Determining liability and fault

Establishing liability and fault in a bicycle accident involving a motorist is often challenging, especially if you don’t have any experience with tort law. Insurance companies may attempt to shift blame or downplay the motorist's responsibility to minimize payout, claiming the accident was due to:

• Faulty bike brakes
• Lack of bike lighting
• Failure to ride in the bike lane

Or they may imply that the injuries sustained in the accident were severe due to lack of proper equipment, such as failure to wear a bicycle helmet and other protective gear.

A skilled attorney on our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gather evidence, and consult with accident reconstruction experts if necessary. By examining factors such as traffic laws, witness testimonies, road conditions, and any available video footage, they can build a strong case that demonstrates the motorist's liability and fault.

Maximizing compensation

One of the primary objectives of a bicycle accident attorney is to secure maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. They will evaluate the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and future medical needs. By thoroughly assessing the impact of the bicycle accident on your life, they can accurately determine the appropriate compensation you are entitled to. Attorneys also have experience negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring that you are not taken advantage of during the settlement process.

Dealing with Insurance companies

Engaging with insurance companies can be overwhelming and intimidating, particularly when you are recovering from injuries and emotional distress. Insurance adjusters may attempt to settle your claim quickly and for a lower amount than you deserve. Having a bicycle accident attorney by your side will level the playing field. They will handle all communications with the insurance company, protecting you from tactics that may undermine your claim. Your attorney will fight for your best interests, ensuring that your rights are upheld throughout the negotiation process.

Litigation and legal representation

While many bicycle accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, some may require litigation. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to court. They will guide you through the litigation process, present a compelling argument before a judge and jury, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Having an experienced accident lawyer on your side provides peace of mind, knowing that your interests are being represented vigorously in the courtroom.

The Extent of Medical Cares

The nature and extent of medical treatment required for the injuries sustained in a bicycle accident significantly influence settlement values.
This includes:

The cost of medical treatment and the duration of care are key considerations in assessing the overall value of the claim. Severe injuries that necessitate extensive medical intervention and long-term care generally result in higher settlement values.

Long-term Impacts

Injuries resulting from a bicycle accident can have long-term or even permanent consequences.

These may include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Multiple fractures
• Internal organ damage
• Crush injuries/loss of limb
• Severe soft tissue injuries

After suffering a life-altering injury, settlement value takes into account the long-term effects on the injured person's quality of life, ability to work, and overall well-being. Factors such as chronic pain, disability, loss of mobility, and the need for ongoing medical support are considered when calculating the compensation amount.

Impact On Daily living activities

The injuries sustained in a bicycle accident may significantly impact an individual's daily life and functionality. This includes the ability to perform daily activities, work, engage in hobbies, and maintain relationships. When assessing settlement values, the extent to which the injuries have affected the injured person's life and overall functionality is considered.

Pain and suffering

Pain and suffering refer to the physical and emotional distress experienced by the injured person as a result of the bike accident and subsequent injuries. While pain and suffering are subjective, they are important factors in determining settlement values.

These factors include:

• The intensity and duration of pain
• Emotional trauma
• Anxiety
• Depression

The impact on the injured person's overall quality of life is taken into account. In general, more severe injuries that cause significant pain and suffering tend to result in higher settlement values.

Lost wages and Future Earning Capacity

If the injuries sustained in a bicycle accident prevent the injured person from working or significantly impacts their earning capacity, the settlement value will reflect these financial losses. The settlement will consider the wages lost during the recovery period, as well as any potential future earning capacity that may be affected by long-term disabilities or limitations caused by the injuries. Expert testimony and economic evaluations may be utilized to determine the financial impact on the injured person's career and earning potential.

Ride recklessly

Engaging in reckless behavior such as weaving in and out of traffic, performing stunts, or riding at high speeds in congested areas may contribute to an accident and make the cyclist liable.