Article Summary: Bicycle Accident Injury

Bicycle accidents are on the upswing. As we move from the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are working from home and using their bicycles more. Everyone rides a bicycle. Whether for exercise, going to work or simply getting outside, bike riding is increasing across the country. Of course, with more bicyclists on the road, there are more bike accidents. Therefore, bicycle accident victims need to know how to find a bicycle accident injury attorney.

How Common Are Bike Accidents?

Bike riders can get seriously injured in bicycle crashes. Indeed, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reported that 857 bicyclists died in U.S. traffic accidents in 2018. In fact, The National Safety Council reported that bicycle accident deaths increased to 1,260 in 2020.

Obviously, since bicyclists have no protection, other than a helmet, bicycle accident cases frequently involve serious injuries to the bike rider.

The NHSTA reported in a recent year that there were 49,000 bicycle accident injury incidents.

How Could Someone Get Hit with a Bike?

Certainly, there are many causes of bike accidents. For example, driver inattentiveness, impaired driving, negligent driving-speeding, weaving in and out of traffic and changing lanes without signaling.

Can the Phrase “Hit and Run” Apply to Bicycle Accidents?

Definitely. Unfortunately, many hit-and-run accidents involve bicyclists. For example, drugs or alcohol may have impaired the driver. In that instance, fearing criminal prosecution, drivers may hit bicyclists but fail to stop to aid the injured cyclists.

In that reason, the injured bicyclist needs to find a bicycle accident attorney.

How Would You Explain your Bike Accident?

If you give a statement to the police, make your statement accurate, clear and short. Just the facts as you know them. Likewise, when telling what happened to medical responders, accurately describe what happened. In addition, make sure you tell them about every injury you have. This includes “minor” injuries. As a matter of fact, minor injuries can become major injuries. So, tell them about all your injuries.

What Types of Injuries Do Bicycle Accident Injury Victims Get?

Indeed, there are multiple types of injuries that bike accidents cause to bike riders.  With the right bicycle accident injury attorney you can get paid on these injuries. In short, here are a few:

• Soft tissue
• Bone fracture
• Concussions
• Shoulder, back and neck sprains/strains
• Internal organs
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord/paralysis
• Wrongful death

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Bike Accident?

It depends. For instance, soft tissue injuries may take several weeks to completely heal. Although, you may need several sessions with a physical therapist before you get there.  Conversely, concussions and traumatic brain injuries could leave you with prolonged symptoms, like dizziness, headaches, inability to sleep, etc.

What are the Damages Injured Bicyclists Can Collect in Bicycle Accident Cases?

As in any personal injury case, there are many types of damages in a bicycle accident case that an injured cyclist can seek. For example, The recovery of all your medical expenses (even that which insurance may have covered); also property damage to your bicycle. Moreover, you might be entitled to lost wages; especially If you have to miss work because of your injuries.

Collect more on your bicycle accident injury claim with pain-and-suffering

Furthermore, you might be entitled to pain and suffering. Of course this type of damage is subjective; however, “pain-and-suffering” is widely recognized in personal injury law. In fact it takes little more than you telling the jury how badly your neck hurt from your back injury when you hit the pavement. In addition, you can testify about how you had to go through physical therapy for weeks and how it hurt for months. Remember, you deserve every penny for you pain and suffering as a result of the injury.

What about traumatic brain injuries?

Additionally, if you suffered a traumatic brain injury or partial paralysis, you may need medical and physical therapy treatment for the foreseeable future. As a result, the jury may compensate you for that as well. Finally, If a bicycle accident killed or severely injured your spouse, the jury can compensate you for the loss of consortium-the loss of the affection, advice and companionship spouses show each other. These are real losses.

How Do I Avert a Bike Accident?

First, ALWAYS wear a helmet. In fact, bike accidents give people without helmets more serious head injuries than those that have a helmet on. Second, use common sense. Therefore, stay well to the side of the road. Likewise, look before making a lane change. Obviously, obey traffic signals; Also, yield the right of way if you’re not sure. Similarly, make sure the driver sees you if you are making a left-hand turn in front of a car or truck; try making eye contact. Additionally, wear bright clothing. Also, don’t go for a bike ride in the dark and if you do get lighting to make yourself known. If you did all this and still got in an accident and it wasn’t your fault, then we’ll fight the good fight for you.

How Do I Claim Bike Insurance Because of an Accident?

In fact, if an accident damaged your bike, you can probably get insurance coverage (minus any deductible) through your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance company. Likewise, if a bike accident injures you, you can probably submit your medical bills to your car insurance carrier under PIP protection.

How Does the Personal Injury Claims Process Work?

Once the driver’s insurance company gets a demand letter from your lawyer or a copy of a lawsuit, they set up a claim file. Next, the adjuster assigned to the claim gets the police reports and witness statements. If there are photos or reports about the bike accident scene, he will collect those. Certainly, he will get a statement from his insured driver. He will also get any of your medical records, probably from your attorney. Once the adjuster has gathered the records, he sits down with his supervisor. They evaluate the claim and put a settlement value on the case. Last, he then attempts to settle, negotiating with your personal injury attorneys.

How to Find a Bicycle Accident Injury Attorney?

In short, a bicycle accident attorney is one who is familiar with personal injury law involving to bicycle accidents. This attorney has practiced law and handled bicycle accident cases for years. Additionally, s/he is familiar with the different insurance companies that provide auto accident coverage in your state (most bicycle accidents involve motor vehicles). Also, s/he is familiar with the injuries people get in bicycle accidents. In short, be specific about your case and ask detailed question about your situation and see if they have dealt with something similar.

Find a lawyer with good investigation skills

An experienced bicycle accident attorney knows how to investigate and bicycle accidents. Moreover, s/he will make sure s/he gets all relevant police reports and statements from all witnesses. S/he will make sure you see a doctor for your injuries. If you need a specialist, s/he will make sure you see one. Lastly, if a road hazard caused the accident, s/he will have an expert examine the accident scene.

And remember, you shouldn’t have any out of pocket money. That is because a personal injury lawyer gets paid on a contingency fee basis. S/he only gets paid if he gets a recovery for you.

If a Bicycle Accident Injures You, Get a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

In conclusion. If a bicycle accident has injured you, a close friend or a loved one, you need an experienced law firm that handles bicycle accident cases. At Alex Mendoza Law offices we serve the seriously injured. Our team of experienced lawyers will investigate the accident, and determine who caused the accident. Moreover, we will fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

Contact us at our Hammond office at 219-200-2000 or online at alexmendozalaw.com for a free consultation.