For many people, riding a bike is one of their first memorable accomplishments. Not many things feel better to a young child than learning to master the art of two-wheel motion.
As fun as bike riding is for people of all ages, it’s not fun and games when cyclists get hurt in automobile-related bicycle accidents. The road to recovery can be a long and painful one. In this brief article, we’ll tell you what to do if you’re injured in a bicycle accident.
What percentage of bicycle accidents involve an automobile?
America’s roadways can be dangerous for cyclists, especially beginners. Collisions between bike riders and drivers have declined in recent years, but there are still thousands of accidents between drivers and cyclists annually.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that over 30% of all bike riding accidents involve automobiles. Even more alarming is the fact that cyclists account for around 1% of all road trips while making up a little more than 2% of fatalities in auto accidents. Those numbers show that while collisions between automobiles and bicycles are declining, these collisions are becoming more fatal.
Wrecks between cyclists and drivers are among the most common causes of wrongful deaths in the United States. While riding a bike is a rite of passage for kids and excellent exercise for adults, it requires the utmost focus.
What percentage of bicycling accidents result in head injuries?
Understandably, head injuries are a common risk associated with riding a bike. Cyclists and pedestrians are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to accidents, especially when a much larger vehicle is involved. A bicycle rider can experience numerous injuries, but head injuries are a prime concern. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), around a third of all non-fatal bike riding injuries are head injuries.
Unfortunately, many people who are struck by a car while riding a bike (or as a pedestrian) suffer traumatic brain injuries from which they never recover. If you or a loved one suffered a bike accident injury because of a careless driver, it’s a must that you contact an experienced bicycle accident injury lawyer as soon as possible. The more quickly you act, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Does auto insurance cover bicycle accidents?
Auto insurance will cover your bicycle accident injury. However, you should never file a bicycle accident injury claim with the insurance company before consulting a personal injury attorney.
The goal of the insurance company is always to protect its own best interests. After all, it’s a financial institution that doesn’t profit when it’s making payouts. If you’re a cyclist involved in a car accident in Florida, Google “bicycle accident lawyer near me” before contacting the driver’s auto insurer.
How to file a bicycle accident claim
If you’re injured while riding your bicycle, the first step is to get immediate medical attention. Next, do your due diligence to find the best bicycle accident injury attorney in your area. It’s vital that you choose a firm with demonstrable success handling cases similar to yours.
Follow your doctor’s recommendations, from rehab and recovery to advice about returning to work and stringent activities. Your lawyer will file a claim with the local civil court and serve notice to the driver’s insurance company. From there, your lawyer and the insurance company will enter negotiations, and it’s highly unlikely that your case will ever see the inside of a courtroom. According to experts, only around 5% of personal injury cases go to trial.
You can also file a lawsuit on your own. Visit the local courthouse to file a lawsuit against the driver of the other vehicle. The court will issue a notice to the other party, which will have a limited time to respond. Their insurance company will likely respond directly to you and attempt to initiate negotiations.
Bike riders and their families face a significant disadvantage when they go up against large insurance companies by themselves. When you get injured in a bicycle accident, it’s imperative that you get with the right bicycle accident injury attorney before you talk to the insurance company. Our firm has experience helping cyclists get the compensation they need to carry on with their lives.
It’s important to note that cyclists who hire a bicycle accident injury attorney also typically receive significantly more compensation.
How much compensation will you get for a bicycle accident?
The amount of money you can expect to see for your bike accident injury depends on several factors. The benefit of hiring a lawyer is they know how to use these factors to determine how much compensation you deserve. Some of the things that will impact your compensation are:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Changes to your quality of life
Other factors could also impact how much compensation you receive.
Ultimately, your best chances to get the money you deserve lie in hiring the right bicycle accident injury attorney. So Google “bicycle accident lawyer near me” before you speak with the insurance company.
How to prevent bicycle accidents
The number one thing every cyclist should do is wear a helmet. Also, it’s imperative that you follow the same road rules as motorists — and never, ever ride a bicycle impaired. Cyclists are at a severe disadvantage in collisions with automobiles, with many accidents ending in catastrophic injuries and even fatalities.
Bicycle injury attorneys in Tampa
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike riding accident, contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys. We are here to answer your questions and guide you through the process of filing a bicycle injury case. We’ll fight to make sure you and your loved ones get the full compensation you deserve so you can get back to your life.
Sources:
Bicycle Safety Statistics May Surprise You. (2019).
Injury-Control Recommendations: Bicycle Helmets. (2001).
Johnson, J. (2022). Personal Injury Settlement Amounts Examples (2023 Guide).