Cycling is a healthy and environmentally friendly method of transport that is popular with many city and suburban residents. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are too common on our roadways, posing serious risks to cyclists’ safety and well-being. When bicycle accidents occur due to the negligence of another party, injured cyclists may have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of bicycle accidents and the steps to take in seeking compensation with the assistance of Las Vegas personal injury lawyers.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can happen for various reasons, often resulting from the negligence of motorists, pedestrians, or even hazardous road conditions.
Motorist Negligence: One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents involves the negligence of motorists. Drivers may not yield the right-of-way to cyclists, misjudge their speed, or not notice their presence on the road.
Distracted Driving: The rise of smartphones and other distractions behind the wheel has led to an increase in bicycle accidents. Drivers who text, call, eat, or are otherwise distracted while driving may have a higher risk of collisions with cyclists.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Speeding and reckless driving are dangerous for all road users, including cyclists. Speeding drivers may have reduced reaction times, making it challenging to avoid collisions with cyclists, especially in congested areas.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Both cyclists and motorists are expected to obey traffic signals and signs. When either party fails to do so, it can lead to accidents, especially at intersections and crossings.
Dooring Accidents: Dooring accidents happen when a motorist or passenger opens a car door without checking for oncoming cyclists. This unexpected obstruction can lead to severe injuries and collisions for cyclists who cannot react in time.
Poor Road Conditions: Hazardous road conditions, such as potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris, can pose significant risks to cyclists. A sudden encounter with these road defects may cause cyclists to lose control and suffer injuries.
Limited Visibility: Poor lighting conditions, adverse weather, and obstructed sightlines can reduce visibility for both cyclists and motorists. Inadequate visibility increases the likelihood of accidents, especially during low-light hours or inclement weather.
Potential Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on multiple factors.
Head Injuries: Head injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries, are among the most severe consequences of bicycle accidents. Even when cyclists wear helmets, the risk of head injuries still exists, especially in high-impact collisions.
Fractures and Broken Bones: Cyclists often suffer fractures and broken bones in accidents, especially to the arms, legs, and collarbones. These injuries can be caused by strong impact with the vehicle or the ground.
Road Rash and Abrasions: Cyclists can experience painful road rash and abrasions when thrown off their bikes, causing damage to the skin and underlying tissues. These injuries can vary from mild scrapes and bruises to more severe lacerations.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments, such as sprains and strains, are common in bicycle accidents. These injuries can result from sudden impacts, twisting motions, or overextension of the joints during a collision.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents may result in spinal injuries, potentially leading to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries can have long-lasting and life-altering effects on the cyclist’s mobility and overall quality of life.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
When cyclists are injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, they should seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Seek Medical Attention: The first and most important step is to seek medical attention for the injuries you sustained in the accident. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment protect your health and create vital documentation for your case.
Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: To navigate the complexities of a personal injury lawsuit, it is essential to seek advice from an experienced personal injury attorney with expertise in bicycle accident cases as soon as possible after your accident.
Preserve Evidence: Collect evidence from the accident scene, including photographs, witness statements, and any other relevant information that could support your claim. Your attorney can guide you on what evidence is crucial or help you gather it where necessary.
Report the Accident: File a police report and notify your insurance company about the accident. Be cautious about providing statements or accepting settlements without first consulting your personal injury lawyer as this can affect your chances of a lawsuit later.
Assess Damages: Your personal injury attorney will help evaluate the damages you have suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and future medical costs, so you can calculate the full compensation you are entitled to.
Negotiation and Settlement: Your attorney will negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement. They may prepare a lawsuit and proceed to trial to litigate your case if a suitable agreement cannot be reached.
Conclusion
Bicycle accidents can have devastating consequences for cyclists, leaving them with significant injuries and financial burdens. If the accident resulted from someone else’s negligence, injured cyclists may have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. By understanding their rights and seeking proper legal representation, cyclists can obtain fair compensation for their injuries and losses.