There is no standard amount that applies to every injured bicyclist. The amount of compensation you can get for a bicycle accident depends on your injuries, financial losses, who caused the crash, and the insurance or other sources of recovery available.
For example, a broken wrist that heals in several weeks may result in very different losses than a brain or spinal cord injury that affects someone for years. A bicycle accident lawyer from Sweet James will investigate what caused the crash, identify who may be responsible, document your losses, and speak with insurers on your behalf.
Bicycle cases can become complicated when fault is disputed, several parties play a role, or an insurer questions the extent of the rider’s injuries. Our firm focuses on accident and personal injury cases and uses data from thousands of injury cases when evaluating claims.
Your Bicycle Accident Compensation Depends on What You Lost
A claim for damages from a bike crash is meant to account for the harm caused by the crash. That means the value of a claim usually starts with the injured person’s actual losses rather than the average settlement figure.
Our personal injury lawyer can gather medical records, bills, income information, and other evidence showing how the accident affected you. Sweet James also looks at whether an injury is expected to cause future medical needs or interfere with your work. Factors that may affect the amount of a claim include:
- The type and severity of your injuries.
- How long your recovery takes.
- The cost of your medical treatment.
- Whether you will need more care later.
- Income you lost because you could not work.
- Changes in your future income because of lasting injuries
- The pain and other personal effects of your injuries.
- The amount of available insurance coverage.
- Your share of responsibility for the crash, if any.
You may be able to consider a settlement in light of the full claim. Accepting an offer too early may create problems if you later learn that you need more treatment than expected. We can review an offer and explain how it compares with the losses you have experienced and may face in the future.
Liability Determines Who May Be Asked to Pay
A driver may be responsible for a bicycle accident when their actions behind the wheel put a cyclist in danger and cause a collision.
Sweet James can examine the actions of everyone involved instead of assuming the motorist is the only possible source of recovery. Depending on what happened, a claim could involve:
- A driver who caused the crash through careless conduct.
- A driver’s employer when a worker caused a crash under circumstances that make the employer legally responsible.
- A vehicle or bicycle manufacturer if a defective product contributed to the injuries.
- A property owner when a dangerous condition on private property played a role.
- A government agency in some cases involving a dangerous public roadway or other public property.
Claims against public agencies can involve special rules and shorter claim deadlines. We will determine which parties and deadlines may apply to a particular accident.
Bicycle Accidents Can Happen in Many Places
Bicycle crashes can occur at busy intersections or anywhere cyclists, vehicles, pedestrians, and road hazards come together. Sweet James will investigate the location of the accident and look for evidence that helps explain how it occurred.
That may include photos, video footage, road markings, traffic signals, witness accounts, and information about nearby businesses or homes. A cyclist may be injured in a marked bike lane, at an intersection, in a parking lot, on a neighborhood street, along a highway, or near a driveway.
Some accidents happen when a vehicle crosses a bicycle lane to make a turn. Others occur when a parked driver or passenger opens a door into a cyclist’s path. Where the crash happened can provide clues about how it occurred and who may be responsible.
Bicycle Crashes Can Cause Serious Injuries
Even when riders practice bicycle safety, bicycles offer very little physical protection when a rider is hit by a vehicle or thrown onto pavement. Even an accident that happens at a relatively low speed can result in medical treatment and time away from normal activities.
Sweet James attorneys can use medical records and other evidence to document injuries connected with the crash. Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Cuts, scrapes, and road rash
- Broken wrists, arms, legs, or collarbones
- Knee, ankle, and foot injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Dental or facial injuries
Some injuries show up right away. Others may become easier to see after the initial shock of the accident wears off. Following a doctor’s treatment instructions and keeping records of your care can provide useful documentation of your recovery.
Compensation May Cover Riders’ Financial and Personal Losses
Medical expenses are just one part of a bicycle injury claim. A serious crash can affect other parts of a bicycle rider’s life, including their work and daily activities.
At Sweet James, we calculate documented losses and examine whether the accident is likely to create future costs. After a look at the facts, recoverable damages may include medical bills, lost wages, reduced future earning ability, therapy costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and damaged property.
Keeping bills, receipts, wage records, and other paperwork can help show the financial effect of the accident.
We Handle the Insurance Company While You Rest and Recover
Insurance claims often become a major part of a bike accident case. Adjusters can review the accident and question who caused the crash, whether all treatment was related to the crash, or how much money fairly accounts for the losses.
Our firm communicates with all insurers involved, gathers supporting records, and evaluates settlement offers. Founding attorney James Bergener previously represented insurance carriers in personal injury and workers’ compensation matters. His background gives our team insight into how insurers evaluate and defend injury claims.
The Sweet James team has more than 400 legal professionals and an experienced trial team. If a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiations, the attorneys can prepare the case for the next stage of the legal process.
Talk to Sweet James About Compensation for a Bicycle Accident
How much compensation someone can recover for a bicycle accident depends on the injuries, losses, fault, insurance coverage, and other facts surrounding the crash. A careful review can help identify what damages may be included and who may be legally responsible.
Sweet James has attorneys with experience helping injury victims for more than 25 years. The firm works on a contingency basis, so you pay no fees or costs until the firm wins your case. Call our office for a free consultation about your bicycle accident. We accept calls 24/7, and Spanish assistance is available.
Our legal team will review what happened, explain your options, and determine what financial recovery may be available based on your case. Real Lawyers. Real Results. Contact us today.
