Fitness enthusiasts, hobbyists, and individuals of all ages can often be seen taking advantage of opportunities to get out on their bikes. Many people ride to work or school, run their errands, or hit local trails to do some training on the weekends. Unfortunately, sharing the roads with motor vehicles means the possibility of collisions between cars and cyclists that can result in life-altering injuries.
If you were in a bike wreck, contact a highly trained personal injury attorney for legal advice as soon as possible. A Williamsville bicycle accident lawyer can guide you through the claims process and, if necessary, help you bring the negligent parties who caused your injuries to court. Call Richmond Vona, LLC, to get started.
Common Bike Wreck Injuries
In a collision between a bicycle and a car, truck, or motorcycle, the cyclist is completely unprotected from the force of the crash and is likely to suffer physical harm. Although every incident is different, certain injuries are more commonly seen than others.
Fractures and soft tissue damage to the lower legs and ankles are common among cyclists who use toe clips. Individuals who put their feet down to stop themselves also might suffer lower leg injuries. All bike riders are vulnerable to injuries to their hands and wrists as they often raise their arms to protect their faces in a crash. Broken collarbones, shoulder fractures, and dislocations often occur if a biker hits the ground on their side.
Children 14 and under must wear a bicycle helmet by law, but adults are free to ride without one. Always wearing a helmet is a wise choice because it can reduce the severity of head injuries in an accident. However, if the force of the collision is sufficient enough, even a rider wearing a helmet might suffer a skull fracture or traumatic brain injury. Spinal cord injuries and other catastrophic harm, such as paralysis, are also possible, as well as wrongful death. A Williamsville attorney can help a cyclist compile and preserve documentation of their injuries to support a claim for compensation following a collision.
Personal Injury Protection and Bicycle Crashes
If a cyclist is a registered vehicle owner and has the required personal injury protection (PIP), this will cover them even though they were riding a bike and not driving their vehicle when they got hurt. Similarly, if a child gets struck by a car while riding a bike and one of their parents or another household member has PIP, it will cover the child’s medical expenses.
If no member of the injured cyclist’s household has PIP, the cyclist could turn to the at-fault driver’s coverage for compensation. However, PIP will not fully cover a cyclist’s losses. Instead, it covers medical expenses and a portion of wages lost during recovery.
Additionally, personal injury protection does not offer reimbursement for subjective losses like pain, inconvenience, disability, scarring, emotional trauma, or lost ability to enjoy life. If the cyclist does not have PIP, or if the plan is insufficient to cover their needs, they can take a negligent driver to court under a third-party claim with the help of a Williamsville bicycle accident attorney.
Taking a Cycling Accident Claim to Court
If a cyclist decides to claim their damages in court, a Williamsville attorney must collect evidence to prove that a driver’s negligence is responsible for the collision. Drivers can be found negligent if they fail to use the same degree of caution another motorist would have in a similar circumstance. This often includes violating traffic regulations such as speeding, texting, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
It is important to note that New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 1411 makes each party to an accident responsible for the results of their actions. This means that if the injured cyclist was partially responsible for the crash, they can still collect compensation from other liable parties, but must cover a portion of their damages themselves.
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John Richmond and the team at Richmond Vona did an incredible job with my complicated personal injury case. They made sure no stone was unturned and got me the settlement I deserved for my situation. They treat you well, explain everything you need to know and more so you are always in the loop about the status of your case. John was easy to get in touch with anytime during the process and made signing paperwork easy and understandable. Their entire staff is professional and helpful throughout the process These guys are fair, trustworthy, and will stand up for you!
This firm’s attention to detail is second to none. It’s evident that they are true professionals and really care about their injured clients. This is the firm to call if you have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Contact a Williamsville Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
If you were injured while riding your bike, do not try to recover for your losses without legal help. The claims process is confusing, and you need a seasoned professional to help you get the compensation you are entitled to receive.
One of our Williamsville bicycle accident lawyers can advocate on your behalf and ensure the responsible parties are accountable for their actions. Reach out to Richmond Vona, LLC, as soon as possible after your accident for a free consultation.
