Bicycles are used for transportation by a lot of different types of individuals. Sharing the road with larger vehicles, however, can be dangerous. Unfortunately, accidents happen often across the country. After getting into a crash, one of the first questions you might have is: what is my bicycle accident claim worth?
A bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your rights to compensation after a crash. If you suffered an injury or a loved one was killed in a bicycle crash, contact a Pennsylvania bicycle accident attorney immediately.
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The value of a bike accident claim largely depends on the severity of the injuries you suffered. Injuries can be serious due to the lack of protection cyclists have, but they can vary widely from case to case.
Some of the most common injuries bicyclists face include:
Always seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries, as you should have a prompt diagnosis. This allows you to begin medical treatment right away and also creates a record of your injuries to use as evidence in your legal claim. After you get medical care, the next step is to have a bicycle accident attorney assess your legal rights and the possible value of your case.
Having an attorney review your case after an accident is important to help determine its value. Various factors can influence the final value of your case, including the following:
The liable party is responsible for paying damages after a bicycle accident. The correct person must accept liability for the accident. In some cases, liability is in question. Whenever there is a question of liability, a defendant will try to escape accountability. You need an attorney to stand up for you and bring each responsible party to justice.
Sometimes, the final value of a bicycle accident is based on insurance coverage limits. Insurance coverage limits are different based on the details of your policy. For example, if a defendant’s policy limits are $25,000 per person per accident for bodily injury, that is often the only money available for damages. An attorney can review insurance policies to determine the final value of your settlement.
Severe injuries can mean a lengthy recovery process. A long recovery process can mean expenses are piling up. The recovery phase can also mean mental stress. Discuss the severity of your injuries and their real-life consequences with your attorney.
Some injuries are so severe that they can keep you away from work. Losing hours at work can put you behind on bills, and coupled with the cost of medical treatment, you can quickly find yourself behind financially. The responsibility for paying your lost income is on the person or entity responsible for causing the accident.
Lost earning capacity refers to someone’s decreased ability to work in the same or similar way that they did before an accident. Accident victims deserve compensation for losing the ability to pursue their chosen profession.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, the medical expenses you incur can be astounding. Some injuries require extended periods of recovery. For example, your injury can require rehabilitation and physical therapy to fully recover.
You might be entitled to recover property damages after a bicycle accident. It is important to get repair estimates after a crash to know what a fair compensation package will be if it includes the costs of repair.
Pain and suffering damages are not meant to compensate the victim. Accident victims are awarded pain and suffering as a way to punish a defendant and hopefully deter this type of activity from future defendants.
A reduced ability to enjoy life can be a result of a bicycle accident. An attorney can help you understand the evidence necessary to prove your losses.
There is no substitute for having an attorney on your side after an accident. Bicycle accidents can get complicated. The rules, paperwork, and talks with insurance adjusters are just a few examples of how much work goes into winning an accident case. Your attorney is your teammate as you go after the financial recovery that you deserve.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you in the following ways:
After evaluating your case, a bicycle accident attorney can determine the estimated final value of your claim. Understanding the losses you have suffered and their estimated value can help you know if you are getting the best settlement offer available.
Speaking to insurance adjusters after an accident can be difficult. The adjusters want to protect the company’s bottom line, even if that means you do not receive a fair settlement. An attorney works to bypass any tactics that insurance companies may use to avoid paying you a proper settlement.
You will undoubtedly have a ton of questions after an accident. Turning to an online search can leave you with even more questions and unsatisfactory answers. Having a professional at your disposal can give you confidence that your questions will be properly answered.
While many accident cases are settled during the negotiations phase, there are instances where cases are resolved in court. Stepping into a courtroom and fighting for your right to compensation after an accident can be scary. Fortunately, hiring a bicycle accident attorney will ensure you have an experienced advocate to fight for your interests.
There is no need to pursue compensation after a bicycle accident alone. If you have suffered an injury or a loved one was killed in a crash, contact a Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer immediately to protect your legal right to compensation.
Marcus & Mack
