Can I Sue When a Car Hits Me While I’m Riding My Bicycle?

A Bike Accident Attorney can assist you

When someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing causes an accident in which you sustain injuries, you have every right to sue that person for damages. This holds just as true for bicycle accidents as it does for any other type of accident. Unfortunately, though, the main difference between a bike accident and one wherein you were driving a car is that you stand a much higher chance of receiving serious injuries when riding your bicycle. After all, not only is a motor vehicle much bigger and heavier than you and your bike, but even if you’re wearing a helmet and protective clothing, they offer you no real protection if you’re hit.

Common Bike Accident Injuries

Common traumatic injuries you can receive in a bike accident include the following:

  • Traumatic brain injury (concussion, skull fracture, cranial hemorrhage, etc.)
  • Arm, hip and/or leg fractures
  • Facial and/or dental fractures
  • Rib fractures
  • Ruptured spleen
  • Bowel and/or renal contusions
  • Internal organ damage from being impaled on your handlebars
  • Severe lacerations to any part of your body

Why You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Given the possible seriousness and long-term consequences of your injuries, your wisest strategy is to engage the services of an experienced local bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. He or she can assess your injuries,  make a quick, but reasoned, estimate of their “value,” answer all your questions, and advise you of your options going forward.

Your lawyer can also take the stress of financial worries about who’s going to pay for your rapidly mounting medical and other bills off your shoulders so you can devote your energy to recovering from your injuries to the greatest extent possible and getting back to the life you love. 

One of the most immediate ways your lawyer can do this is by being in your corner when the negligent motorist’s insurance adjuster calls you. Unfortunately, you can expect this call within a day or two of your accident, often while you’re still in the hospital. Insurance adjusters are notorious for pressuring injury victims to sign releases and accept low settlement amounts.

By referring this caller to your lawyer, you save yourself the distress of dealing with someone who definitely does not have your best interests at heart. You likewise can be secure in the knowledge that your lawyer can and undoubtedly will effectively disabuse the adjuster of any idea he or she has that you’ll simply accept whatever low initial settlement offer the company makes.

If you need to speak with a lawyer about your bike accident, call a dedicated lawyer, such as a Bike Accident Attorney at Barry P. Goldberg, immediately.