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HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT
If you've been injured in a bike accident, you might be wondering if you have a case. The answer to that question depends on the specifics of your situation, but some factors are always important to consider. In this Bicycle Accident post, we'll discuss some of the basics of bicycle accident cases and personal injury law, so that you can start to get a better idea of what's involved. Keep in mind that this is just an overview – for specific advice about your bicycle accident case, you should contact The Sheldrick Law Firm and speak directly with an attorney.
There are two main types of bicycle accident cases:
Those where the cyclist was hit by a car, and those where the cyclist was injured due to some other factor, like road conditions or defective equipment. If you were hit by a car, the driver may be liable for your injuries. This is true even if the driver wasn't breaking any traffic laws – in many states, drivers are required to exercise "due care" when around cyclists, and this means being careful not to do anything that could reasonably be expected to cause an accident. If the driver was breaking a law, like running a stop sign, they may be automatically liable for any resulting injuries.
In cases where the cyclist was injured due to some other factor, like road conditions or defective equipment, there may still be someone who can be held responsible. For example, if you were cycling on a poorly maintained road and hit a pothole that caused you to crash, the government entity responsible for maintaining that road may be liable for your injuries. Similarly, if you were using a bicycle that had a manufacturing defect, the company that made the bike may be held responsible.
Many different factors can affect whether or not you have a case, and how strong your case is.
Some of the important considerations include:
- The severity of your injuries: One strong factor in a successful case is to have suffered injuries that are serious enough to warrant legal action. This means more than just a few bruises – you will likely need to have suffered broken bones, spinal cord damage, or some other type of significant injury. This doesn't make or break a case but does increase the strength of a bicycle accident case.
- Whether the other party was at fault: As we mentioned above, for there to be a successful case, someone else will need to be at fault for your injuries. This could be the driver in a bicycle accident, the entity responsible for maintaining the road conditions, or the company that manufactured a defective bicycle.
- The cost of your medical treatment: Having incurred significant medical expenses as a result of your injuries. This could include the cost of ambulance transportation, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation.
- Whether you missed work as a result of your injuries: Another key factor to having success in a case, you will need to have lost income as a direct result of your injuries. This could mean that you had to miss work due to being in the hospital, or that you are now unable to work because of your injuries.
Keep in mind that this is just a general overview of bicycle accident cases and personal injury law – for specific advice about your case, you should contact an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.
The Sheldrick Law Firm handles bicycle accident cases, and our personal injury lawyer Kayla Sheldrick would be happy to review your case and advise you of your legal options. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Here is what you should do after a bicycle accident...
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1. If you are injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
2. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case and find out what steps to take next.
3. Bicycle accidents can be very serious and may result in long-term injuries.
4. A lawyer will be able to help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
5. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, don't wait - contact a lawyer today!
BICYCLE ACCIDENTS can become deadly very easily so it is important to be precautions while riding a bicycle, especially on major busy roads. Wearing a bicycle helmet is the number one most important safety precaution a rider can take.
According to the "National Safety Council Injury Facts" , 932 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2020.
That’s more than two people killed every day while riding their bikes. And while that figure represents an increase of 8.9% from the 856 killed in 2019, the rate is continuing to go up. In fact, bicycle fatalities have been trending upward since reaching their lowest point in 2010, when 623 were killed. What’s more, the number of people injured while riding bicycles has increased as well, from 45,000 in 2010 to nearly 58,000 in 2018.
In addition to that, the CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, "bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 50%, and the reduce the risk of face, or neck injury by 33%."
Helmets are so effective that the CDC recommends that all riders, regardless of age, wear one whenever they are on a bicycle.
There are a number of other safety measures cyclists can take to protect themselves, including:
- Wearing bright or reflective clothing to make yourself more visible to drivers
- Using lights and reflectors on your bicycle, even during the daytime
- Following the rules of the road and riding in a predictable manner
- Being aware of your surroundings at all times and looking out for potential hazards
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Cyclists who are involved in traffic accidents often suffer serious, if not fatal, injuries.
Some of the most common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Bicycle accident victims often face a long road to recovery, and some may never fully recover from their injuries.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible.
A bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
There are many reasons to hire a bicycle accident lawyer, but here are some of the most important:
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- A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected.
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- A lawyer will have experience dealing with insurance companies and will fight to get you the maximum compensation possible.
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- A lawyer can help you understand the complex laws surrounding bicycle accidents and personal injury claims.
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- A lawyer will work tirelessly to get you the justice you deserve."
At the Sheldrick Law Firm, we understand that bicycle accident victims are often facing mounting medical bills and other expenses.
We work on a contingency basis, which means that you will only owe us if we win your case. There are other personal injury lawyers who work on an hourly basis, but we believe that this type of arrangement puts our clients at a disadvantage. With an hourly rate, you may be hesitant to call your lawyer with questions or updates, for fear of racking up a large bill. With a contingency agreement, you can rest assured that we are only getting paid if we win your case. This means that we are motivated to work hard and get you the best possible outcome.
How much money does a lawyer cost?
There is no easy answer when it comes to how much a lawyer costs. Every case is different, and the amount of money you will spend on a lawyer depends on a number of factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The amount of damages you are seeking
- The complexity of your case
- Whether or not you win your case
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Learn more about How much a lawyer may cost for a case that's similar to your very own.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a bicycle accident, don't wait - contact us today. The sooner you get legal assistance, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. The Sheldrick Law Firm serves clients in Florida, New Jersey and New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and available for a free consultation regarding your accident.
Call us today at (561) 440-7775 to set up your free consultation with our accident & personal injury lawyer Kayla Sheldrick.