Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Bicycling is growing in popularity as recreation, exercise, and transportation. That’s why it’s more important than ever to understand the risks of bicycle accidents, and what to do if you or a loved one experiences an accident. One step in particular tends to be overlooked: receiving compensation for the damages you suffer in the accident.

At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we are experienced bicycle accident lawyers who understand what victims are going through. 

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents Across the United States

One of the first steps in avoiding bicycle accidents is avoiding common causes. Here are a few of the most common in the United States.

• Motor vehicle collisions: A significant portion of bicycle accidents, particularly the most dangerous ones, are a result of colliding with motor vehicles like cars, trucks, and buses.
• Poor road conditions: Falls are a common type of bicycle accident, and poor road conditions are often a contributing factor.
• Dooring: A motorist carelessly leaving a car door open can pose a great risk to passing bicyclists.

Types of Injuries Caused by Bike Accidents

Bicycle injuries can be devastating, despite the lower speeds involved, due to the lack of protection for a bicyclist in comparison to the driver of a motor vehicle. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Head injuries: Bicyclists can suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) like concussions, or other head injuries like skull fractures.
• Bone fractures: Broken bones are common in bicycle accidents, particularly to the arms, legs, and collarbones.
• Spinal injuries: Some of the most severe impacts can lead to devastating spinal injuries, possibly even paralysis or other long-term disabilities.
• Neck and back injuries: When a bicyclist is hit by a car, they can suffer tremendous injuries to their neck and back, like herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, whiplash, and a lot more.
• Soft tissue injuries: Bicyclists are relatively vulnerable, and even mild impacts can lead to soft tissue injuries like muscle strains, bruises, skin abrasions, and contusions.
• Death: Because cyclists are so unprotected, when they are hit by a 2000 lbs car the results can be fatal. This is especially true in instances where the rider was not wearing a helmet. 

Research has shown that helmet use can reduce the risk of injury by more than 60%, particularly some of the most severe head injuries.

Proving Negligence in a Bicycle Accident Case

To pursue a successful claim in your bicycle accident cases, establishing negligence by the other involved party is key. Negligence is the failure to behave with a level of care that a reasonable person would exercise under the circumstances.

The standard for negligence involves four conditions.

• The responsible party owes you a standard of care – for instance, every driver has a responsibility to the general public to operate their motor vehicle safely and responsibly.
• The responsible party breached that duty of care.
• You have been injured or otherwise suffered damages.
• The responsible party’s negligence directly led to the injury or damages.

Types of Evidence Used

Personal injury lawyers like the team at WHG utilize a wide variety of evidence to pursue your case and seek the compensation you deserve.

Police reports provide crucial documentation of the incident. Medical records offer a comprehensive look at the injuries you suffered and the costs of treatment. Witness statements can corroborate the truth of what occurred. Surveillance footage or dashcam footage can also offer visual proof.

Recovering Your Damages   

Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia will have your back every step of the way as you seek to recover damages. It’s not just about the injuries you suffered during the accident: economic and emotional damages are taken into account as well when determining compensation.

WHG can pursue damages for:

• Current medical expenses
• Future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• And more

Whether the case is settled in or out of court, you deserve to be compensated for the damages suffered. 

Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

The immediate aftermath of a bicycle accident can be chaotic and difficult to process, particularly if you or a loved one has been severely injured. If you can, follow these steps after the accident to help protect evidence and ensure your case is as successful as possible.

1. Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, your first move should be getting checked out by a medical professional. With your adrenaline pumping, you may not be fully aware of your injuries, and a medical checkup will generate an important paper trail.
2. Document the scene. Take photos, collect contact information from any eyewitnesses, and obtain a copy of the police report.
3. Avoid repairing your bicycle or biking equipment right away. Especially if you’re seeking compensation, your damaged property can be a key piece of evidence.
4. Speak to a bicycle accident lawyer. The insurance adjusters for the opposing party in your case will fight against providing compensation, and they will have their own lawyers. Make sure you have someone like Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia in your corner.

Choose WHG to Handle Your Bicycle Accident Case

A serious accident can cause huge disruptions in your life, and it can be a confusing and chaotic time. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we want to make this as easy for you as we can.

Our dedicated team is committed to fighting for your rights and ensuring the best outcome possible. We understand the complexities of these cases, we have a proven track record of success, and we will work with you every step of the way to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Bicycle Accident Experts at WHG

If you were injured in a bicycle accident and you need help getting the all compensation that you are owed, contact Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia to have your case evaluated for free. You can contact us online or by calling (800) 320-HELP

Frequently Asked Questions

Does car insurance cover bicycle accidents?

In most cases, yes, the responsible driver’s car insurance should cover any damages like medical bills or property damage. Consult with a bicycle accident lawyer to understand the ins and outs of your unique situation.

How much compensation will I receive for my damages?

The compensation received in a bicycle accident case can vary depending on factors like the severity of your injuries and how much income you’ve lost. Working with a professional can help you figure out exactly what you’re fairly owed.

Will my bicycle accident go to trial? 

Not all bicycle accident cases go to trial–many are solved through settlements or mediation. If these options are unable to secure a satisfactory outcome in your case, the bicycle accident lawyers at WHG are prepared to follow through to court if necessary.