One moment, you’re enjoying a peaceful bicycle ride through Louisville, and the next, your life is turned upside down by a collision with a careless driver or a tumble because of unsafe road conditions.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you might be feeling overwhelmed. Many people are unsure of how to pay medical bills, or make up for lost time at work. In extreme cases, the victim of a bike accident might not even be able to return to work. That’s where a Louisville bicycle accident lawyer can help, and hiring the right attorney can make all the difference for you and your family.
At Thomas Law Offices, we are ready to assist with your claim. We will take all the steps necessary to make sure you get the compensation you deserve from the responsible party.
Bicycling in Louisville
Louisville offers fantastic opportunities for cyclists, from the scenic Louisville Loop to downtown bike lanes. However, cycling can also come with risks. Many drivers fail to give cyclists the space and respect they deserve.
Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are common in Louisville and across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 1,000 bicyclists die, and more than 130,000 are injured in crashes throughout the country every year. Many times, they result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection cyclists have compared to motor vehicles.
Some of these common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations and road rash
- Internal injuries
These injuries often lead to long recovery periods, expensive medical bills, and, in some cases, permanent disabilities.
Can You Recover Damages?
If someone else’s negligence caused the your bike accident and injuries, you could be entitled to compensation, including:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and any future medical needs.
- Lost income for any time missed from work, along with compensation for reduced earning capacity if you cannot return to your job.
- Pain and suffering damages due to the trauma suffered from the accident.
- Property damage reimbursement to repair or replace your bicycle and any other damaged property.
In those cases where the accident resulted in the death of a loved one, wrongful death claims can be filed against the negligent parties.
Proving Liability in Bike Accident Cases
Before you can start the claims process, your lawyer will need to establish liability by proving four key elements:
- Duty of care: The responsible party had a legal obligation to act in a safe and reasonable manner. In these cases, all drivers must follow traffic laws and watch for cyclists.
- Breach of duty: They failed to meet this obligation through negligent or reckless actions.
- Causation: Their breach of duty directly caused your accident and injuries.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses, such as your medical bills, any lost wages, and the pain you’ve suffered due to the accident.
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help during this time. They can use police reports, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony to prove these elements. In turn, you can determine the at-fault parties and hold them accountable for their actions.
Who Could Be Responsible for Your Bike Crash?
Finding out who’s at fault is vital when seeking compensation for your injuries and other related damages. There could be an accident scenario where there is more than one negligent party. If their actions contributed to the accident, then they might share some of the blame.
These parties can include:
Motor Vehicle Drivers
Drivers can cause bicycle accidents due to negligent or reckless behavior. A few examples include:
- Distracted driving
- Failing to yield
- Driving under the influence
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
Commercial Vehicle Operators
Accidents involving delivery trucks, rideshare vehicles, or other commercial vehicles may have a few issues when it comes to determining liability. In these cases, the driver could be negligent.
However, the company employing the driver could be held responsible. Sometimes, negligent hiring, training, or supervision can contribute to the accident.
Municipalities or Government Entities
In some cases, poor road design or maintenance contributes to bicycle accidents. A municipality or government agency may be liable if they failed to maintain safe road conditions or provide adequate signage and bike lanes. Some of these hazards include:
- Potholes or cracks in the roadway
- Lack of bike lanes or markings
- Obstructed views
- Unsafe traffic signals
Manufacturers or Distributors
A defective bicycle, part, or safety gear could also contribute to an accident or make injuries worse. For example:
- Faulty brakes can prevent cyclists from stopping in time to avoid a collision.
- Poorly designed or manufactured helmets may not provide protection in a crash.
- Defective tires or poorly installed wheels can cause a cyclist to lose control.
In these cases, the defective product’s manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be held liable under product liability laws.
Holding all the liable parties accountable for their action is the best approach for getting a fair compensation for your injuries and losses. For this reason, you need to reach out to an experienced Louisville bicycle accident lawyer to discuss your case.
What Happens Next?
After you have been injured in a bike accident, you might want to know what is next in the process. While you could file a claim on your own, but that means taking on insurance companies who might not offer fair compensation for your losses. This is where a Louisville bicycle accident lawyer can help. They can advocate for you every step of the way.
The process for pursuing a bike accident claim in Louisville can seem confusing, but here is what you can expect:
- Initial consultation: You’ll meet with a lawyer to discuss the details of the accident, review any evidence, and provide an initial assessment of your case.
- Investigation: Your attorney will analyze medical records, police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to begin to build a solid foundation for your claim.
- Filing a claim: Once the evidence is collected, your lawyer will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Negotiation: Most cases are resolved during this process. Many times, you can receive a fair settlement that covers medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
- Filing a lawsuit: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, that is not the end of the road. Your Louisville bike crash lawyer may file a lawsuit and prepare to take your case to court.
- Resolution: Whether through a settlement or court verdict, a successful claim ends with compensation from the liable parties.
Are you already taking the next steps? Contact Thomas Law Offices to receive a free initial consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
Get Justice with Help from a Louisville Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Whether you are riding a bike for exercise or heading to work, you expect others to act in a responsible manner. Getting involved in an accident can disrupt your life in an instant.
You have the right to take legal action. With help from a Louisville bicycle accident lawyer, you can start the process to recover damages and get your life back on track.
Schedule your free consultation to see how Thomas Law Offices can help with your case.
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