Skilled Bicycle Accident Lawyers Helping Injured Cyclists Nationwide
Fighting for Your Rights After Being Hit by a Negligent Driver.
Our dedicated bicycle accident lawyers help injured cyclists nationwide fight for the fair compensation for bicycle accident damages they deserve, and you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case.
Pay Absolutely Nothing Unless We Win
Work with us risk-free – you pay zero upfront costs and owe no attorney fees unless we win your personal injury claim.
Aggressive Advocacy Against Insurance Companies
Our personal injury lawyers fight relentlessly against insurers to achieve the maximum fair compensation you deserve.
Your Well-being Comes First
Your recovery is our priority; we handle the complex legal details so you can focus solely on healing.
Hurt on a bicycle accident? Let us help you.
How We Prove a Motorist Was Negligent in Your Bicycle Accident
To pursue compensation for bicycle accident injuries, we generally need to prove that the driver who hit you was negligent, meaning their carelessness directly caused the crash and your harm. Building a strong bicycle accident claim involves clearly establishing the key elements of negligence. Here’s how our bicycle accident lawyers approach proving fault:
Establishing the Driver's Duty
We demonstrate that the motorist owed you, as a cyclist, a legal duty to operate their vehicle safely, share the road, obey traffic laws, and be reasonably aware of your presence. Understanding bicycle accident rights is key here.
Showing a Breach of That Duty
We identify the specific careless action (or inaction) by the driver that violated their duty, such as failing to yield, speeding, driving distracted, passing too closely, opening a door unsafely (‘dooring’), or driving impaired.
Gathering Crucial Evidence
Our team meticulously investigates and gathers evidence to support your claim. This often includes the official police report, photos/videos of the scene (vehicles, bike damage, road conditions, injuries), essential witness statements, and potentially traffic or surveillance camera footage.
Linking Negligence to Your Injuries (Causation & Damages)
We connect the driver’s negligent actions directly to the accident and the resulting physical injuries, financial losses (medical bills, lost wages, bike damage), and emotional distress you suffered.
Countering Unfair Blame (Shared Fault)
We anticipate and challenge attempts by insurance companies to unfairly blame the cyclist (e.g., for visibility issues or alleged rule-breaking) to reduce liability, using facts and knowledge of state ‘comparative negligence’ laws to protect your right to fair recovery.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Bicycle Accident
After being hit by a car while cycling, you will likely need to interact with the driver’s auto insurance company. It’s vital to remember their priorities and approach these communications cautiously to protect your right to fair compensation:
Common Insurance Adjusters' Tactics
- Adjuster’s Allegiance: Understand that the insurance adjuster assigned to the case works for the insurance company, not for you; their primary goal is usually to minimize the payout on your bicycle accident claim.
- Potential for Cyclist Blame: Insurers may, unfortunately, try to unfairly shift blame onto you, the cyclist, questioning your visibility, adherence to traffic rules, or even your bike’s equipment to reduce their driver’s liability.
- Common Tactics to Watch For: Be cautious of adjusters asking for immediate recorded statements, pressuring you to sign broad medical authorizations quickly, or offering fast but inadequate settlement amounts before your injuries are fully understood.
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer serves as your necessary buffer, handling all direct communication with the insurance company, protecting you from potentially damaging statements or agreements.
Pinnacle Injury Firm’s attorneys understand how to accurately value your losses and negotiate forcefully with experienced adjusters to achieve a fair bicycle accident settlement, leveling the playing field on your behalf.
What Damages Can You Claim After Being Hit on Your Bike?
If a negligent driver caused your bicycle accident, you have the right to seek financial compensation (‘damages’) for the harm you’ve suffered. A successful bicycle accident claim should cover all your related losses – both the easily calculated financial costs and the significant personal impact on your life. Our bicycle accident lawyers fight to maximize your recovery across these key damage categories:
These cover your direct, out-of-pocket financial losses:
- Medical Bills: All costs for current and future medical care (ER, hospital, surgery, physical therapy, dental work, medications).
- Lost Wages: Income missed due to being unable to work while recovering
- Lost Earning Capacity: Compensation if injuries permanently reduce your ability to earn income.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your damaged bicycle, helmet, clothing, and other gear.
- Other Expenses: Related costs like transportation to appointments or necessary assistive devices.
These compensate for the intangible ways the crash affected you:
- Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain, discomfort, and mental anguish caused by injuries like fractures or road rash.
- Emotional Distress: Addressing trauma, anxiety, PTSD, or developing a fear of cycling after the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies, exercise, or daily activities you previously enjoyed.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scars often resulting from road rash or surgical procedures.
- Permanent Disability: For lasting impairments or functional limitations caused by the crash injuries.
In rare instances of extreme driver recklessness (like intentional acts or severe DUI), punitive damages might be awarded to punish the wrongdoer, though this is uncommon.
Accurately calculating all these damages, especially future needs and personal suffering, is crucial for a fair bicycle accident settlement. Our bicycle accident attorneys work diligently to document every impact to fight for the full compensation for bicycle accident victims like you deserve.
Protecting Your Rights and Health After Being Hit on Your Bike
If you’re recovering after being hit by a vehicle while cycling, knowing what steps to prioritize now can help protect both your physical well-being and your legal right to fair compensation. While focusing on healing is essential, please keep these important considerations in mind:
Continue All Medical Treatment
Diligently follow your doctors’ recommendations, attend all physical therapy sessions and follow-up appointments; consistent medical care is vital for your health and strengthens your bicycle accident claim.
Preserve Your Bike and Gear
Crucially, do not repair or dispose of your damaged bicycle, helmet, or any clothing/gear you were wearing during the crash until your lawyer has assessed them – these items are important physical evidence.
Gather Existing Documentation
Collect and keep organized copies of everything you have related to the accident: the police report number, any photos/videos taken, the driver’s information and insurance details, witness contacts, and all your medical records and bills.
Track Ongoing Effects
Maintain simple notes documenting your daily pain levels, symptoms, how your injuries limit your activities (work, hobb
Be Cautious with Insurance Adjusters
Avoid giving recorded statements or signing any documents (especially medical releases) requested by the driver’s auto insurance company without consulting your bicycle accident attorney first. You can simply refer them to your lawyer.
Limit Social Media Sharing
Be very careful about posting details about the accident, your injuries, or even unrelated activities online, as insurance companies often search social media for anything they can potentially use to minimize your claim.
Be Aware of Filing Deadlines
Every state has a strict time limit (the statute of limitations) for filing a lawsuit after an injury; missing this deadline means you lose your right to seek compensation for bicycle accident damages forever.
Navigating the bike accident claims process, especially when dealing with auto insurers who may undervalue cyclist claims, is complex. Speaking with a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer promptly helps you understand your bicycle accident rights and protect your interests from the start.
How Our Nationwide Bicycle Accident Lawyers Advocate For You
Being hit by a car or other vehicle while cycling presents unique challenges when seeking fair compensation, from dealing with auto insurers to ensuring your rights as a cyclist are respected. Our firm is dedicated to providing injured bicyclists with skilled and compassionate advocacy. Here’s how our bicycle accident lawyers support your fight for justice:
Proving Driver Negligence
We conduct thorough investigations focused on demonstrating how the motorist breached their duty of care and violated your bicycle accident rights on the road.
Countering Unfair Cyclist Blame
Our bike accident attorneys anticipate and actively challenge common insurance tactics that attempt to unfairly blame the bicyclist for causing or contributing to the crash.
Valuing All Your Losses
We meticulously calculate the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical care for common cyclist injuries (like head trauma or fractures), bicycle replacement, lost wages, and significant pain and suffering.
Handling Auto Insurance Negotiations
As your experienced bicycle accident lawyer, we manage all communications and negotiations with the driver's auto insurance carrier, fighting assertively for a fair bicycle accident settlement.
Litigating When Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to offer just compensation, our skilled trial lawyers are prepared to file a lawsuit and vigorously represent your interests in court.
Contingency Fee Basis
We handle your bicycle accident claim with no upfront costs – you owe absolutely nothing unless we successfully recover compensation for bicycle accident damages for you.
Nationwide Representation for Bicycle Accident Claims
Our commitment to protecting the rights of injured cyclists extends nationwide. Whether your accident happened on a busy city street or a quiet suburban road, our coordinated network – combining our experienced core legal team with skilled local counsel in your area – allows our bicycle accident lawyer team to effectively handle claims across all 50 states.
Free Consultation with a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Understanding your bicycle accident rights and options is the first step toward recovery. Contact Pinnacle Injury Firm now for a free, completely confidential consultation with a skilled bicycle accident attorney. There’s absolutely no obligation to hire us, and remember – you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you. Find out how we can help protect your interests.