Clear Counsel Law Group

There’s a certain connection to yourself gained from cycling. The wind against your face, the rhythmic movement of pedals, feeling your breath and muscles working in tandem to propel you forward —it’s exhilarating. But in one heart-stopping moment, that sense of calm can be shattered in the wake of a horrifying ordeal. A sudden swerve, an overlooked pothole, or an inattentive driver, and suddenly, you’re on the ground, pain permeating your body, and confusion clouding your memory.

The parts after may come in snippets or roll out in slow motion. You might find yourself in an ambulance or an ER, with healthcare professionals assessing the extent of your injuries. Broken bones, scrapes, and concussions are common in bicycle crashes. X-rays, casts, stitches, and sometimes even surgeries become an unexpected part of your reality. Such medical interventions can be intensive physically and emotionally.

Then comes the daunting challenge of managing those medical costs. While auto insurance might cover car-related injuries, coverage isn’t so clear for cyclists. Not all health insurance plans cover accident-related expenses, leaving you with mounting bills. Navigating the insurance landscape adds to your stress. Claims, paperwork, and frustrating phone become a daily ritual interfering with your recovery.

Recovery that can be more than simply physical. Physiotherapy sessions and adjusting to limited mobility being submerged by the growing emotional toll. The trauma of an accident can instill a deep-seated fear of getting back on the bike or getting near a road. Each passing car becomes a potential threat and every open road a reminder of that calm long since lost.

Get back your connection to the world by contacting a skilled bicycle crash attorney at Clear Counsel Law Group.

Why Hire a Bicycle Crash Attorney?

Invaluable Expertise and Resources: Bicycle accidents can be complex, and understanding their nuances requires honed expertise. Attorneys skilled in these cases come equipped with access to top-tier experts, ranging from accident reconstruction engineers to caring medical professionals. They provide a sense of clarity and depth to your case that offers vital reassurance.

Absorbing Initial Costs: A significant benefit of partnering with a seasoned bicycle crash attorney is their willingness to bear upfront costs. They ensure your case moves forward seamlessly, without the worry of immediate financial pits.

Legal Guidance: The legal system is obtuse and difficult to understand. Laws, regulations, and procedures combine to produce a system nearly impossible to trek through without a guide. Having a compassionate personal injury attorney by your side can make all the difference. They guide you, clearing the brambles in your path and highlighting your rights.

Better Settlement Opportunities While outcomes can never be guaranteed, there’s something to be said for the edge experienced representation provides. Individuals with attorneys frequently achieve more favorable settlements than those who venture alone.

In the aftermath of a bicycle crash, what you need is help and relief. Personal injury attorneys offer exceptional professional support, steadying you in your pursuit of justice.

Insurance Strategies for Bicycle Crashes

Insurance companies, while essential, often employ strategies designed to minimize their payouts and protect their shareholders, not the consumer. Recognizing their tactics is crucial, especially when they aim to limit compensation to cyclists who rightfully deserve it.

Negotiating with insurance agents is an art. It’s not just about putting forth your demands but doing so in a manner that minimizes the timeline of your potential payout. Knowing when to push and when to compromise can make a considerable difference.

Finally, the power of paperwork cannot be stressed enough. Comprehensive documentation —from accident reports to medical bills—acts as the backbone of your claim. A thoroughly documented case not only reinforces your stance but also makes it harder for insurance agents to dispute it.

Bicycle Crash Statistics

Bicycling is generally safter than other methods of transportation accounting for only 2.2% of traffic fatalities. That said, bicycle crash fatalities are up 44% over the last 10 years (2011-2020) while nonfatal injuries have declined.

Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes

While 21% of cyclists had BACs over .01 g/dL, the largest amount (64%) of cyclist killed in a crash had no alcohol.

Cyclists also buck the trend of frequency of crashes in intersections, 62% of fatalities occurred outside of interactions and outside of bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and other access paths.

Bicycle Crash Injuries

Bicycle accidents can result in a spectrum of injuries, from minor ones that heal quickly to severe, life-altering conditions. Riders are not the only victims of crashes, their property, particularly the bicycle itself, can suffer considerable damage.

Minor:

  • Abrasions: Superficial skin wounds which might appear after a fall or scrape. Though not deeply penetrating, they can be painful and prone to infection if not properly treated.
  • Road Rash: More than just a scratch, road rash results from sliding on pavement. It’s a painful injury that exposes deeper layers of skin and sometimes requires medical care to prevent complications. Deep road rash can lead to ‘tattooing’, permanent scars from debris that gets trapped under the skin.
  • Sprained Joints: The result of a sudden twist or wrenching motion, sprains, especially in the wrist or ankle, can cause pain and swelling, often necessitating rest and sometimes medical attention.

Severe:

  • Head Injuries: Can range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries, often necessitating immediate medical intervention.
  • Broken Bones: Fractures can occur in any part of the body during a crash, from the collarbone to the legs.
  • Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs or internal bleeding, which can have long-term consequences and require intensive care. Internal injuries are especially dangerous as they may not be apparent until days later.

Property:

  • Damage to the bicycle’s frame, wheels, and other components can require repairs.
  • Protective gear like helmets or pads can also get damaged, requiring replacement.
  • In extreme cases, the entire bicycle may need to be replaced due to extensive damage.

What to Do After a Bicycle Crash

Experiencing a bicycle crash can be disorienting and traumatic. However, taking the right steps post-accident can make a considerable difference subsequently.

  1. Ensure Immediate Safety: Your safety is paramount. Before anything else, check for any immediate threats, such as oncoming traffic. If you’re physically able, move yourself and your bicycle off the roadway to a safe location. If you or anyone else involved in the crash seems severely injured, call 911.
  2. Document the Scene: Use your smartphone or a camera to capture photographs of the crash site. This includes close-ups of your injuries, any damage to your bicycle, the positioning of vehicles involved, skid marks, and road conditions. These images can serve as crucial evidence if legal action becomes necessary.
  3. Gather Witness Statements: Bystanders or individuals who witnessed the crash can provide objective accounts of what transpired. If possible, collect their statements and take note of their contact information. Their testimonies can be valuable in corroborating your version of events.
  4. Exchange Information: If a motor vehicle was involved, ensure you get the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, vehicle registration, and insurance details. This will be essential for insurance or legal proceedings.
  5. Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should be the top priority. Once you’ve taken the necessary steps at the scene, seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, so it’s crucial to get checked by a professional.
  6. Hire a Bicycle Crash Attorney: Consider seeking the advice of a bicycle crash attorney. Their expertise can guide you through the complexities of the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and you’re adequately represented.
  7. Don’t Talk About Your Crash: While it might be tempting to discuss the incident with friends, family, or on social media, it’s best to keep details private. Any statements you make can potentially be used against you in future legal proceedings or insurance claims.

How Long Do You Have to File a Bicycle Crash Claim

Each jurisdiction has its specific statute of limitations, which defines the window within which you must initiate your claim. Failing to file within this allotted period can have severe implications.

In Nevada, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a claim. Missing the stipulated deadline often means forfeiting your right to pursue compensation, no matter how valid your claim might be. Always consult with a legal professional to know the precise deadlines in your jurisdiction.

What Affects a Bicycle Crash Case Value?

Compensation in the aftermath of a bicycle crash involves not just recovering money spent on physical and emotional recovery but also understanding the intangible costs you might be entitled to recover.

Fault and Negligence: A critical aspect of any personal injury claim is determining which party was at fault. If one party is solely at fault, they’re typically responsible for the damages. However, in situations where fault is shared, the compensation may be adjusted accordingly. For instance, if a cyclist is found to be 30% responsible for the accident, their compensation can be reduced by that percentage. Nevada is a modified comparative negligence state. You can recover damages as long as you can be shown to not be 50% at fault or more.

Types and Severity of Injury: The nature and severity of injuries sustained significantly influence case value. Major injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or fractures, typically lead to higher settlements because they result in substantial medical expenses, longer recovery times, and possible long-term impairment.

Compensation Components: Compensation is not just about tangible costs. While medical bills, property damage, and lost wages are easier to quantify, intangible damages are also crucial. Emotional distress, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life due to injuries play into the compensation calculus.

Understanding these breakdowns can help victims grasp the full scope of what they might be entitled to.

Stand Strong after a Bicycle Crash

When the open road turns treacherous, and you’re left grappling with the aftermath of a bicycle crash, it’s good to know you’re not alone. Navigating medical bills and insurance intricacies can feel like an uphill battle, but a bicycle crash attorney from Clear Counsel Law Group, the journey becomes manageable.

They will advocate for your rights, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve, and help you to understand the scope of your claim. Don’t let the weight of the accident hold you back. You’ve faced the crash; now, let’s face the system together.