A bicycle accident claim’s worth is determined by several variables, such as the severity of your injuries and the losses you incurred. Losses include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Like motorists, bicyclists must obey traffic laws. Accidents may result from neglecting to do this.
Factors Affecting the Value of Your Case
Several factors influence the value of your bicycle accident claim. These consist of the extent of your injuries, the at-fault party’s obligation, and the compensation you receive.
One big part of a sufferer’s compensation is for medical expenses. These can cover emergency room expenses, hospital bills, prescription drugs, medical devices, and ongoing treatment costs.
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can also claim lost income. This includes your past wages and future earning potential.
A driver’s negligence can lead to a bicycle accident, and the driver may be held liable for your losses. Other parties, including government agencies responsible for maintaining roads and intersections, can also be liable. They may be liable for failing to keep these areas or violating traffic laws.
The Liability of the At-Fault Party
When cyclists collide with vehicles, liability usually boils down to whether the driver has the right of way. However, if the collision was caused by a defectively designed road or traffic signal, the government entity responsible for those roads and signals might be liable under a legal doctrine called sovereign immunity.
Insurance is another factor in determining the value of your case. In some states, insurance companies may use a doctrine known as a comparative fault to reduce any settlement you might be awarded if they determine that your contribution to the accident was significant.
This is especially important for bicycle riders at fault in a crash because it might prevent them from recovering compensation. This is why it’s vital to have an hgesq.com experienced lawyer on your side.
The Injuries You Suffer
The kind and extent of your injuries greatly influence how much your bike accident claim is worth. Severe injuries tend to result in more prolonged and more expensive treatment, care, and rehabilitation, which results in higher monetary awards.
For instance, recovering from catastrophic brain damage can necessitate surgery and prolonged medical care. Broken bones, especially a fractured collarbone or ribs, can result in significant medical costs and pain.
Severe injuries can also prevent you from working, resulting in lost wages. You might be eligible to receive compensation for your lost income and future earning potential, depending on the circumstances. These types of damages are known as unique and have set dollar amounts. They also include the cost of your property damage.
The Damages You Recover
The total amount of compensation you receive depends on the damages you incurred. These include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Hospital stays, operations, doctor visits, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and other medical procedures are all considered medical expenses. They can add up quickly, so keeping detailed records of your expenses and costs is essential.
Lost wages are any earnings you missed while recovering from your injuries. Depending on the severity of your injuries, they could prevent you from working for an extended period or even permanently.
Non-economic damages are based on your overall suffering from the accident, including emotional distress, mental anguish, and disfigurement. Insurance companies try to minimize these damages as much as possible. That’s why working with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer is best.
The Experience of Your Lawyer
Experienced bicycle accident lawyers can evaluate your case and help you understand the costs likely associated with your injury. These costs include current and future medical expenses, loss of income, and damage to your bicycle.
Take pictures of your bike, the accident location, and damaged property. You should also obtain the contact information of any witnesses. Witness testimony can be critical in the later stages of your case.
Having your own car insurance with uninsured motorist coverage is also a good idea. This insurance may cover your injuries if the at-fault driver did not have liability auto insurance or had low policy limits.