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Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries and financial losses. Fortunately, if your accident happened due to a driver’s negligence, their insurance should provide a settlement to cover all your losses.
If you’re facing piles of bills and other costs from a bike crash, you may be wondering how much your case is worth. The value of a bicycle accident case depends on various factors. To ensure you receive fair compensation, always seek legal guidance from a bicycle accident lawyer who regularly handles cases for injured cyclists.
Bicycle Accidents At a Glance
Here are some key points to consider regarding bicycle accidents and how they might affect a victim’s life:
- According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were an estimated 857 bicyclist fatalities in one year in the United States. Additionally, there were over 47,000 reported injuries in the same year.
- The amount of preventable fatalities from bicycle accidents has increased by 37 percent in the last ten years.
- Bicycle-related deaths peak in the warmer months, starting in July, and they remain high through October. Most deaths occurred in September (149) and the fewest in February (60).
- 88 percent of all bicycle deaths are males, which is more than eight times the fatalities for female cyclists.
- Statistically, the most common causes include colliding with a motor vehicle, negligent drivers, failure to yield the right of way, bike defects, dooring, poor road conditions, and inadequate signage or lighting.
- Bicycle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries, such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and death. The severity of your injuries will play a significant role in determining the value of your case.
Remember that the specific details of your personal injury case will ultimately determine the value of your bicycle accident claim.
Considering the Value of Your Losses
How much compensation you can get after being injured in a bike collision is, for the most part, determined by the following factors:
- Severity of Injuries – Injuries that require extensive medical treatment, result in long-term disability, or cause permanent disfigurement generally lead to higher compensation. Examples of severe injuries in bicycle accidents include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage.
- Medical Expenses – The medical expenses you incur as a result of your bicycle accident also play a role in determining the value of your case. This includes costs related to emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, medications, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. It’s essential to keep a record of all your medical bills and expenses to ensure they are considered when calculating the value of your case.
- Lost Income and Future Earning Capacity – If your bicycle accident injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. This includes the income you have already lost and any future income you will be unable to earn due to your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering – Pain and suffering damages account for the emotional distress you experience as a result of your bicycle accident injuries. This includes the anguish, discomfort, anxiety, physical pain, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life that you endure. Assigning a monetary value to pain and suffering can be challenging, but an experienced personal injury attorney knows how to navigate that process.
Losses can vary widely from case to case, so a legal professional should provide an estimation of what your claim might be worth.
Insurance Companies Regularly Undervalue Bike Accident Claims
Keep in mind that insurance companies often try to undervalue bike accident claims, leading injury victims to settle for less than what they’re entitled to.
Insurance companies are businesses whose primary goal is to minimize payouts and protect their profits. In bike accident claims, they may employ tactics to downplay the severity of your injuries or shift blame onto you as the cyclist. They may also delay the claims process in the hopes that you’ll give up or accept a low settlement offer out of frustration.
This is where having an experienced attorney on your side becomes highly beneficial. A skilled bike accident lawyer will fight for your rights and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
The right attorney will have the knowledge and experience to build a strong case on your behalf. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, review medical records, and consult experts if needed to establish liability and the extent of your injuries.
By working with a trusted attorney, you can level the playing field against insurance companies and increase your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. They will handle all communications with the insurance company, protecting your rights and ensuring that your best interests are at the forefront throughout the claims process.
Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to claiming compensation for a bike accident. Reach out to a reputable attorney as soon as possible to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim – take action today and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Skilled Bicycle Accident Lawyer to Get Started Now
Navigating the legal landscape surrounding bicycle accident cases can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from injuries. Never accept a settlement offer without getting legal advice, as accepting too little compensation can affect your entire future.
Hiring a bicycle accident lawyer who handles bicycle accidents can significantly increase the chances of obtaining fair compensation. An attorney will protect your rights, handle the negotiation process, gather evidence to support your injury claim and ensure that all relevant factors are considered when calculating the value of your case.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a bike accident, always understand the value of your case and take the necessary steps to secure fair compensation. An experienced, knowledgeable personal injury attorney can investigate bicycle v. car crashes and guide you through the process, always fighting for your rights. Schedule a free legal consultation before it’s too late.