Bike Injury Claim – Bicycle accidents, particularly those involving cyclists hit by cars, can result in serious injuries or even death. Bicycle accident claims to recover bike accident-related losses, no matter how significant, have the same challenges as any other personal injury claim. The negligent party bears responsibility for the accident and its consequences. The wounded cyclist, on the other hand, will have to show that the culpable party’s negligence was the cause of the accident and injuries.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Claims
The right to compensation for bike accident claims includes compensation for the following elements of damages:
- Medical bills, including current and future expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
Bicycle accident cases can become quite intricate due to the significant magnitude of the damages that can be involved, particularly in catastrophic incidents that result in life-altering injuries. The culpable party’s insurance will do everything it can to restrict the amount of money it pays out in damages, and it may even deny claims entirely. This is why retaining the services of a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney is critical to ensure that injured plaintiffs obtain a just settlement or award in a court of law.
I’VE HAD A CYCLING ACCIDENT, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
As soon as you have had a cycling accident, you will need to:
- Get yourself to a safe area if you have been seriously hurt
- Call the police unless someone has already done so
- Exchange contact details with the other person or people involved
- Gather the details of any witnesses
- Record the details, including the registration numbers, of any vehicles involved
- If the third party provides a mobile number, it’s worth calling it while they are present to make sure they have given you the correct number
- Keep a record of your costs following an accident in case you need to claim these back
INJURIES FROM CYCLING ACCIDENTS
A range of different injuries are sustained by cyclists, from bruising and soft tissue injuries to broken bones, concussion and serious head injuries. More common cycling injuries include:
- Injuries to the limbs (including broken arms and legs) are common. Wrist and elbow fractures are common when a cyclist comes off their bike in an accident.
- Chest and abdomen injuries occur less frequently in cycling accidents but can be serious. Fractured collarbones are one of the most common breaks.
- Although many cyclists wear helmets, 40% of cyclists who visit the hospital after an accident have sustained a head injury. Head injuries range from concussion and cuts to skull fractures and life-changing brain injury.
Compensation amounts for being knocked off a bike
The amount of compensation you are entitled to will depend on a number of different factors. Since all compensation amounts are different, it’s not possible to give an exact estimate of the value of a claim without learning more about the details of your case beforehand.
Because so many different types of injury can be sustained in cycling accidents, compensation amounts can vary hugely. As a result, it’s up to your solicitor to negotiate the maximum amount of compensation you are legally entitled to.
In a personal injury claim, the term ‘damages’ refers to the financial compensation awarded to the injured party. There are two types of damages in a personal injury claim: special damages and general damages.
- General damages reflect the pain and suffering experienced, both psychological and/or physical trauma. The amount of compensation will mirror the extent of this pain and suffering.
- ‘Special damages’ are also known as out-of-pocket expenses. They relate to the specific financial expenses paid out in relation to an injury. If you have also experienced a loss of earnings as a result of your injury, this will be classed as ‘special damages’. In some cases, it is possible to organise interim payments to cover urgent costs throughout the process of your claim.
Learn How Our Competent Greenville Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Cyclists and cars frequently collide, resulting in catastrophic injury or death. If you or a family member has been injured in a bicycle accident, you should call the David R. Price Jr., P.A. law firm for assistance. Contact our Greenville bicycle accident attorneys for a free case consultation by emailing us online or calling 864-392-3278.
