Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Have You Been Hit by a Car While Riding Your Bike?

Drivers throughout the country have a duty to share the road with bicyclists. Unfortunately, many motorists fail to see or yield the right of way to those on bikes, causing serious accidents and injuries. If you or someone you love was struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, our experienced bicycle accident lawyers are here to help you fight for your entitled award or settlement.

Were you injured in a bicycle accident? Call (888) 302-3669 or online to request a free consultation.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Most bicycle accidents are preventable and are caused by driver negligence. When motorists fail to safely share the road with bicyclists, they can be held liable for the resulting damages.

The most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Speeding: Speeding is a form of driver negligence and increases the risk of accidents. When drivers exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for current conditions, they may not have enough time to stop and avoid a collision with a bicyclist.
• Reckless driving: Reckless driving behaviors, such as aggressive driving, tailgating, and running red lights, can all lead to serious bicycle accidents.
• Drunk driving: Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous and is a leading cause of all types of auto accidents, including bicycle accidents. Drunk drivers are unable to safely operate their vehicles and are more likely to strike bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Distracted driving: Distracted driving is a form of driver negligence and is a leading cause of all types of auto accidents. When drivers take their eyes and minds off the road, even for a split second, they can easily cause a serious accident.
• Failure to yield: When drivers fail to yield the right of way to bicyclists, they can cause serious accidents and injuries. Motorists have a duty to look for bicyclists and yield the right of way when necessary.
• Dooring: Dooring accidents occur when drivers or passengers in parked vehicles open their doors into the path of an oncoming bicyclist. These accidents can cause serious injuries and may even be fatal.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

After a bicycle accident, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. However, there are several important steps you can take to help protect your right to recover compensation.

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, follow these steps:

• Call 911: Whether you think you are injured or not, it is always a good idea to call 911 after being involved in a bicycle accident. The police will create an accident report and emergency medical personnel can evaluate you for any hidden injuries.
• Get medical attention: If you have not already been evaluated by medical professionals at the scene, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, seeing a doctor right away can help ensure that your injuries are properly documented.
• Document the accident scene: If you are physically able, try to take pictures of the accident scene, including any skid marks, damage to your bike, and the vehicle that hit you. You should also write down the contact information of any witnesses.
• Do not admit fault: Even if you think you might have been partially to blame for the accident, you should not admit fault. In the stress and chaos of the moment, it can be difficult to fully understand what happened. Additionally, many bicycle accidents are caused by driver negligence, in which case, you may be entitled to a full recovery.
• Do not give a recorded statement: You should also avoid giving any recorded statements to the insurance company. Keep in mind that the insurance company is not on your side and will do everything they can to pay you as little as possible—or nothing at all. You have the right to work with an attorney and have them handle all communication with the insurer on your behalf.
• Hire an attorney: An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options, as well as handle all the details of your case so that you can focus on your recovery.

Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

Because bicyclists are exposed, they are at a higher risk of suffering serious and catastrophic injuries in collisions with motor vehicles. In many cases, these accidents are even fatal.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include:

• Head injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are one of the most common types of head injuries sustained by bicyclists. These injuries can range from mild concussions to severe, life-threatening injuries. Even a minor head injury can cause long-term damage and should be taken seriously.
• Facial injuries: When bicyclists are involved in accidents, they often suffer facial injuries. These injuries can range from minor cuts and scrapes to severe lacerations and fractures.
• Neck and back injuries: Bicyclists who are involved in accidents often suffer neck and back injuries. These injuries can range from mild to severe and may cause long-term or permanent disability.
• Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries are some of the most severe injuries that can be sustained in a bicycle accident. These injuries may cause partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken bones: Bicyclists who are struck by vehicles often suffer broken bones. The most commonly broken bones in bicycle accidents include the arms, legs, wrists, and collarbones.
• Internal injuries: Internal injuries are often life-threatening. Bicyclists who are involved in accidents may suffer internal bleeding, organ damage, and other internal injuries.
• Road rash: Road rash is a common injury in bicycle accidents. This injury occurs when the body makes contact with the ground and is dragged across the asphalt or other road surfaces. Road rash can cause scrapes, cuts, and severe injuries.

How Our Firm Can Help

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, our skilled bicycle accident attorneys understand how to effectively navigate the legal process on behalf of our clients. We know how to anticipate the insurance company’s tactics and can craft a strong case on your behalf. Our team is available to answer your questions and address your concerns throughout the entire process. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

Our bicycle accident lawyers can help you with all aspects of your case, including:

• Investigating the accident: To recover compensation, we will need to prove that the driver’s negligence caused or contributed to the accident. Our team can conduct a comprehensive investigation to gather all available evidence to support your claim.
• Handling all communication with the insurance company: The insurance company is not on your side and will do everything they can to pay you as little as possible—or nothing at all. We can handle all communication with the insurer on your behalf and fight for your right to maximum compensation.
• Calculating the full value of your damages: Our team can work with experts to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages. We will fight for your right to compensation for all your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
• Negotiating a fair settlement: In many cases, we are able to negotiate a fair settlement that meets your immediate and long-term needs. However, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured individuals and their families. Call (888) 302-3669 or online to schedule a free initial consultation.