Why Consult a Skilled Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

Compensation for injuries caused in a bicycle accident might be difficult to get. Victims frequently find it challenging to negotiate with insurance while dealing with growing medical bills and missed income. Furthermore, insurance may not cover some of the most catastrophic expenditures associated with a bicycle accident, injury or death, or the insurance company may contest payment.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will assist clients in sorting through these concerns. After a bicycle accident, the sooner victims and their families consult a lawyer, the greater their prospects of receiving the maximum compensation to which they are entitled. Not only are there filing deadlines, but evidence supporting a compelling claim might vanish after a catastrophe.

What are the Most Common Bicycle Accident Causes?

According to an Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) educational study, 843 bicyclists were killed in collisions with motor vehicles in 2019. Many riders would say drivers frequently fail to respect cyclists’ rights. They will text, call, drive too quickly, and fail to give bikers enough room while ostensibly sharing the road.

With vehicles appearing to be just concerned with themselves, cyclists must be aware and attentive at all times—the difference can be life or death.

According to a 2016 NHTSA analysis, the following are the most common causes of bicycle accidents:

• Speeding
• Poorly Designed Crossing Points
• Inadequate Visibility
• Infractions of Traffic Laws
• Driving While Distracted or Reckless
• Unsafe Driving Conditions
• Inadequate Separation of Drivers and Bikers

Alcohol or drug use, which plays a role in an estimated 35% of all fatal bicycle accidents, significantly increases the likelihood of a collision.

What Are The Most Common Types Of Injuries Caused By Bicycle Accidents?

Severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), are too common in bicycle crashes. The following are some of the most prevalent bicycle accident injuries:

• TBI (traumatic brain injury) (TBI)
• Bone Fractures/Broken Bones
• Injuries to the Neck, Back, or Spinal Cord
• Paralysis (quadriplegia/paraplegia)
• Unjust Death
• Injuries to the Face/Mouth/Jaw
• Lacerations
• Road Rash

Regardless of the injuries sustained in a traffic collision, a cyclist is likely to require medical attention. Treatment costs can quickly build up and overwhelm sufferers, particularly when long-term care is needed.

One technique to safeguard yourself? Always bike with a helmet on.

When Do The Majority Of Fatal Bicycle Accidents Happen?

The NHTSA’s traffic data reveals a consistent pattern of bicycle accidents. There is no single time of day when someone is more likely to be injured or killed in an automobile accident than in a bicycle disaster. Every day of the week, at all hours of the day and night, fatal bicycle/vehicle incidents occur.

• Fatalities occur around the clock: 50% occur during the day, 46% during the night, 2% at dawn, and 2% at sunset.
• On weekends, cyclists are more likely to be killed in traffic accidents.
• Between 6 p.m. and 8:59 p.m., 19% of weekday and 23% of weekend fatalities occurred.
• Between 3 p.m. and 5:59 p.m. on weekdays, 18% of bicycle deaths occurred.
• Between 9 p.m. and 11:59 p.m., 20% of weekend bike fatalities occurred.

How Can Bicyclists Avoid Bicycle Collisions?

Staying safe on your bike necessitates a concerted effort. Bicyclists who want to avoid accidents while riding should take the following precautions:

• Wear a Helmet – The first rule is always to wear suitable headgear.
• Use Safety Equipment – Mirrors, spoke lights, fluorescent gear, and other items can all increase your visibility to drivers and lower your chance of an accident.
• Communicate – Use hand signals to communicate your intentions to cars and other vehicles.
• Know the Rules of the Road – Unless making a left turn, passing, or avoiding a hazard, always ride with traffic.
• Keep an Eye Out – Headphones and cell phones can distract bikers. When biking, avoid utilizing these products.

What Should You Do If You Get in a Bicycle Accident?

You may have been knocked unconscious or unable to move due to an accident. Depending on your abilities, try to take the following precautions to protect your health (and your personal injury case)

Examine For Injuries

Minor injuries that go untreated might lead to serious health issues. Bikers must seek immediate medical attention after an accident; without an examination, it is hard to ascertain the actual extent of the injuries sustained.

Notify Emergency Services

If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. Request that the police issue a formal report—a police report can be beneficial in your case.

Take Pictures or Document the Accident

Obtain the driver’s contact and insurance information, as well as the contact information of any witnesses to the collision. If you have a cell phone or a camera, write down everything you remember about the accident (time, location, road conditions, etc.) and snap images of the scene.

Don’t say anything

Never apologize or confess blame for the mishap. Give the police detailed and concise information regarding the incident, then contact The Law Offices of CAWISE LAWYERS to get the most out of your case.

A Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Assist You In Avoiding Mistakes That Could Cost You Thousands Of Dollars

Attempting to handle a bicycle accident injury claim on your own is more likely to cost you money than it is to save you money. Why? Because you are likely to make errors in the preparation of your case or in your interactions with the insurance company, that will result in a reduction or even elimination of your payout. For example, you could:

• Inadvertently confess fault for the accident.
• Assume your injuries are insignificant enough to warrant a claim.
• Forget that you are entitled to compensation for lost wages and earning power.
• Do not include future medical expenses in your demand for reimbursement.
• Accept a low-ball settlement offer because you don’t know what you’re worth or are too busy.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim?

Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident, but other variables can delay a victim’s ability to make a claim. A bicycle accident victim may only have 180 days from the accident date to claim if a government agency or public organization is involved.

You should consult a personal injury lawyer as quickly as feasible to get the most out of your case. Insurance companies will do everything they can to convince you to settle for less—you need a law firm that will not cut them any deals.

Why Choose Our Law Firm

At The Law Offices of CAWISE LAWYERS, we have fought for clients for 50 years. We put our clients first by ensuring they have access to the care and treatment they require and can alter their lives through our excellent legal services. We take care of all insurance-related paperwork and negotiations so that our clients can concentrate on what’s important—getting better.

Call The Law Offices of CAWISE LAWYERS today by dialing 818-527-1063 or fill out our online contact form to begin your FREE case consultation.