Any person or company whose actions contributed to a bicycle accident may be liable for the injured cyclist’s damages. This includes motorists, transit companies, faulty bicycle or vehicle parts manufacturers, and even government agencies.
Your attorney will need to prove that the at-fault party failed to act with a reasonable level of care under the circumstances. This is called negligence. Contact Baltimore Bicycle Accident Lawyer now!
- Experience
When a bicycle accident occurs, it can be very traumatic. The injuries are often severe, and the pain can last long. It is important to consult a lawyer to help you navigate the legal process and receive the compensation you deserve.
Your bicycle accident lawyer will work with you to protect your rights. They will review the evidence and build a strong case to support your compensation claim. They will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair and equitable settlement, covering your expenses and future needs.
Experienced lawyers understand how to handle a wide range of bike accident cases, from simple to complex. They can identify and address the key issues in your case, such as identifying all of the parties who may be liable and evaluating their ability to pay for your damages. They will also take into account the severity of your injuries, including how they affect your quality of life and how much you will need in the future to cope with them.
You can find a reputable bicycle accident lawyer by asking friends and family for referrals or contacting the local bar association for a referral service. Once you have a list of potential attorneys, make appointments to meet them and assess their professionalism and empathy. Ask them how many bicycle accidents they have handled, what their case success rate is, and whether they have the expertise to handle your specific type of accident. It is also worth asking how they charge their clients and what percentage of the award they will deduct for their fees.
- Reputation
A competent lawyer will help you understand legal procedures, deal with paperwork, follow deadlines, and build a strong case on your behalf. A seasoned attorney will also help you negotiate with the insurance provider for a fair settlement and win maximum compensation. This may include financial awards for accumulated expenses such as hospital bills, bike repair costs and lost earnings. It may also include noneconomic damages for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, a claimant can receive punitive damages in addition to economic damages from the defendant if the injury or death was caused by egregious negligence and/or recklessness.
Many people find bicycle accident lawyers through local referrals from friends and relatives. They may also search attorneys online or contact law firms advertising their six and seven-figure bicycle crash settlements. However, prospective clients should keep in mind that marketing testimonials and a website’s visual presence can be misleading and reflect only positive client experiences.
Moreover, an attorney’s professional reputation plays a significant role in his ability to command high-value bicycle accident settlements and successfully litigate cycling injury claims. A reputable attorney will maintain his or her status as an active member of the state bar association and may have extensive litigation experience in bicycle crash cases. A new client should check an attorney’s disciplinary record through the bar’s website. It is also recommended to review public case databases containing the attorney’s work product and judicial filings. These documents may reveal grammatical errors and inconsistencies in communication. Such red flags indicate that the attorney is incompetent and may not be able to adequately represent his or her client’s interests. Besides, he or she may miss important statutory deadlines or make erroneous judicial filings that could negatively impact the case’s outcome.
- Insurance
When a motorist hits a cyclist, the injured party may be entitled to compensation from several sources. First, the cyclist’s personal injury coverage might cover their injuries and property damage, assuming that they have added a bicycle rider to their homeowners or renters insurance policy, or that they purchased special bike insurance for this purpose. Additionally, the driver might have liability coverage under their automobile insurance policy or through a no-fault insurance scheme created by New York law (the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation).
A skilled bike accident lawyer can help determine all of a victim’s damages and pursue them effectively. These include monetary losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, and non-monetary costs, such as pain and suffering. These intangible losses are often underestimated by injury victims, and a knowledgeable lawyer can add them up to get the full amount they deserve.
In some cases, the at-fault driver’s insurer might try to reduce their liability by claiming that the collision was partly your fault or that your injuries are not serious enough. A committed NY bicycle accident attorney can challenge these claims and demand that you receive fair compensation to make you whole again.
In addition, a bicycle accident lawyer can investigate whether the at-fault party owes punitive damages to you as punishment for their misconduct and bad acts. Punitive damages are awarded when the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly egregious or extreme. They are intended to discourage the defendant from engaging in similar wrongdoing in the future. It is important to hire a skilled and experienced bicycle accident lawyer early on in your case to ensure that the facts are properly investigated and that all relevant statutes of limitations are met.
- Out-of-court settlements
A bicycle accident lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve. They also understand how much you’ve lost because of the accident – such as medical bills, property damage, missed work, and pain and suffering.
An attorney will first evaluate your case by listening to your story, asking questions, and examining any evidence you bring to the table. They will then do some research of their own, including contacting experts, as necessary. During the process of an investigation, they will find out who was at fault and what damages you should receive to cover your losses.
The other party and their insurer may try to discredit your case by downplaying your injuries or suggesting you had preexisting conditions. To counter this, your bicycle accident lawyer will carefully examine medical records and other evidence, such as photographs from the scene of the crash. They can then use this information to argue on your behalf and help you get a settlement that covers all of your losses.
The other party’s insurance company will be looking to pay out as little as possible, so it’s best to let your bike accident lawyer deal with the insurer. They’ll handle all communication with the insurer and ensure they don’t lowball you. They can also provide proof of your losses to support the amount you’re claiming in your lawsuit. This will increase your chances of a successful outcome to your claim. Contact a New York Bike Injury Lawyer today to start building your case! We offer our services in Joplin, Columbia, St Joseph & Liberty in Missouri; Overland Park, Wichita & Topeka in Kansas; and Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers & Bella Vista in Arkansas.
- Trials
Bicycle accidents often have complex, multifaceted impacts. Besides serious injuries that can leave you unable to work or suffer significant medical expenses, you also experience emotional distress and lost quality of life. A lawyer will help you recognize the full range of your injuries, losses, and expenses so that you can seek compensation.
A good bicycle accident lawyer will investigate the crash and gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements and medical records. They will identify who was at fault and determine if the accident could have been prevented if the biker or other party had adhered to safety laws. In cases where a dangerous road condition caused the injury, the lawyer will examine the property owner’s responsibility to maintain the roadway.
If the driver who caused your accident was uninsured or underinsured, your attorney will file a claim with their insurer on your behalf. Since insurance providers are for-profit companies, it is in their best interest to deny or negotiate down as many claims as possible. An experienced attorney can handle the insurance company on your behalf so that they cannot take advantage of you.
Once they have gathered sufficient evidence, your lawyer will send the responsible parties a demand letter, which initiates your personal injury claim for compensation. This demand letter will contain the details of your injuries, losses and expenses. Your lawyer will also request compensation for your pain and suffering. This category of damages is intended to compensate you for your physical pain, mental distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
If the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious, your attorney may also pursue punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the defendant for their wrongdoing and serve as a deterrent to others.
