Riding a bicycle can be fun and good exercise, but sometimes accidents happen. When they do, it's important to know what to do next. If you've been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to understand common bicycle accidents and why talking to a bicycle accident lawyer is a smart idea.
Getting Medical Help After a Bicycle Accident
The first thing to do after any bicycle crash is to get checked out by a doctor. Even if you feel okay, some injuries don't show up right away. It's better to be safe and get looked at by a medical professional. They can make sure you're alright and start treatment if needed.
Getting medical care quickly is also helpful if you talk to a bicycle accident lawyer later. The doctor's report will show what injuries you had from the accident. This can be important information for your case.
Why You Should Call a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After you've seen a doctor, it's a good idea to talk to a bicycle accident lawyer. These lawyers know all about bicycle crashes and the laws that apply to them. They can help you determine if you have a case for compensation and what to do next to secure that.
A bicycle accident attorney can look at what happened in your crash and tell you if you have a case to get money to pay for your medical bills or fix your bike. Lawyers know how to deal with insurance companies and can often obtain more money than you can on your own.
Even if you're not sure if you need a lawyer, it's smart to at least talk to one. Many bicycle accident attorneys will give you a free first meeting to learn about your case. This way, you can get some advice without spending any money.
Common Types of Bicycle Accidents
Now, let's look at some bicycle accidents that happen most often. Knowing about these can help you understand what might have happened in your own crash.
Dooring Accidents
Dooring happens when someone in a parked car opens their door right in front of a cyclist. The cyclist then crashes into the open door or has to swerve suddenly to avoid it. These accidents can cause serious injuries because the cyclist often doesn't have time to stop or move out of the way.
If you've been in a dooring accident, you should always call a skilled bicycle accident attorney. They can explain how the law works in these cases and who might be responsible for your damages.
Right Hook Accidents
A right hook accident happens when a car turns right and cuts off a cyclist going straight. This often happens because the driver doesn't see the cyclist or misjudges how fast they're going. These crashes can be extremely dangerous for the cyclist.
Bicycle accident lawyers see these kinds of crashes a lot. They know how to prove what happened and can get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damaged bike.
Left Cross Accidents
Left cross accidents occur when a car turning left doesn't yield to an oncoming cyclist. The car might not see the bike or think it's farther away than it is. This can lead to a serious collision.
If you've suffered an injury in a left cross accident, a bicycle accident lawyer can help. They can gather evidence like traffic camera footage or witness statements to show what happened.
Rear-End Collisions
Sometimes, cars hit cyclists from behind. This might happen because the driver isn't paying attention, is driving too fast, or doesn't leave enough space between their car and the bike. Rear-end collisions can cause major injuries for cyclists.
A bicycle accident lawyer can help if you've been rear-ended on your bike. They can work to show that the driver was at fault and fight to get you money for your injuries.
Intersection Accidents
Many bicycle accidents happen at intersections. These can involve cars not stopping at stop signs, running red lights, or not yielding when they should. Intersections can be confusing places with lots going on, and accidents often happen there.
Bicycle accident lawyers know how to investigate intersection crashes. They can look at traffic laws and road designs to determine who was at fault.
What a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
Now that we've talked about common bicycle accidents, let's look at how a bicycle accident lawyer can help if you've been in a crash.
Investigating Your Accident
A good bicycle accident lawyer will do a thorough investigation of your crash. They might visit the accident scene, talk to witnesses, look at police reports, and gather any video footage that might exist. All of this helps them understand exactly what happened and determine who was at fault.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
After a bicycle accident, you'll probably have to talk to insurance companies. This can be complicated because insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. A bicycle accident lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance companies to get fair compensation for your losses.
Calculating Your Damages
It can be hard to figure out how much money you should get after a bicycle accident. A bicycle accident lawyer can help add up all your costs, including medical bills, lost income if you can't work, and money for your pain and suffering.
Representing You in Court
Most bicycle accident cases are settled out of court, but sometimes they do go to trial. If that happens, you'll want a bicycle accident lawyer to represent you. They know how to present your case to a judge and jury in a way that gives you the best chance of winning.
Explaining Your Rights
Bicycle laws can be complicated. A bicycle accident lawyer can explain your rights and responsibilities as a cyclist. They can also tell you about any special bike laws in your area that might affect your case.
When to Call a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
It's best to talk to a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as you can after a crash. The sooner they start working on your case, the better. Evidence can disappear quickly, and there are time limits for filing lawsuits.
Even if you're unsure if you have a case, it's worth talking to a bicycle accident lawyer. Many offer free consultations, so you can get some advice without any cost to you.
Questions to Ask a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
When you meet with a bicycle accident lawyer, here are some good questions to ask:
- How many bicycle accident cases have you handled?
- What's your success rate with these cases?
- How long do you think my case will take?
- How much compensation can I get?
- How often will you update me about my case?
Asking these questions can help you find a bicycle accident lawyer who's a good fit for you and your case.
How Bicycle Accident Lawyers Get Paid
Most bicycle accident attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. They only get compensated if they win your case. Their fee is usually a percentage of the money they get for you.
This arrangement can be good for you because it means you don't have to pay any money upfront. It also means your lawyer is motivated to get you as much money as possible.
The Process of a Bicycle Accident Case
When you hire a bicycle accident lawyer, here's what will typically happen:
- Your lawyer will investigate your accident and gather evidence.
- They'll calculate how much money you should get for your injuries and damages.
- Your lawyer will send a demand letter to the insurance company.
- If the insurance company doesn't offer a fair amount, your lawyer might file a lawsuit.
- There will be a period of discovery where both sides share information.
- Your case might be settled through negotiation or mediation.
- If it doesn't settle, your case will go to trial.
Throughout this process, your bicycle accident lawyer will keep you informed and answer any questions you have.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can cause many types of injuries. Some common ones include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Back and neck injuries
- Road rash
A bicycle accident lawyer can pursue compensation for these injuries. They'll work with your doctors to understand how serious your injuries are and how they might affect you in the future.
Long-Term Effects of Bicycle Accidents
Some bicycle accidents can have effects that last for a long time. You might need ongoing medical care or be unable to work for a while. A bicycle accident lawyer can help ensure you get money for your immediate medical bills and any future care you might need.
Bicycle Safety Equipment and Your Case
Wearing a helmet and other safety gear can help protect you in a crash. But even if you weren't wearing a helmet, you can still talk to a bicycle accident lawyer about your case. They can explain how not wearing a helmet might affect your case, but it doesn't automatically mean you can't get compensation.
Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents
Sometimes, a driver hits a cyclist and then leaves the scene. These hit-and-run cases can be difficult, but a bicycle accident lawyer might still be able to help. They can look into whether there's any way to find the driver or if you can get compensated from your own insurance.
Bicycle Accidents Caused by Road Defects
Not all bicycle accidents involve cars. Sometimes, poor road conditions like potholes or poorly designed bike lanes can cause crashes. A bicycle accident lawyer can help figure out if a government agency might be responsible for your accident because they didn't take care of the roads properly.
Bicycle Accidents and Rideshare Companies
If you were hit by a driver working for a company like Uber or Lyft, your case might be more complicated. These companies have special insurance policies, and a bicycle accident lawyer can handle these situations.
Electric Bicycle Accidents
Electric bicycles are becoming more popular, but they can also lead to accidents. If you suffered an injury while riding an e-bike or were hit by someone on an e-bike, a bicycle accident lawyer can help. They can explain how e-bike laws might affect your case.
Bicycle Accidents Involving Pedestrians
Sometimes, accidents happen between cyclists and people walking. These cases can be tricky because it's not always clear who was at fault. A bicycle accident lawyer can help sort out what happened and who can be held liable.
Bicycle Accidents at Night
Riding at night can be more dangerous, but that doesn't mean you can't get help if you're in an accident. A bicycle accident lawyer can explain how nighttime riding might affect your case and work to show that you were riding safely.
Group Ride Accidents
If you suffered an injury during a group bike ride, your case might be more complicated. There can be questions about who was responsible or if the ride organizers did enough to keep everyone safe. A bicycle accident lawyer can help sort out these issues.
Bicycle Accidents and Insurance
Dealing with insurance after a bicycle accident can be confusing. You might need to talk to your own insurance company, the driver's insurance, or both. A bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand what insurance might cover and how to get the most from your claim.
Time Limits for Bicycle Accident Cases
There are time limits, called statutes of limitations, for filing a lawsuit after a bicycle accident. These limits can vary depending on where you live and the details of your case. A bicycle accident lawyer can ensure you don't miss any important deadlines.
Reach Out to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you've been in a bicycle accident, don't try to handle everything on your own. Reach out to a bicycle accident lawyer today. They can answer your questions and help you decide what to do next. Don't wait - the sooner you talk to a bicycle accident lawyer, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Gabriel Levin - Owner/Founder
Gabriel Levin is a highly experienced and credible attorney with over 10 years of practice in Pennsylvania. Known for his tenacity, he has represented clients in a wide range of civil matters, trying hundreds of cases. He prepares each case as if it will go to trial, ensuring meticulous attention to detail.
Unlike many firms that delegate tasks, Levin personally handles every aspect of a case and maintains open communication with clients throughout. He has secured millions in compensation, making him a reliable choice for those seeking legal representation.
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