Bicycle accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with severe injuries and a long road to recovery. Knowing you have legal options is vital if you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident in Draper.
Good Guys Injury Law is a law firm dedicated to supporting victims of bicycle accidents by providing expert legal representation. Our Draper bicycle accident lawyer has the experience and knowledge to help you direct the legal system and secure the compensation you deserve.
Awareness of your rights and the complexities of bicycle accident claims is vital. We aim to alleviate the stress of the aftermath of an accident by handling all the legal details of personal injury cases for you. Learn more about bike crashes below. Then, contact us to schedule a free case consultation.
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Our Draper Bicycle Accident Lawyer Knows the Dangers of Collisions
Bicycle accidents can happen unexpectedly, and the outcomes can be severe. Our Draper bicycle accident lawyer is well aware of the dangers bicyclists face on the roads. We have handled numerous cases involving injured cyclists from countless collisions and know their drastic effect on a person’s life.
It is not just the immediate injuries that affect victims but also the long-term repercussions that can alter their lives. We are committed to helping our clients receive full compensation for immediate and future needs. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
We aim to ensure that medical bills do not financially burden you after the accident. Contact our Draper personal injury attorney today.
The Rights and Responsibilities of Bicyclists Under Utah Traffic Law
Bicyclists in Utah have the same rights as motor vehicle drivers when using the roadways. This includes the right to receive equal treatment from other drivers and other road users when necessary and to use the entire lane. Bicyclists also have the right to signal turns and have those signals respected by other drivers.
However, with these rights come responsibilities. Cyclists must follow all the traffic laws, signals and signs like motor vehicle drivers. They should use lights at night and always wear helmets for safety. Bicyclists are also expected to use bike lanes where available and to ride in the same direction as traffic.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
- Distracted Driving. Many bicycle accidents occur because a vehicle driver is not paying attention. Distracted driving can lead to drivers missing stop signs or failing to see a bicyclist when turning or changing lanes.
- Dooring. “Dooring” happens when a parked driver opens their car door without checking for oncoming bicyclists. This can cause severe injuries as the bicyclist has little time to react.
- Poor road conditions. Potholes, cracks, and uneven road surfaces can be particularly hazardous for bicyclists, causing them to lose control and crash.
- Speeding. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of a crash. When drivers speed in areas frequented by bicyclists, the risk of a collision increases significantly.
- Failure to yield. Accidents often occur when drivers do not yield the right of way to bicyclists at intersections or while completing turns, ignoring the bicyclist’s equal rights on the road.
Steps To Take After a Draper Bicycle Accident
- Check for injuries and call for medical Help. Your health is the most important thing. If you’re injured, try to stay calm and wait for medical help to arrive.
- Move to safety. If you can move, get yourself and your bicycle out of further harm’s way. Do not stay on the road if moving to the sidewalk is safe.
- Document the scene. If possible, take pictures of the scene, your injuries, and any damage to your bicycle.
- Exchange information. Get the contact and insurance information from any other parties involved. If there are witnesses, get their information too.
- Do not admit fault. It’s important not to admit fault at the scene. Stick to the facts when speaking with police and other parties.
- Seek legal advice. Before saying anything to insurance companies, partner with a bicycle accident lawyer.
- Follow up with medical care. Even if you feel fine, it is important to follow up with medical care. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Seek Medical Attention
After a bicycle accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, see medical professionals, they can be more severe than you realize. A doctor can review your injuries and give the required treatment, which is important for documenting your injuries for a claim.
Always Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
Reporting your bicycle accident to law enforcement is essential. A police report is an official incident record, which is vital when you file a claim. It includes details about the accident and witness information and may include a preliminary assessment of fault.
Common Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents
- Traumatic brain injuries. Even with a helmet, cyclists can suffer traumatic brain injuries if they fall or are struck by a vehicle. These injuries can have long-term effects.
- Fractures. The effect of a collision can lead to major bone fractures. Cyclists often suffer from fractured arms, legs, or ribs from falls or impacts.
- Road rash. Sliding across pavement can cause severe abrasions, known as road rash, which can be painful and susceptible to infection.
- Spinal cord injuries. A major impact can damage the spinal cord, potentially resulting in temporary or permanent paralysis.
- Facial and dental injuries. When cyclists faceplant or hit their faces, they can sustain extreme facial and dental injuries.
- Internal injuries. The effect of a bicycle crash can cause internal injuries, which might not be immediately obvious but are life-threatening.
- Psychological trauma. Beyond physical injuries, many cyclists experience psychological trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, after an accident.
Legal Considerations in Bicycle Accident Cases
Handling a bicycle accident claim involves knowing the legal framework and what compensation you could be owed.
Our experienced bicycle accident attorney will guide you through the complexities of your case, including determining fault, dealing with insurance companies, and, if needed, pursuing litigation to protect your rights. We are here to fight for you.
Determining Fault and Liability
Assigning fault in a bike crash can be complex. It involves analyzing the accident scene, witness statements, and applicable laws. Our attorney will investigate every aspect of your case to ensure liable parties are held accountable.
Role of Insurance in Bicycle Accident Claims
Insurance plays a critical role in bicycle accident claims. Our team will deal directly with insurance adjusters to make sure your settlement is fair and just. If the insurance offer does not cover your damages, we are prepared to pursue further legal action.
Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim
When you decide to file a bicycle accident claim, it’s important to act quickly. Utah has specific timelines for filing such claims; failing to meet them can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Our team is experienced in handling these claims and will ensure all needed documentation is completed on time.
The process of filing a claim involves numerous steps, from collecting evidence to fighting with insurance providers. Our attorney will handle these tasks, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We know your challenges and are here to support you throughout the process.
Timeline for Filing a Claim in Utah
In Utah, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including bicycle accidents, is usually four years from the incident. It’s pivotal to initiate your claim within this period to ensure that you can seek the maximum compensation amount. Delaying can lead to loss of evidence and witnesses, weakening your case.
We May Need To File a Personal Injury Claim and an Insurance Claim
Filing both a full personal injury case and an insurance claim may be required to fully recover all your losses. This dual approach ensures that all avenues for compensation are explored. Our firm has the expertise to handle both types of claims effectively.
How Much Is My Claim Worth?
Calculating the value of your bicycle crash claim involves several factors. These include the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, your lost income and wages, and the effect on your quality of life. Our attorney will work to ensure that every aspect of your damages is accounted for in the claim.
Often, the initial offer from an insurance company may not fully cover your actual losses. We are skilled in negotiations and will advocate for a settlement that appropriately values the injuries and harm you have suffered.
If needed, we are also prepared to take your case to trial in an effort to build a solid case and secure the best possible result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the driver flees the scene?
If the driver leaves the scene, try to note any details about the vehicle and contact the police immediately. This information can be needed to locate the car and driver.
Can I still file a claim if I am partially at fault?
You can still file a claim if you are partially at fault for a permanent injury. Utah operates under a comparative negligence rule. As a result, even if you are partially blamed, you could still recover compensation. On the other hand, the amount of blame you bear might reduce your compensation.
What if the accident occurred due to poor road conditions?
If poor road conditions contributed to your accident, you might have a claim against the entity responsible for road maintenance.
Connect With Our Draper Bicycle Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Case Consultation
At Good Guys Injury Law, we offer injured cyclist a free consultation to remove all risks associated with partnering with a personal injury lawyer. Our experienced bicycle accident lawyer will review your case and discuss the best strategies for moving forward.
Our Draper bicycle accident lawyers have represented countless bicycle accident victims. Now, we can help you demand compensation for your bicycle accident injuries.
Contact our Utah bicycle accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.