However, cyclists must share the road with heavier cars, and a significant portion of their safety depends on motorists. In Pocatello, bicycle accidents are prevalent and frequently the fault of reckless or careless driving. Serious accidents can result from distracted driving, especially when bicycles are involved, because cars and trucks are much bigger and move much quicker than bicycles. These occurrences sometimes result in fatalities. In addition to physical injuries, they can be highly stressful and may cause mental or emotional trauma. The financial burden of medical expenses, treatment, property damage, and lost wages make it challenging to recover from these incidents.
Schedule a free consultation with a bicycle accident attorney from The Advocates. We can help you recover your losses from a bicycle accident resulting from someone else’s carelessness. To assist you in obtaining compensation for your losses, our knowledgeable attorneys will assess your claim and aid you with the paperwork filing process.
A bicycle accident occurs quickly and without warning. These incidents occur in Pocatello for a variety of reasons. Many motorists either fail to see cyclists or drive carelessly around them. Bad weather can affect visibility, and some drivers are distracted while driving, which diverts their focus from the road. And some individuals feel they shouldn’t have to share the road with cyclists.
The most frequent reason for bicycle accidents in Pocatello is driver carelessness. Some common instances of driver negligence include:
Drivers who disregard traffic regulations intended to protect other road users, especially bicycles, may be held liable. Many incidents of driving negligence occur in “reduced-speed” neighborhoods, school zones, and roads near playgrounds.
Riders may get serious injuries in bicycle accidents, depending on their severity. In the case of significant injuries, there may be a substantial financial hardship and employment difficulties. The following are some of the more typical injuries sustained in a bike accident:
Broken bones (fractures) are common after being struck by a car or truck. This might happen as a result of being struck directly by a vehicle or the force of hitting something else like a sign, sidewalk, or the ground. Fractures can occur in the arms, legs, hips, and shoulders in a bike accident. Even the face, hands, neck, pelvis, back, or skull may be damaged. Some of these wounds take weeks or months to heal. A serious fracture frequently needs surgery, as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other treatments to recover effectively. The most serious injuries may result in long-term or permanent disability, high medical costs, and intense emotional suffering.
Due to the time it takes fractured bones to heal, lost wages are a significant issue for bicycle accident victims. Many riders will need time to gain the strength required to resume their employment, even after a bone has fully healed. Some regular lifestyle activities may not be possible for a while, and long-term productivity may suffer.
Concussions, skull fractures, internal hemorrhaging, and other head traumas frequently happen when a car strikes a cyclist. These bodily injuries could result from a head’s impact on a car’s hood, the ground, or other objects. Every brain injury has the potential for long-term effects, including chronic headaches, seizures, memory problems, restless nights, and more.
Some accident victims need surgery and long-term therapy. Due to the potential for significant loss of income, expensive medical bills, and emotional and mental strain, the recovery process can be costly and exhausting.
Spinal cord injuries are a possibility for cyclist accident victims. These are quite serious and may cause complete or partial paralysis. Some treatments and other medical procedures may marginally improve their quality of life. However, those with spinal cord injuries might never go back to work, particularly if a position entails physical labor.
You can seek damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance company if you or a loved one suffers injuries in a bike accident and the driver was at fault. Financial factors (missed pay, medical expenses, medical treatments, etc.), physical discomfort, and emotional and mental anguish influence the size of the claim.
It’s not as simple as it sounds to pursue a personal injury claim after a bicycle accident. The interests of insurance companies are frequently served at the expense of accident victims. An insurer will make every effort to place as much blame on a victim as possible to lower the amount they must pay.
Some insurance adjusters employ certain strategies to avoid paying a settlement. The person assigned to handle your injury claim can downplay the seriousness of your injuries or imply that you have lied to shift the blame to you. Additionally, they will aim to hasten settlements so that money is paid before the full extent of injuries is known.
Many insurance providers employ these strategies to reject claims for compensation. Obtaining a settlement can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with Idaho traffic regulations and insurance claim legalities.
It’s essential to get in touch with a knowledgeable Pocatello bicycle accident lawyer who can handle the legal aspects of your claim and look out for your interests. Bicycle accident lawyers from The Advocates have a track record of successfully negotiating fair financial settlements for our clients with insurance carriers.
We take all reasonable steps to safeguard our client’s interests and strive to secure the highest possible reimbursement for each person we represent.
Contrary to popular belief, everyone can afford a personal injury attorney, particularly at The Advocates. We are a group of attorneys who operate on a contingency fee arrangement. This means that unless we are successful in getting you your settlement, we do not receive any fee. A portion of your settlement will be used as your payment.
It’s also crucial to remember that settlements for cases where attorneys are engaged are often two to three times greater than those where individuals defend themselves.
You can take a number of actions to help support your claim for compensation.
The first action you should take after a bicycle accident is to seek medical treatment. This improves your chances of recovery and guarantees medical professionals properly document your injuries. Your medical history is an important piece of proof of the severity of your injuries. Additionally, an insurance adjuster cannot deny a connection between your injuries and your accident when they are immediately documented.
After receiving treatment, you should notify the at-fault driver’s insurance company about the collision. It is best to use legal counsel to make sure everything is done correctly.
Take advantage of a free consultation with a lawyer from The Advocates. If you require legal assistance, we are prepared to represent you.
We advise delaying communication with an insurer until you have legal counsel. You might unintentionally lower your reward by giving certain answers or withholding certain information. Speaking with an insurance provider could lead to statements being used against you. An attorney can assist you in avoiding this.
Your bicycle accident attorney or lawyer will assist you in filing your personal injury claim and compile the information and evidence required to support your claim. To develop an accurate and thorough picture of your case, they may speak with witnesses, examine medical findings, and review police reports.
Both the short-term and long-term effects of a bicycle accident determine what is a fair amount for your losses. These include:
It can be challenging to put a monetary value on psychological or emotional harm. However, a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney can help you determine how much compensation for pain and suffering you ought to receive.
Compensation claims in Idaho are calculated based on “fault percentage.” If you sustain $100,000 in financial and physical damages but are found to be 49% at fault for your accident, you are only eligible to recover the amount of the driver’s fault, which is 51% or $51,000. You can’t claim any damages if you are 50% or more at fault.
Many cyclists believe they are only entitled to compensation if they get injuries due to being hit by a car or truck. The driver of a vehicle is liable for the cyclist’s injuries even if no contact is made. If a driver gets too close to or cuts you off and causes you to lose your balance, they are at fault. Any injuries caused by a driver’s negligence, even if they do not hit you, are eligible for a personal injury claim.
If you are struck by a car while riding on a sidewalk, there is undoubtedly negligence on the driver’s part. However, in circumstances like this, particular laws and principles apply. A bicycle accident victim should always get in touch with a lawyer experienced in traffic law.
As the victim of a bicycle accident, you’ll need to prove four significant aspects in a court of law. These are:
Failure or negligence, as mentioned above, can mean multiple acts, such as drunk driving, speeding, or even distracted driving. And damages suffered can be tangible, economic as well as emotional, and psychological.
As you might have already understood, proving these in court can be challenging for a person not versed in the nuances of Pocatello bicycle laws. And since you can’t study everything and deal with the case yourself, The Advocates bicycle accident attorneys are the best alternative.
Get your free consultation by calling The Advocates. We value your bicycle accident claim and want to help you get the compensation you are due.
