Bicycles are a wonderful way to get out and enjoy the many parks and mountain trails of Utah. They are an excellent way to commute in the warmer months as well. However, it can be dangerous to share the road when you are riding a bike.
Motorists are at an advantage because the frame of the car surrounds them as they drive. Cyclists are frequently hurt when they are involved in accidents due to the relative lack of protection a bike offers, even if safety gear is worn. Injuries in bike crashes are often serious.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a bicycle accident, the Layton bicycle accident lawyers of 1Law can protect your rights as a cyclist and may be able to help you secure financial compensation for your damages and injuries.
A typical body response to trauma or a frightening situation is the production of adrenaline. These endorphins are extremely good at masking pain temporarily. When the adrenaline wears off, you might discover that you really aren’t okay.
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you only see bumps and bruises. Don’t try to walk it off, and don’t think for a moment that you are overreacting. The impact of a car against your unprotected body can cause internal injuries such as bleeding and organ damage.
You can also have a concussion or head injuries that need to be addressed. The symptoms of several injuries that are common after a bike crash can take time to manifest, so it’s best to be safe. Go to the doctor or emergency room right away, and call a personal injury lawyer to learn about your legal options.
According to the Utah Department of Public Safety Highway Office, 2% of all fatal crashes in Utah involve bicycles. Nearly 500 bicycle-involved crashes occurred in 2021. As the Salt Lake Valley and surrounding areas continue to grow at an alarmingly fast pace, these numbers are likely to increase.
Injuries in bike accidents can range from cuts and bruises to extremely traumatic. The claims we have usually seen in car-vs-bicycle accidents involve one or more of the following injuries:
Don’t worry if you walked away and found out later that you were indeed injured. It’s always advisable to seek medical help immediately after any accident, however, this won’t necessarily result in damaging your case. A Layton bicycle accident lawyer can help to prove your claim.
Yes, bicyclists can be held liable for an accident. Utah Code § 78B-5-818 defines our doctrine of comparative negligence, so some or all the liability may fall on a cyclist. Having the help of a lawyer can defend you against any allegations of liability.
Your attorney can also gather the evidence to prove a claim of negligence against the other party. Even if you think you might have shared some of the faults, it doesn’t mean that you will be unable to collect compensation for the damages.
In a comparative negligence situation, a percentage of fault is assigned to each party. The award is reduced by the percentage of fault. For example, if you were 10% at fault for the crash, you would receive 90% of the damages you were awarded.
A bicycle accident attorney can work to reduce your liability to ensure that you collect the maximum value of your damage claim.
Personal injury attorneys specializing in bike crash cases will work to ensure the positive outcome of your claim in several ways. A lawyer will know how to identify the responsible parties and will find all potential sources of liability. Many accidents are not what they seem on the surface, and other factors can be at play.
For example, the driver may have appeared to run a red light, but the brakes on his car were defective. Now, you might have a claim against the manufacturer of the car, the manufacturer of the brakes, the mechanic shop that installed them, and potentially, the driver.
All these sources will have insurance, and it will increase the likelihood that your damages are fully compensated. Your bicycle accident attorney in Layton can examine all the evidence to ensure that all the liable parties are held to account.
A bicycle accident lawyer can help your case by doing the following:
The opposing party’s insurance adjusters will work diligently to devalue or deny your claim. A personal injury lawyer with experience in cycling accident cases can help to maximize your financial compensation.
Cyclists involved in accidents with motor vehicles can face many challenges. They can suffer from extreme pain, face significant time off work, and be left with financial hardship from medical bills. You have the legal right to pursue compensation for your damages.
The Layton bicycle accident attorneys of 1Law have helped countless bike accident victims to recover substantial compensation, and they may be able to help you. Contact us to learn more today.
Our legal services are offered on a contingency basis, so you owe us nothing until we win your case. Let our team help you with your legal challenges so that you can get on with the business of healing.