The Role of a Lawyer in Bicycle Accident Cases

Been injured in a bicycle accident? Nearly 1,000 bicyclists die every year on our nation’s roads in crashes involving a motor vehicle. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Here’s what’s really scary…

120,000 bicyclists (estimated) treated and released for non-fatal crash-related injuries in emergency departments every year.

The numbers just keep going up, and if you’ve been one of the unlucky cyclists injured in a crash, you need to know your rights. But here’s the thing….

Dealing with a bicycle accident case isn’t the same as fender-bender between two drivers. The legal issues and challenges are totally different, and without the right help and guidance, you can easily end up short-changed. Enter a professional bicycle accident lawyer who knows what they’re doing and how to protect your rights.

What You’ll Discover:

• Know Your Legal Rights After a Bicycle Crash
• Know When to Call a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
• Know How Legal Experts Build Winning Bicycle Accident Cases
• Know How to Maximize Your Compensation Strategy

Know Your Legal Rights After a Bicycle Crash

Ready for a fact you may not know?

Bicyclists have the exact same rights to use the road as all other motor vehicle drivers. Drivers have an affirmative duty to share the road safely and obey all traffic laws when bicycles are present.

But here’s the kicker…

Most drivers have no clue. They believe bicyclists don’t belong on the road, and that dangerous attitude leads to negligent driving behaviors that cause accidents. When those crashes injure cyclists, several legal issues come into play:

• Right of way violations – When drivers improperly yield the right of way.
• Negligent driving behaviors – distracted, drunk, and reckless driving
• Infrastructure issues – negligent maintenance and dangerous road design
• Product liability – defective bicycle parts or safety gear

The truth is that 1,155 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 2023 – the highest number on record.

Know When to Call a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Thinks you can handle your bicycle accident case yourself?

That’s a mistake that could cost you thousands of dollars.

Most people don’t realize just how complex and nuanced bicycle accident cases can be. Insurance companies know this, and they’re counting on it. Here are the 4 situations when you absolutely need a professional bicycle accident lawyer on your side:

• Serious Injuries: Broken bones, head injuries, trauma, and hospitalization. The stakes are too high to go it alone.
• Disputed Fault: When the other party or their insurance company claims you were partially or fully at fault.
• Insurance Runaround: Insurance companies giving you the runaround or offering unfair low-ball settlements.
• Long-Term Impact: Injuries that prevent you from working or enjoying life.

But here’s something else you may not know…

89% of bicycle deaths were among males. The majority of cyclist deaths occur in urban areas. Legal complexities skyrocket in city environments where traffic patterns, bike lanes, and local ordinances all play a role. A lawyer knows the nuances and how to fight them.

A bicycle accident lawyer knows these nuances and how to navigate them to protect your rights.

Know How Legal Experts Build Winning Bicycle Accident Cases

Ever wonder what separates a good outcome from a great outcome in bicycle accident cases?

It’s all about the evidence.

Professional attorneys know exactly what to look for and how to preserve it before it’s gone. Here’s their step-by-step process:

Scene Investigation

The first 48 hours after the accident are crucial. Experienced lawyers immediately:

• Document the scene with photos and measurements
• Interview witnesses while their memories are fresh
• Obtain traffic camera footage before it gets erased
• Review and analyze the police reports

Medical Documentation

This is where most people screw up by trying to do this on their own. Proper medical documentation requires:

• Complete medical records from all treating physicians
• Medical expert testimony to explain your injuries to a jury
• Document all current and future medical expenses
• Evidence of how your injuries affect your daily life

Expert Witnesses

Want to know what really wins bicycle accident cases?

Expert testimony. The right experts make a huge difference:

• Accident reconstruction specialists who recreate the crash
• Medical experts to explain your injuries to a jury
• Economic experts to calculate your lifetime financial losses
• Traffic engineering experts to show dangerous road conditions

Build Your Case Strategy

No two bicycle accidents are the same, and smart lawyers don’t use cookie-cutter approaches. Custom strategies include:

• Case specific circumstances
• Local traffic laws and bicycle ordinances
• Available insurance coverage
• Strength of the evidence supporting the claim

Know How to Maximize Your Compensation Strategy

Thinks you know what your bicycle accident case is worth?

You’re probably undervaluing it.

Most people only think about their immediate medical bills. But bicycle accidents often have long-term consequences that go way beyond your initial treatment and time off work. Here’s what experienced lawyers fight for in every case:

Economic Damages

• All medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage to your bicycle and gear
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering from injuries
• Emotional distress and trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life activities
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

The numbers are staggering. Bicycle accidents cost the country’s economy about $6 billion annually so it’s easy to see how significant these cases can be. But here’s what most people don’t realize…

Insurance companies know most people don’t understand the true value of their claim. They count on this to settle cases for far less than they are actually worth.

Negotiation Tactics That Work

Professional bicycle accident attorneys use proven strategies to maximize settlements:

• Comprehensive documentation of all damages
• Strategic timing of settlement negotiations
• Leverage expert testimony and evidence
• Know the insurance company’s tactics and weaknesses

When to Take Your Case to Trial

Sometimes settlement negotiations reach an impasse. When that happens, you need a lawyer who’s not afraid to go to trial and who has a proven track record of winning cases in the courtroom.

The threat of trial is what usually gets insurance companies to start making fair settlement offers. But you need a lawyer who’s willing and able to take the case all the way if necessary.

Wrapping Things Up

Suffering injuries in a bicycle accident can turn your life upside down. Between injuries, insurance companies, mounting medical bills and legal issues, the last thing you need is to try to navigate the legal process alone.

The role of a bicycle accident lawyer goes way beyond just filing the necessary paperwork. They’re your advocate, investigator, negotiator, and if necessary, your trial attorney.

Remember these 4 key points:

• Bicyclists have the same rights as motor vehicle drivers
• Insurance companies want to minimize your claim
• Professional legal help increases your chances of a fair settlement
• Time limits apply to bicycle accident claims, so don’t wait

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of your situation. With bicycle accident deaths increasing to record highs and the legal landscape for these cases becoming more complex every year, professional representation isn’t just helpful – it’s absolutely critical for protecting your rights and your future. The sooner you act, the better.