Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Lake County, IN, Giving Clients a Legal Advocate
Bicycling is a great way to get around town, save money on gas, and get some exercise, but it can also be dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are over 1000 bicyclist fatalities on the road in the United States per year. In addition, there are over 130,000 injuries suffered by bicyclists yearly.
If you are in this niche group of people who enjoy riding bicycles, you should know that there are laws in place to help protect you in the event of an accident. These laws vary from state to state, but they all share one common goal: to keep bicyclists safe. Sometimes drivers of motor vehicles don’t follow these laws, and that’s when accidents happen.
If you are hurt in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced bike accident lawyer right away. We at Hassuneh Law Firm understand the risks that cyclists face on the road every day. We have years of experience representing clients who have been injured in bike accidents. We know what to do to ensure that you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us now for a no-obligation consultation at (219) 400-2200.
What Are the Most Common Causes and Injuries in Bicycle Accidents?
Most bicycle accidents are caused by the negligence of another party, such as a driver who fails to yield or see a cyclist. Other common causes include defective bike parts, potholes, and debris on the road. The most common injuries in bicycle accidents include head injuries, broken bones, and soft tissue damage. Sometimes death can occur.
There are several things cyclists can do to avoid being involved in an accident. First, always wear a helmet when riding. Second, be visible by wearing bright clothing and using lights at night. Third, obey all traffic laws and signals. Fourth, be aware of your surroundings and be cautious of drivers who may not see you.
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. You should also contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer who can help you recover the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Hassuneh Law Firm have represented many cyclists who have been injured in accidents and are dedicated to fighting for their rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Damages Can I Recover Following a Bicycle Accident?
When you are injured in an accident, you can sue for all the damages that were proximately caused by the accident, and that will flow from the injuries. You want to make sure to get all the money you are entitled to so that you can be made whole. Personal injury damages following a bicycle accident fall into two broad categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those that have a specific monetary value attached to them. They include things like:
-Medical bills (past and future): This can include the cost of ambulance transportation, hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and any other medical treatment you need as a result of the accident.
-Lost wages: If you had to miss work because of the accident or your injuries, you could recover those lost wages. You can also recover lost future earnings if your injuries have caused a disability that prevents you from working or reduces your capacity to earn what you could have earned.
-Property damage: This can include the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle, as well as any other property that was damaged in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify because they don’t have a direct monetary value. These types of damages include:
-Pain and suffering: This can include both the physical pain and suffering caused by your injuries, as well as the mental anguish and emotional distress.
-Loss of consortium: These are damages that may be available to a spouse if the injuries caused by the accident have impacted the spousal relationship.
-Loss of enjoyment of life: This damage is intended to compensate you for the ways that your injuries have impacted the activities and hobbies that you enjoy.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, the court may award punitive damages. These types of damages are not intended to compensate the victim but rather to punish the at-fault party and deter future misconduct. Punitive damages are only available in situations where the at-fault party’s conduct was particularly egregious.
The number of damages you may be entitled to following a bicycle accident will depend on the severity of your injuries, as well as other factors. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Lake County can help you determine what type and amount of damages you may be able to recover.
What Are the Steps to Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim?
After being involved in a bicycle accident, you will likely have many questions about how to proceed. Should you file a claim? How do you file a claim? What are the deadlines for filing a claim? An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can answer all of these questions and more.
The first step is to determine whether you have grounds for a claim. To do this, you will need to collect evidence and speak to witnesses. You should also take photos of the scene of the accident and your injuries. Once you have gathered this information, you can consult with a lawyer to discuss your options. If you decide to file a claim, the next step is to gather evidence to support your case. This includes collecting medical records, speaking to witnesses, and collecting any other evidence that may be relevant to your case.
The final step is to file a claim with the appropriate court. This can be done online or in person. Once your claim is filed, you will need to attend a hearing, where a judge will hear your case and decide whether or not to award you damages. If you are awarded damages, you will then need to collect them from the responsible party.
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to consult with an experienced lawyer who can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Why Should I Use a Personal Injury Lawyer in My Bicycle Accident Case?
There are many good reasons to use a personal injury lawyer in Hobart if you have been involved in a bicycle accident. Many people who are injured in bike accidents are not sure what their legal rights are, and an experienced attorney can help you understand your options and make the best decisions for your situation.
A personal injury lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. If you try to handle your case on your own, the insurance company may low-ball you or deny your claim altogether. But an experienced lawyer will know how to negotiate with the insurance company to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Finally, a personal injury lawyer can take care of all the details of your case so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Dealing with the insurance company, filling out paperwork, and dealing with the legal system can be time-consuming and stressful. But if you have a lawyer on your side, you can focus on your recovery while your lawyer takes care of everything else.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to get help. Contact a personal injury lawyer at Hassuneh Law Firm today to learn more about your legal rights and options. Call us at (219) 400-2200 to get started.