If you have been involved in a bicycle accident you may be considering filing a personal injury claim. These claims are often settled out of court and can be completed in a matter of months. But are personal injury claims worth the time and effort they require? If you have been seriously injured by someone else’s negligence or error, you are probably facing steep medical bills, loss of wages and other expenses. Discussing your potential claim with a personal injury lawyer is the best way to determine what your options are. You may be surprised by what your bicycle accident case is actually worth.
Fault
The first step in any personal injury case, including bicycle accidents, is determination of fault. This basically answers the question – Who was at fault for the accident? Many bicycle accidents occur because a car driver is inattentive or simply doesn’t see the bicyclist. If you were riding in a reasonably safe way at the time of the accident, a bicycle accident attorney will be able to prove that you were not at fault for the crash and therefore eligible for 100 percent compensation. There are several different parties that may be at fault in a bicycle accident case. If a negligent driver is at fault, then, he or she can be held liable for the crash.
The city or governmental entity responsible for maintaining the roadway can also be held liable for the accident, in the event the collision was the end result of a dangerous or unsafe condition on that roadway. Without the guidance of a skilled bicycle accident lawyer, you may inadvertently make some statements or take action that could jeopardize your claim. Remember, insurance companies will try to reduce the value of your claim by placing the blame or fault on your shoulders. Please do not let this happen to you.
Damages
To determine how much your accident is worth you must consider all of the damages involved. Any and all medical expenses that arise from the crash may be considered losses. You may have emergency room fees, medication prescription fees, physical therapy bills or medical procedures that you need because of the accident.
If the crash forced you to miss work you may be able to request lost wages. This goes for lost wages immediately following the crash and work missed in the future because of your injuries. Even future earnings may be taken into consideration when the injuries are life changing or result in long-term disabilities. Pain, suffering and mental anguish may also be considered while reviewing the total cost of a crash.
If you have been injured in a Washington bicycle accident, please contact the experienced Washington bicycle accident lawyers of The Bernard Law Group for a free and comprehensive consultation. We will ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable and that you secure fair compensation for your injuries, damages and losses.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON – CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
