I still remember my accident like it was yesterday. One minute I was driving my daughter to school and the next I was waking up in a hospital bed. It was frustrating to deal with the emotional trauma of forgetting an entire week of my life, in addition to stressing about my small child. Fortunately, we were both able to recover, but it wasn't easy walking dealing with the medical bills that accompanied the accident. I found myself struggling with things as simple as answering the phone, because I was nervous about dealing with another insurance adjuster. Fortunately, by working with a lawyer, I was able to make sense of my situation. I know that you can overcome difficult challenges too, which is why I shared my story on this website.
Working Through Emotional Trauma
Understanding the Unique Aspects of Bicycle Accident Cases
Debra Hawkins
Bicycling is a popular form of transportation for many people around the world. With the growing concern over climate change, more and more people are choosing bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. However, bicycling also carries a high risk of accidents.
Legal cases involving bicycle accidents are different from traditional motor vehicle accidents in many ways. These unique aspects can have a significant impact on the outcome of a case. This blog post will discuss the things that make bicycle accident cases unique and what you need to know to protect your rights.
Liability and Comparative Negligence: In cases involving car accidents, there is usually a clear distinction between the at-fault party and the victim. However, bicycle accidents often involve a combination of factors like road conditions, weather, and multiple parties, making it difficult to determine who is at fault entirely. Bicycle accident cases often operate under a comparative negligence system, where the responsibility for a crash is divided among those involved.
Comparative negligence means that if a cyclist is partially responsible for a collision, their compensation decreases accordingly. Having a proficient personal injury attorney by your side is paramount in bicycle accident cases. They can assist you in establishing liability and skillfully negotiating with insurance companies, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Injuries Sustained by Cyclists: Due to the lack of physical protection, bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries for cyclists. While motor vehicle accidents can cause life-threatening injuries, the chances of such injuries are higher in bicycle accidents.
Insurance Coverage: Bicycle accidents pose a unique challenge when it comes to insurance coverage. Many times, drivers have minimum insurance coverage that may be entirely inadequate to compensate the injured cyclist. In such instances, the injured bicycle rider may need to explore other sources of compensation such as homeowner's insurance or any available disability coverage.
Property Damage: In bicycle accident cases, property damage claims extend beyond the bicycle itself. Cyclists often depend on their bikes for daily transportation and require timely repairs or replacements. Unlike a car accident claim, where insurance companies are quick to settle up on the damage incurred, bicycle accident claims take longer and may need expert testimony to prove the extent of the damage incurred.
Statute of Limitations: It is also important to note the statutes of limitations attached to bicycle accident cases. As with any personal injury case in the US, there is a set time limit within which one can file a claim.
In conclusion, accidents involving bicycles can be complex and require detailed investigation to ascertain liability. Keep in mind the unique aspects of bicycle accidents, such as comparative negligence, type of injuries incurred, and available insurance coverage. Understanding these unique aspects is crucial to navigating a bicycle accident case and is essential for protecting your rights.
For more info, contact a local firm like Wingfield, Ginsburg & Lipp, PC.
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