A bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience. There are many things to consider, including how much compensation you can receive for injuries. Choosing the right attorney to represent you can be crucial to your success. Read on to learn more about common causes, injuries, and legal pitfalls to avoid.
Common causes
Bicycling is an excellent way to get around town, but it’s not always safe. Cyclists can suffer serious injuries in an accident, and they can even be killed. But there are some steps to take to minimize the chances of being involved in a crash.
Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles can help to avoid being struck. Also, bicyclists should wear a helmet, which can reduce the likelihood of head injuries. Other safety measures include wearing bright and reflective clothes, as well as using lights and signals.
Running a red light is one of the most common causes of intersection accidents. Drivers should slow down, as it’s not only dangerous in itself, but it also makes it more likely that cyclists will be hit. However, the risk of a cyclist getting into an accident is not entirely eliminated, as they may be unable to stop in time.
Speeding is another common cause of vehicle collisions. Unlike cars, bicycles have thin tires and limited stability. In addition, they move in the same direction as traffic, which means they can easily be missed by drivers. This is especially true if a driver is distracted or inattentive.
Injuries that can occur
Bicycling is a fun and popular activity, but it is also an activity that carries a risk of injury. It is essential to wear proper protective gear and observe traffic laws when bicycling. If you are in an accident, you need to get immediate medical attention.
Injuries can vary in severity, and can take a long time to heal. They can also cause significant pain and disruption in your daily routine. You may miss work or need to go through physical rehabilitation. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you might need to undergo surgery to repair blood vessels, repair damaged organs, or remove a damaged organ.
Head injuries are one of the most common injuries suffered in a bicycle accident. These injuries can cause permanent damage to the brain. A traumatic brain injury is a serious injury, and can affect memory, thinking, and mood.
Broken bones are another type of bike accident injury. Although broken bones are usually not fatal, they can be painful. Some breakages will require months of physical therapy before they heal.
Compensation for injuries
If you’ve been in an accident while biking, you may wonder how you’re going to recover from the ensuing medical bills and lost wages. In fact, you are entitled to make a claim for these losses.
The key to a successful claim is to gather as much evidence as you can. Your lawyer will use this information to determine whether you have a viable case.
You can usually file a claim with your own insurance company, or the at-fault driver’s insurance company. In the event that your insurer refuses to pay out your full compensation, you may be able to sue the township or municipality where you were hit, or the manufacturer of the bike that crashed you.
It’s not uncommon for a driver to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. These types of incidents are often caused by careless drivers who fail to take their responsibilities seriously.
Legal pitfalls to avoid
The legal system can be a difficult place to navigate. When you’ve been injured in a bike accident, you want to make sure that you are protected and taken care of. A personal injury attorney can help you with this process. They know what to do and how to avoid the common pitfalls that can rob you of your rights.
One of the biggest legal pitfalls to avoid is engaging with an at-fault party’s insurance company. In many cases, you’ll be able to settle the case without going to court. However, if you do end up in court, the lawyers who represent the at-fault party can use any information that you give them against you later. This includes anything that you say to their insurance company.
Also, remember that there may be multiple parties involved in your bike accident. This could include the driver of the vehicle and the owner of the property that was damaged. Both of these people may be liable for the damages.
