You're biking down the road, enjoying the beautiful day, when suddenly - bam! - a car cuts you off and you go flying over the handlebars. As you lay in the street, cuts and bruises forming, the anger builds inside. How could this happen? Don't they see you have the same rights as a car? When you're able to get up, you see the driver speeding off into the distance. No way are they getting away with this! Time to call in the professionals: a bicycle accident attorney. With an experienced lawyer by your side, you'll get the justice you deserve. Keep reading to learn why you need a bicycle accident attorney, what they can do for you, and how to find the best one in your area. This article has everything you need to make sure drivers start respecting your place on the road.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Distracted Drivers

Unfortunately, many drivers don't pay close attention to cyclists on the road. Texting, phone calls, eating, applying makeup - you name it, distracted drivers do it. And when they're not focused on the road, they don't see us pedaling along. Always make eye contact with drivers, wear bright colors, and follow the rules of the road to avoid becoming the victim of a distracted driver.

Doorings

Getting "doored" is one of the most common causes of bicycle accidents. This happens when a driver or passenger opens their car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. The impact can cause the rider to swerve into traffic or be thrown from their bike. To avoid doorings, ride at least 3 to 5 feet away from parked cars whenever possible.

Blind Spots

Large vehicles like trucks, buses, and SUVs have major blind spots where the driver cannot see. Cyclists lingering in these blind spots are at high risk of being hit. Never ride alongside a large vehicle - pass them quickly and avoid their blind spots. Make eye contact with the driver so they know you're there before passing.

Aggressive or Reckless Drivers

Some drivers exhibit outright aggression or recklessness toward cyclists. Honking, yelling, swerving, or purposefully passing too close are all signs of an reckless driver. Do not engage with these drivers or escalate the situation. Get out of their way as quickly and safely as possible and report reckless behavior to the police whenever you can. No one deserves to feel unsafe while cycling.

With awareness of these common dangers and defensive riding techniques, you can avoid becoming another bicycle accident statistic. Ride safe!

Most Common Bicycle Injuries and Their Long-Term Effects

Head injuries

When cycling, your head is especially vulnerable in an accident. Even at low speeds, a blow to the head can cause a concussion, skull fracture, or traumatic brain injury. These types of head trauma often require emergency care and can have lasting consequences like memory loss, impaired vision, and reduced coordination. Always wear a bicycle helmet to protect yourself.

Broken bones

It's not uncommon for cyclists to break a collarbone, arm, leg, or hip bone in a crash. Fractures require proper realignment and immobilization to heal, which may need surgery and screws or plates to hold the broken bone together during recovery. Although broken bones often heal over 6 to 12 weeks, they can lead to long-term pain, limited mobility, and arthritis.

Soft tissue damage

Muscle strains, tendon tears, and ligament sprains are common soft tissue injuries for cyclists. These painful overstretches and tears can cause swelling, bruising, and loss of function or stability in the affected area. While rest, ice, compression and elevation provide relief, severe sprains and tears may require physical therapy, bracing, or in rare cases surgery to repair. They often heal within a few months but can recur or lead to chronic pain.

By understanding the risks and taking proper precautions, you can enjoy cycling while avoiding injury. Always choose a safe route, follow the rules of the road, wear protective gear, and be visible to others. Your health and safety should be top priorities every time you go for a ride. Cycling is a wonderful activity, so take measures to prevent accidents and their potential long-term impacts.

Do I Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney?

Cycling accidents can often lead to serious injuries, and in some cases, legal claims. If you’ve been in a bicycle crash caused by another party’s negligence, you may benefit from consulting with a bicycle accident attorney. They can help determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit and guide you through the legal process.

Assess Liability and Damages

A bicycle accident lawyer will review the details of your accident to determine who is at fault and the extent of your damages. If another vehicle, defective road conditions, or reckless behavior caused your crash, you may have a viable claim. Your attorney can calculate costs like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering to determine appropriate compensation.

Deal with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies are primarily concerned with their bottom line, not providing you fair compensation. An attorney who has experience negotiating with insurers will know their tactics and fight to get you the maximum settlement possible. They can handle communications and paperwork, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Provide Legal Representation

If your claim cannot be settled out of court, your bicycle accident attorney will represent you in the legal system. They are familiar with laws like traffic regulations and personal injury statutes that apply to cycling accidents. They can gather evidence, question witnesses, and argue your case in court to help obtain a favorable verdict or settlement.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

A bicycle accident can happen in the blink of an eye. If you've been in an accident, the most important thing is your safety. Get out of traffic and call for emergency services if anyone has been seriously injured. Once you've moved to a safe area, here are the steps you should take:

Check for Injuries

Adrenaline may mask pain after an accident, so do a thorough check of yourself and anyone else involved for injuries. Seek medical attention right away for any serious or life-threatening injuries. Even for minor injuries, it's best to get checked out by a doctor as internal damage is not always immediately apparent.

Call the Police

Call the local police to report the accident. They will document the details of the crash for insurance and legal purposes. Provide factual information about what happened and get a copy of the police report for your records.

Get Driver and Witness Information

If a vehicle was involved, get the driver's name, address, license plate number, driver's license number, insurance details, and contact information. Also get contact information for any witnesses to the accident. Their accounts of the event can be important if questions arise later about who was at fault.

Take Pictures

Use your phone to take photos of the accident site, any damage to the vehicles involved, injuries, and the surrounding area. Pictures provide visual evidence that can support insurance claims and be used in court if needed. Take photos of the bike as well to document any damage.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney

If the accident was severe or involved a vehicle, contact an attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents. They can advise you on next steps to take and help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost work, and other accident-related costs. An attorney can also handle contacting insurance companies on your behalf.

Finding the Best Bicycle Accident Attorney Near Me

If you've been injured in a bicycle accident, you need to find an attorney who understands the unique situations faced by cyclists. Look for attorneys in your area who specifically handle bicycle accident and personal injury cases. ###Do some research online for bicycle accident attorneys in your city or state. Check their websites to see their experience, credentials, and client reviews. See if they offer a free consultation.

Discuss their strategy for handling your claim. Will they work to get you the maximum settlement possible from insurance companies? Are they willing to take a case to court if needed? Their approach to your case can determine the outcome. Look for an attorney who will be an advocate for you and fight for fair compensation.

Feel confident with their services and fees. Most bicycle accident attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. Their fees typically range from 25-40% of your settlement. Make sure you understand all fees and costs before signing a contract. Look for an attorney with a proven track record of success in bicycle accident cases.

Conclusion

So there you have it - a quick rundown of how to find a qualified bicycle accident attorney in your area. Don't wait until after an accident to start researching - have a few numbers handy in case the unthinkable happens. And remember, the right lawyer for you is someone experienced but also personable, so don't be afraid to interview a few. With the right counsel on your side, you'll get the best outcome and fairest settlement, allowing you to move on from the trauma. Ride safe out there, but know that support is available if the worst should happen. You've got this.