FAQs About Bicycle Accidents

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, you may have many lingering questions. Most importantly, you must get good legal representation after a bike accident. This guide will provide you with some of the most commonly asked questions regarding bicycle accidents. This will help you gain a little insight before you hire an attorney.

FAQs About Bicycle Accidents

What are some of the first steps I must take following a bicycle accident?

No matter what role you played in a bicycle accident, it is important that you remain on the scene and wait for medical personnel to arrive. Unless you have been seriously hurt, your duty is to cooperate with law enforcement without admitting fault to anyone. Avoid giving any statements to the insurance company without speaking with an attorney first.

What if my injuries aren’t immediately serious but I have some soreness?

Never underestimate your injuries, whether it be a bruised or sore knee. Personal injury attorneys deal with these types of cases and clients all the time. They are used to seeing clients who thought their injuries were minor in the beginning only to find out later that their injuries are much more severe. This can cause you to miss work and result in an accumulation of medical bills. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

What if an issue with my bike caused the accident?

If your bike has a broken fork, cracked frame, or brake issues, this may warrant judgment against the manufacturer. Again, this is something that a personal injury attorney can advise you about. Personal injury attorneys have experience examining these types of product liability claims and can easily hold the manufacturer liable.

Will it be expensive to retain a lawyer for representation?

When hiring a bicycle accident attorney, there are no up-front fees that must be paid. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only collect if your case wins. If they are unable to take your case, they will be honest with you from the start.

What type of damage am I entitled to following a bike accident?

If you were injured in a bike accident, you may qualify to receive compensation for your injuries in the form of economic and non-economic damages. These damages include pain and suffering, medical bills, mental anguish, lost wages, property damage, and more.

Why is it critical that I hire a personal injury attorney?

While possible, it is often challenging to handle personal injury cases on your own. It can easily become stressful, especially while you are trying to focus on recovery. Hiring a personal injury is beneficial because it allows you to focus on recovering while they handle your case. The bottom line: never hesitate to reach out to a personal injury attorney following a bicycle accident.

How will liability be determined following a bike accident?

Depending on the state in which you reside, determining liability may vary. For example, if you reside in a shared fault state, either party could be held responsible for the accident. A court may analyze your actions to help them figure out whether you contributed to the accident in any way.

Are there any laws that require bicyclists to wear helmets?

Again, this depends on the state in which you reside. Most states don’t require the use of helmets. However, it is highly recommended that you protect yourself by wearing a properly fitting helmet. Wearing a helmet can protect you against brain injuries if you are involved in an accident.