Have you or someone in your family sustained injuries from a bike accident? You deserve compensation – get the help of a skilled personal injury lawyer from West Seegmiller Attorneys.
Bicycle accidents do not seem to rouse serious concern from a statistical point of view. Bicyclist deaths contributed to only 2 percent of traffic fatalities and 2 percent of traffic injuries in the latest findings of the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration.
However, these are just statistics. If you have sustained injuries from a bike accident, it can be devastating. Not only are you burdened with medical expenses, but you may also need to prove who’s responsible for the accident. And in cases like this, people can be quick to judge you as a bicyclist. You need a skilled and experienced lawyer to handle your case andensure that you are compensated fairly.
Bike Accident Causes
The top cause of bike accidents is collision with vehicles. According to Bicycling Magazine, the five most common bike-car collisions are:
- Left-cross – When a car makes a left turn without seeing an approaching bicycle
- Right hook – When a car passes a traveling bicycle on the right side of the road, then makes a right turn, crossing the bike’s path
- “Dooring” – When a bicycle passes by a car parked on the side of the road, just as the car door opens towards the bike
- Parking lot exit – When a car exits a parking area just as a bicycle is passing by the exit
- Overtaking – When a car hits a bicycle from behind
Aside from vehicular collisions, road hazards are also a threat to bicyclists. Potholes, sewer grates, and rail tracks are just some of the common road objects that can sway a relatively unstable vehicle like a bike. In such cases, the government may be held liable if they could have done something to eliminate the risk in the first place.
Claiming Compensation for a Bicycle Accident
Though bicycles are considered relatively safe, a bike accident can lead to catastrophic results, such as a serious injury or even the death of a loved one. You deserve to be compensated financially and emotionally for the medical treatment, loss of opportunities, and even emotional pain that you are going through.
However, it can be difficult to pinpoint where the responsibility lies. A skilled attorney can help you prove someone else’s liability and claim the compensation you deserve. Aside from providing you with legal support, a good lawyer can also help you obtain the medical and even logistical care needed for your injuries.