Every year, countless cyclists are involved in accidents caused by cars or other vehicles while on the road. Despite the various safety measures put in place, these accidents continue to occur and often result in severe injuries or even fatalities. In 2018, California had the highest number of bicyclist fatalities (155) among all states. This article specifically addresses such incidents, providing critical information for cyclists who have been injured in a collision with a car or vehicle.
Understanding your rights and the legal options available is crucial in ensuring you receive the necessary compensation for your injuries and damages to your bicycle. This guide will break down the essential details of accident claims, the common causes of such accidents, and the steps involved in seeking compensation. Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to making a claim, thus understanding the process is paramount.
Rights of Cyclists When Injured by a Car or Vehicle
In the event of an injury caused by a car or vehicle, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. These rights are designed to protect cyclists and ensure they receive the necessary compensation for their injuries and any damages to the bicycle.
- Right to Medical Treatment: If you’re injured in a collision with a car or vehicle, you have the right to receive prompt and appropriate medical treatment. Your health and well-being are a priority, so seek medical attention immediately and document your injuries for future legal purposes.
- Right to File a Personal Injury Claim: After a bicycle accident, cyclists have the right to file a personal injury claim against the responsible driver. This claim can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
- Right to Legal Representation: Cyclists have the right to hire a lawyer to represent them in their personal injury claim. A bicycle accident lawyer can guide cyclists through the complex legal processes and ensure their rights are protected.
The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents Caused by Vehicles
Despite the precautions taken by cyclists, accidents still happen, often due to the negligence of motor vehicle drivers. Approximately 45,000 bicyclists were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2018. The causes of these accidents are varied, but some factors appear more often than others. Understanding these common causes can help cyclists stay more alert and possibly avoid a devastating collision. Here are the most common causes of bicycle accidents caused by vehicles:
- Distracted Driving: These days, drivers are often distracted by their smartphones, GPS systems, or even food while they drive. This lack of attention can lead to serious accidents with cyclists.
- Failure to Yield: Bicyclists have the same rights on the road as cars do. However, many accidents occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists at intersections, driveways, and crosswalks.
- Dooring: This is when a parked vehicle’s door is suddenly opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist, causing the cyclist to crash into it.
- Speeding: Drivers traveling at high speeds have less time to react to cyclists and other obstacles on the road. This can result in collisions with cyclists, who often suffer severe injuries due to the force of impact.
- Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, which can lead to tragic accidents with cyclists.
Most Common Injuries Suffered by Cyclists After a Car Accident
When a cyclist is struck by a vehicle, the injuries incurred can range from minor bruises to severe, life-altering conditions. Here are the most common injuries that a cyclist might face post a vehicular accident:
- Head Injuries: Head injuries are the most common injury sustained by cyclists involved in road accidents. This can result in concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or even skull fractures. Approximately 75% of fatal bicycle crashes involve a head injury.
- Fractures: The force exerted during a car collision can often lead to broken or fractured bones. Commonly affected areas include the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Road Rash: Often, a cyclist might be thrown off their bike and skid across the pavement, causing severe skin abrasions known as road rash.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Depending on the severity of the collision, there is a risk of damage to the spinal cord, which can lead to permanent paralysis or other mobility issues.
- Internal Injuries: The impact of a collision can cause internal bleeding or damage to internal organs, which may not be immediately noticeable but can be life-threatening.
- Fatal Injuries: Sadly, more than 800 bicyclists died in traffic crashes in the United States in 2018 and only 20% of bicyclists killed in 2018 were wearing helmets. If your partner or close family member was killed due to the fault of another road user while cycling on the road, you may be entitled to make a wrongful death claim.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident with a Car or Vehicle
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a highly stressful and disorienting experience. However, the actions you take in the immediate aftermath can significantly impact any future legal claims you may wish to make. Here are some crucial steps you should follow after being hit by a car or vehicle on the road:
- Ensure Safety: Firstly, move to a safe location away from the traffic if you’re physically able to do so.
- Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of how minor your injuries might seem, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. Not only is this important for your health, but it also forms part of the medical evidence required in your claim.
- Report the Incident: Contact local law enforcement and report the accident. Ensure a police report is made, as this is a crucial piece of evidence.
- Document the Scene: If possible, take photographs or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bicycle.
- Collect Information: Gather as much information as you can from the other party involved in the accident, including their name, contact details, vehicle details, and insurance information.
- Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: It’s advisable to seek the help of a qualified bicycle accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and help you claim the compensation you’re entitled to.
Bicycle Accident Lawsuit Compensation Claims Process
If you are a cyclist who has been injured by an at-fault driver, it’s crucial to understand the legal process that follows. Here are the primary steps involved in a bicycle accident lawsuit:
- File a lawsuit: Your lawyer will file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, detailing your injuries, the driver’s negligence, and the compensation you are seeking.
- Discovery process: Both sides will exchange information in a process known as discovery. This usually involves written questions, document requests, and depositions.
- Negotiate a settlement (most cases settle at this stage): Most cases are settled before trial. Your lawyer will negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement.
- Go to trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial where a judge or jury will decide on the outcome.
Cycling accident lawsuits can be complex and time-consuming. It’s critical to have an experienced bicycle accident lawyer by your side to navigate the intricacies of the legal system and fight for your rights.
The Benefits of Hiring a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Cycling is not just a mode of transportation but also a popular recreational activity. However, the road seldom offers a level playing field for cyclists. In the unfortunate event of a bicycle accident, securing the services of a lawyer who specializes in bicycle accidents can be crucial to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the benefits:
- Expert Guidance: Navigating the legal landscape can be challenging for the uninitiated. A bicycle accident lawyer understands the nuances of the law and will provide expert guidance throughout the process.
- Claim Evaluation: A knowledgeable lawyer can accurately evaluate your injuries, damages, and overall situation to determine the worth of your claim.
- Greater Negotiation Power: A lawyer has the ability to negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
- Legal Representation: In case your claim goes to court, a bicycle accident lawyer will represent you and fight for your rights.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that a professional is handling your case allows you to focus on recovery.
Factors That Affect Your Bicycle Accident Compensation
When a cyclist is involved in an accident, several factors can have an impact on the compensation they may receive. These factors help determine the extent of the damages, the culpability of the involved parties, and the overall claim value.
- Liability: One of the first things that is considered in any accident case is who is at fault. In some cases, the driver may be fully at fault. In other cases, the cyclist may share some of the blame. This can affect the amount of compensation you’re entitled to.
- Injury Severity: The nature of your injuries will greatly affect your compensation. More serious injuries typically result in higher compensation amounts, as they may require extensive medical care and cause significant pain and suffering.
- Medical Costs: The cost of medical treatments, both immediate and future, are taken into account when calculating your compensation. This can include everything from emergency room visits to physiotherapy.
- Loss of Earnings: If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you could be compensated for lost income. This can also extend to reduced earning capacity if your injuries have long-term effects on your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: This is non-economic damage that covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries. It is typically harder to quantify, but it is an important aspect of your compensation.
- Property Damage: If your bicycle or other property was damaged in the accident, you could be compensated for the repair or replacement costs.
It’s crucial to work with a skilled bicycle accident lawyer who can accurately estimate the value of your claim, taking into account all these factors.
Important Time Limits to Consider in Bicycle Accident Claims
In the aftermath of a bike accident, it’s essential to be aware of the time limits within which you can file a claim for compensation. These time limits, known as the statute of limitations, can vary from state to state. This guide focuses primarily on California’s car and road injury claim time limits, before briefly touching on the time limits for other major U.S. states.
California
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including bike accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries. If you don’t file a claim within this timeframe, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
Lawsuits against government entities, however, have a different time limit. If your accident involved a government vehicle or occurred due to poorly maintained public infrastructure, you have six months from the date of the accident to file a claim.
Now, let’s have a brief look at the statutes of limitations in other major U.S. states:
- Florida: Four years for personal injury cases, three years for property damage
- Illinois: Two years for personal injury cases, five years for property damage
- New York: Three years for personal injury cases, three years for property damage
- Texas: Two years for both personal injury and property damage cases
Please note, it is recommended to consult with a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer in your specific state to understand your rights and the applicable time limits better.
Get Advice
Understanding your rights as a cyclist and the legal procedures involved in bicycle accident claims can feel like a steep uphill challenge. However, it doesn’t have to be daunting, especially with the right bicycle accident lawyer by your side. These professionals have extensive experience and knowledge of the legal complexities associated with bicycle accidents and can provide invaluable guidance.
Key takeaways to remember include:
- Accidents are often caused by negligent drivers, poor road conditions, and visibility issues.
- Common injuries include head injuries, fractures, and spinal injuries.
- There are specific time limits within which you must make a claim following a bicycle accident.
- It’s crucial to take appropriate steps when making a claim, including collecting evidence, seeking medical attention, and hiring a bicycle accident lawyer.
Armed with this information, we hope you feel more confident in navigating the aftermath of a bicycle accident. While it is a situation no one wishes to find themselves in, knowing your rights and potential compensation avenues can make a big difference.
Remember, consulting with a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer specific to your state is not just a recommendation, it’s a critical step in understanding your rights, the applicable time limits better, and ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.