns and needs. Moreover, they work with you to develop your case's legal strategy.
4. No Fees Unless You Win: Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you don't have to pay any upfront fees unless they win your case. So it ensures you can focus on your recovery without worrying about legal expenses.
5. Access to Resources: We have access to various resources that can help strengthen your case. These include medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and more. Our bicycle accident lawyer will use all available resources to build a strong case on your behalf.
6. Peace of Mind: A bicycle accident can be a traumatic and stressful experience. However, choosing our firm can give you the mental peace of knowing you have a dedicated team of attorneys fighting for your rights and advocating for your best interests.

How Can Bike Legal Help You?

If you or your relatives have encountered a bicycle accident, don't hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact Bike Legal as soon as possible. Our personal injury lawyers will protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

We provide free-of-cost consultancy and work on a contingency basis. Thus, we can confidently help you navigate the legal process without any financial worries.

Contact us at (877) 245-3534 to book a consultation, and our team of injury lawyers will start working on your case.

Time is crucial in these cases, so act quickly to ensure the best possible outcome. Don't let the stress of the situation overwhelm you. Let a skilled bike accident lawyer guide you and fight for your rights. Take action today and reach out to our trusted legal professional team.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the Punishment for Bike Accidents?

The punishment for a bike accident can vary depending on the incident's circumstances. If cyclist finds themselves at fault, they may face various penalties.

These include fines, points on their driver's license, or even criminal charges in severe cases. They may also compensate injured parties for damages and medical expenses. 

On the other hand, if the accident is due to another driver's negligence or a hazardous road condition, they may be liable for any resulting damages and face similar penalties. The gravity of the punishment will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident.

I Was Badly Hit By A Car While Riding A Bike – Should I Hire A Lawyer?

If you face an accident with a car while riding your bike and receive serious injuries, you may wonder whether you should hire a lawyer to get a bicycle accident claim. The answer is yes, you should. Bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries and financial losses, and you may be entitled to compensation. 

An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process. He will negotiate with insurance companies and fight for your deserved compensation. Therefore, never hesitate to seek legal assistance if you face injury in a bike accident. They also handle your insurance company.

What Is The Average Bicycle Accident Settlement Amount?

Determining an average settlement amount for bicycle accidents is complex. It is so because each case varies significantly. In addition, the settlement amount depends on various factors.

These include the severity of injuries, the extent of property damage, the degree of fault, and the insurance coverage limits of both parties.

Therefore, hiring an experienced bicycle accident lawyer is essential to help you negotiate a fair settlement. They can assess the damages accurately and provide you with an estimated value of your case.

Ultimately, the settlement amount will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. But the significant factor is that Bike Legal will work hard for you to get a substantial amount of compensation.

Is There A Specific Time Limit To File A Bicycle Accident Lawsuit?

Knowing the time limits is essential if you've been in a bicycle accident and are considering a lawsuit. In legal terms, this is called the statute of limitations. In most cases, you will have some time to file a lawsuit after the accident. 

However, if you wait too long, you may lose your right to file compensation for your injuries. That's why speaking with a bicycle accident lawyer is essential to protect your legal rights.