If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. The aftermath of such incidents often involves extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and significant financial strain.
A bicycle accident lawyer has the expertise to navigate the legal complexities surrounding these cases, ensuring that injury victims receive just compensation for their significant injuries if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence.
Why Legal Representation Matters After a Bicycle Accident
Seeking legal representation from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers following a bicycle accident is pivotal in ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the full compensation you are entitled to.
UM settlement for a cycling head injury
For a dooring bike accident
A truck’s right turn into a cyclist’s path
Cyclist rear-ended at a traffic light
Maximum insurance policy recovery
Cyclist struck in a hit-and-run
Our personal injury lawyers understand bike accidents and the personal injury laws and regulations surrounding them. Our extensive experience ensures your case is handled with the utmost expertise and care.
We will conduct a comprehensive investigation to gather all necessary evidence, including police reports, medical records, and witness statements. This thorough approach helps build a strong case on your behalf.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement from the driver’s insurance company, ensuring you get what you deserve.
If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our team will advocate vigorously for your rights in court, striving for the best possible outcome.
We ensure all types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, are considered and claimed appropriately. Our goal is to maximize your compensation and support your recovery journey.
With our expertise and dedication, you can trust that we will handle your case with the professionalism and commitment it deserves.
Prevalence of Bicycle Accidents: Statistics and Trends
Bicycle accidents have become a growing concern, with a noticeable rise in preventable fatalities. In 2022, there was a 10% increase in deaths from bicycle accidents compared to the previous year. [1]
Over the past decade, the number of these fatalities has surged by 47%, climbing from 925 in 2013 to 1,360 in 2022. [1] This trend highlights the escalating risks for cyclists.
Each year, bicyclists constitute around 2% of all motor vehicle crash deaths. [2] Though fatalities among child cyclists have decreased, there’s been a significant rise in deaths among cyclists aged 20 and older, which have increased almost 5x since 1975. [2]
These figures underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures and awareness to protect the growing number of cyclists.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents is crucial for both prevention and legal recourse. Bicycle accidents can be attributed to a variety of factors, which can be broadly categorized in the following ways:
Motorist Negligence
- Distracted Driving: Motorists using mobile phones or engaging in other distractions can easily overlook cyclists.
- Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: Many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield to cyclists at intersections or crosswalks.
- Opening Car Doors (“Dooring”): Incidents of “dooring” happen when drivers or passengers open car doors without checking for approaching cyclists.
- Drunk or Impaired Driving: Motorists under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose significant risks to cyclists.
Dangerous Road Conditions
- Potholes, Debris, Uneven Pavement: Poorly maintained roads and unexpected obstacles can lead to serious accidents for cyclists.
- Lack of Bike Lane or Signage: Inadequate infrastructure for cyclists, including the absence of bike lanes and proper signage, contributes to many accidents.
Defective Bicycle or Equipment
- Manufacturing Defects: Flaws in the manufacturing process, such as defective brakes or frames, can lead to bicycle malfunctions.
- Design Flaws: Poorly designed bicycles or components can increase the risk of accidents.
Other Factors
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain or fog, can impair visibility and road traction, leading to accidents.
- Rider Error: While less common, mistakes made by cyclists, such as misjudging traffic, failing to signal, not using bike paths, or just generally not following state bicycle laws can also result in accidents.
No matter what the cause is, it’s important for injured cyclists to speak with a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after the bike accident.
Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor abrasions to catastrophic injuries. Understanding the types of injuries that cyclists might sustain is crucial for both prevention and treatment. Below are some of the most common injuries related to bicycle accidents:
Head injuries
Head injuries are among the most serious and potentially life-threatening outcomes of bicycle accidents. Head trauma can include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and skull fractures.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are another severe consequence of bicycle accidents, often resulting in paralysis or nerve damage. Such injuries can occur when the spinal cord is compressed, severed, or damaged, leading to loss of function or sensation below the injury site.
Road rash and lacerations
Road rash and lacerations are common, particularly when cyclists are thrown from their bikes and slide on the pavement. These injuries involve the abrasive removal of skin and can range from superficial to deep tissue damage.
Fractures
The impact from a bicycle accident frequently results in broken bones. Cyclists often suffer fractures to the arms, legs, and collarbones due to the nature of falls and impacts.
Internal organ damage
Internal organ damage is a less visible but equally critical type of injury. High-impact collisions can cause trauma to organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. These injuries are serious and may be life-threatening without prompt medical treatment.
Psychological trauma
Apart from physical injuries, bicycle accidents can also result in psychological trauma. Cyclists may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression following an accident. These mental health conditions require attention and care, often necessitating therapy and other support to aid in the recovery process.
The Role of a Bike Accident Lawyer
In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, our expertise as bicycle accident lawyers is invaluable. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help your case through top-notch personalized service involving a several steps to help you recover compensation.
Our bicycle accident attorneys will gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene to establish liability. We will then identify all responsible parties, including drivers and municipalities, to ensure accountability.
The bicycle accident lawyer appointed to your case will deal with insurance adjusters and their tactics, fighting to secure fair compensation for our clients. Should negotiation fail, our skilled accident lawyers are ready to defend bicycle accident cases in court. We will file a lawsuit and represent you during trial, striving to maximize your compensation.
Seeking Compensation for Your Loss After Bike Accidents
When pursuing compensation following a bicycle accident, understanding the various types of damages you may be entitled to after a bike accident is crucial. Common types include the following:
- Medical Bills: Bicycle crashes often result in serious injuries requiring immediate and ongoing medical attention. Compensation covers hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication costs for injured cyclists.
- Lost Wages: Bike riders incapacitated by accidents may miss work, leading to lost wages. Seeking compensation ensures that injured cyclists do not suffer financially due to their inability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering encompass the physical pain resulting from bicycle injuries. These damages can be substantial and justify comprehensive compensation in bicycle accident cases.
- Emotional Distress: Bike crashes can have lasting psychological effects, including anxiety and depression. Compensation for emotional distress acknowledges the profound impact on an injured cyclist’s mental health.
- Property Damage: Bicycle related accidents often damage not only the bike itself but also gear such as helmets and cycling apparel. A property damage claim can cover the costs of repairing or replacing damaged property.
Our bicycle accident attorneys are well-versed in personal injury laws and traffic laws, ensuring that bicycle safety and the rights of injured cyclists are upheld in every bicycle accident case we handle.
Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accidents
Understanding the statute of limitations is critical for anyone involved in a bicycle crash. The statute of limitations refers to the time frame within which a victim must file a lawsuit. Failing to file within this period typically bars the claim, preventing the injured party from pursuing compensation.
The statute of limitations varies by state, with most ranging from one to three years. This variability underscores the importance of consulting with knowledgeable bicycle accident attorneys promptly to ensure that your legal rights are protected and your bike accident claim is filed in a timely manner.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, it is crucial to seek legal assistance from an experienced law firm. Navigating the complexities of personal injury and traffic laws can be daunting, but the seasoned bicycle accident lawyers at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are here to help.
Our team is dedicated to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Do not let the statute of limitations expire; contact us today to ensure your claim is handled with the utmost professionalism and care.
Fill out our online form or call (888) 424-5757 to schedule your initial case review.
Resources: [1] Injuryfacts.org, [2] NHTSA
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