Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accidents are not only common but can also result in severe injuries and even fatalities. Bicycle accidents can occur due to various causes, including distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, impaired driving, and road hazards. Moreover, inadequate infrastructure and lack of cyclist awareness among motorists increases the risk.
As a cyclist, you face unique risks on the road, and it’s crucial to understand your rights and legal options if you’re involved in an accident. Our law firm specializes in representing cyclists who have been injured due to the negligence of others.
At The Injury Lawyer Team, our experienced team of bicycle accident lawyers is here to assist you or your loved one in the aftermath of a bicycle accident. Have you been involved in a major incident? Reach out to us today for a free evaluation of your case.
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Our dedicated attorneys understand the specific obstacles that cyclists encounter following an accident, and we are experts at securing the compensation you deserve. With our contingency fee arrangement, you don’t have to advance any legal fees. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Call our bicycle accident lawyers today for a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team will remain private under an attorney-client relationship.
Bicycle Accident Statistics in the United States
Among the 1,230 bicyclist deaths in 2021, 853 died in motor-vehicle crashes and 377 in other incidents, according to National Center for Health Statistics mortality data. Males accounted for 88% of all bicycle deaths, over eight times the fatalities for females.
The estimated number of bicycle-related injuries and fatalities varies depending on the data source. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 966 bicyclists were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2021, a 1.9% increase from 948 in 2020. Bicyclists’ deaths accounted for 2% of all motor-vehicle traffic fatalities.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can lead to a broad range of fatal injuries, such as:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries are one of the most serious consequences of bicycle accidents and can have long-lasting effects on victims.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis or other debilitating conditions.
- Fractures and Broken Bones: Cyclists often suffer fractures to their arms, legs, or collarbones in accidents.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Road rash, bruises, and sprains are common injuries in bicycle accidents.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma can cause internal bleeding or organ damage, which may not be immediately apparent.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that almost 30 percent of all bicycle accident injuries happen when a bicyclist is struck by a car. Common causes of bicycle accidents encompass various factors:
- Driver Error – Often, drivers overlook cyclists or misjudge their speed, resulting in collisions.
- Dooring – Parked cars opening doors without checking for cyclists pose significant risks.
- Unsafe Passing – Drivers passing cyclists too closely can cause collisions or force cyclists off the road.
- Distracted Driving – Driver distraction, such as phone use, may lead to overlooking cyclists and causing accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions – Hazardous road conditions like potholes or debris can cause cyclists to lose control or crash.
- Lack of Visibility – Cyclists being poorly visible to drivers, particularly at night, heightens accident risks.
- Inexperienced Cyclists – Lack of familiarity with traffic laws and safe riding practices increases accident susceptibility.
- Failure to Yield – Both cyclists and drivers failing to yield as required can result in collisions.
These factors focus on the need for increased awareness and adherence to safety measures to mitigate bicycle accidents.
Who Is At The Most Risk Of A Bicycle Accident?
Those most at risk in bicycle accidents encompass a diverse range of demographics. The person most at risk of bicycle accidents on the road is, of course, the bicycle rider himself.
Children and teens, often lacking experience and judgment, face heightened vulnerability due to their smaller size, making them less visible to drivers. Elderly cyclists, grappling with reduced reaction times and physical limitations, are also at increased risk.
Nearly 70 percent of all fatal bike accidents happen in our nation’s cities. Cities tend to have dense traffic, congested streets, and higher vehicle speeds which put cyclists in danger.
Moreover, intersections emerge as particularly hazardous spots, where the complexity of interactions between cyclists and vehicles significantly heightens the likelihood of accidents. In addition to other motorists, bicyclists can also be injured in crashes with pedestrians, animals, or fixed objects like guardrails.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Crash
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, it’s essential to take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your bike and any visible injuries.
- Obtain Witness Information: If there were witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information.
- Report the Accident: Contact the police and file an accident report, which can be crucial evidence in your case.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep all documentation related to the accident, including medical records, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies.
Understanding The Time Limit For Filing Bicycle Accident Claims
The statute of limitations applies to filing claims for bicycle accidents like other types of accidents. This legal restriction imposes a time frame within which victims must initiate their claims with the insurance company. It’s particularly crucial for those with severe injuries as recovery may extend beyond this window.
Each state mandates its statute of limitations for bicycle accident claims, typically around two years. However, if some kind of governmental agency or officer caused the bicycle accident injury, then you have six months to file a claim against that governmental agency and officer. You need to file a lawsuit as soon as possible if you are getting close to the statute of limitations.
Recovery Process After A Bicycle Accident
Recovering from a bicycle accident involves various steps, like:
Seek immediate medical attention to address any injuries sustained.
Adhere closely to medically prescribed treatments, including medication and therapy.
Engage in rehabilitation or physical therapy, if necessary, to regain functionality.
Allow ample time for rest and recovery, which may entail taking a hiatus from work or daily activities.
Maintain a positive mindset and patience throughout the recovery journey, acknowledging that it’s a gradual process requiring diligence and perseverance.
Securing Compensation Following A Bicycle Crash
Before pursuing compensation, consulting a bicycle accident lawyer is advisable, particularly for severe injuries like fractures or extensive trauma.
- Often, negligence from another party contributes to bicycle accidents, necessitating legal intervention.
- Liability may extend beyond the driver to include entities like vehicle owners or defective part manufacturers.
- Damages sought typically cover medical expenses, property damage, lost income, disability benefits, rehabilitation costs, and intangible losses like pain and suffering.
- With the majority of cases settling within a year, legal representation becomes crucial, potentially involving accident reconstructionists to bolster the case.
- Experienced attorneys skillfully negotiate settlements or advocate for clients in court, ensuring fair compensation for their losses.
How Can Families Seek Justice In Wrongful Death Claims?
In cases where a bicycle accident leads to a wrongful death, family members have legal options to seek compensation. To succeed in their case, the plaintiff must present strong evidence to prove the link between the negligent action and the wrongful death.
The family of the deceased who is left behind may pursue a wrongful death claim and seek damages for the following losses when they lose a loved one:
- Funeral/burial costs
- Loss of companionship and support
Qualified family members, including spouses, children, and siblings, can seek legal recourse to secure compensation for funeral expenses, future lost earnings and emotional turmoil.
A successful wrongful death case will involve proving:
- The death of an individual
- The actions of the person who caused the victim’s death due to negligence or recklessness.
- The surviving family members suffered both financially and emotionally
Negotiating Fair Settlements For Long-Term Support
Bicycle accidents often result in lifelong disabilities, necessitating ongoing financial support.
- Our skilled legal teams expertly negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair settlements, considering the long-term financial impact of injuries.
- Compensation includes lost wages, medical expenses, and other incurred costs, ensuring financial stability post-accident.
- If the negotiations to settle the case do not succeed, the lawyers are ready to take it to trial. They will strongly advocate for the legal rights and entitlements of their clients.
Schedule a Consultation with Our Expert Bicycle Accident Lawyers Today.
Hire A Bicycle Accident Lawyer To Secure Compensation
Have you or a loved one gone through suffering in a bicycle accident? Are you considering filing a claim or lawsuit to seek compensation from those liable for your injuries and damages?
Our team of attorneys specializes in representing cyclists injured in bicycle collisions. With years of experience advocating for injured individuals, we are equipped to handle your case effectively.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and discuss the details of your situation.
We operate on a contingency fee basis for all personal injury cases, meaning you pay nothing upfront. You only incur fees once your bicycle accident lawyer successfully resolves your claim through a negotiated settlement or court-awarded compensation.
Reach out to us now for a thorough evaluation of your case. Let our dedicated bicycle accident lawyers at the Injury Lawyer Team, proudly sponsored by Rosenfeld Law Offices, guide you through the process of seeking the compensation you deserve.