Sun Valley summers are perfect for going on a relaxing bicycle ride, until suddenly you find yourself on the ground after an accident, injured and unsure of what to do next. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, a bicycle accident lawyer in Sun Valley can help you obtain compensation for what you’ve endured.
At Shook & Stone, we have over 150 years of combined experience. We put that knowledge to work for you and will dedicate ourselves to fighting on your behalf. After an accident, having a dedicated Sun Valley personal injury lawyer means having someone on the front lines while you recover.
Car Accidents and Bicycle Accidents are Not the Same
As a cyclist, you are in a much different situation than a motor vehicle driver if you are involved in a collision. Those in a car or truck are surrounded by steel, protected by seatbelts and airbags. On a bike, it is just you versus the car and the concrete with just a helmet as protection.
This can result in much more serious injury. What may be a slight fender bender with two cars could be catastrophic on a bicycle. Drivers also have slightly different traffic laws than bikers, making liability more complex.
Additionally, motor vehicle drivers are required to carry insurance, whereas cyclists are not, which could leave you in a difficult position if the driver is uninsured or underinsured. Having an experienced Sun Valley bicycle accident lawyer could mean the difference between a small settlement and the maximum amount of compensation possible.
You Have Legal Rights and May Be Entitled to Compensation
After a bicycle accident, you may be left with unexpected expenses. If you were injured by someone else’s negligence, an attorney can work with you to get these expenses covered, along with additional compensation for what you’ve endured. Common damages that can be recouped may include:
- Medical bills
- Future treatments related to the accident (i.e., doctor’s visits, therapies, surgeries)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Property damage
- Legal fees
- Punitive damages
- Loss of enjoyment
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death
Every case is different, and the amounts and types of compensation you may receive depend on the situation. Working with a Sun Valley bicycle accident attorney is the first step in securing the compensation you are entitled to.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can happen for multiple reasons in Sun Valley, many of which relate to driver negligence. Some of the most common causes we see include:
Drivers Turning Without Checking Bike Lanes
In Nevada, a motorist must yield to a bicycle in the bike lane while turning right. This does not always occur and can result in the vehicle colliding with a cyclist.
Distracted Driving
As technology advances inside vehicles, drivers are becoming increasingly distracted. This can cause them to fail to see a cyclist and result in an accident.
Visibility Problems
When riding at night or in severe weather, bicyclists are at a higher risk of being involved in a crash due to reduced visibility. Wearing proper reflective gear can help in these situations, but it does not eliminate the risk.
“Dooring” Collisions
“Dooring” is the term used when a driver of a car opens their door while a biker is in the bike lane, causing the cyclist to collide with the open door. Generally, this is an accident, but there have been cases where this was done intentionally as a symptom of road rage.
Whether riding a bicycle for leisure or commuting, the first line of defense for cyclists is riding defensively and paying attention to the road. If that doesn’t work and you are injured in a bicycle crash, an experienced attorney can fight on your behalf to recover the damages that you are owed.
Free Consultation We’ll help you win the benefits you need to get your life back.
Determining Liability Matters
To obtain the proper compensation, it is important to know who is liable in your bike accident. Nevada abides by a modified comparative negligence system (NRS 41.141). This means you may only be eligible to recover damages if you are found to be 50% or less liable. Possible liable parties may include:
- Negligent drivers—If they were driving while distracted, intoxicated, or recklessly, they may be held liable for any resulting accidents.
- Vehicle owners—if they have parked illegally, have unsecured cargo, etc., they may still be liable even if they weren’t driving at the time of a collision.
- Municipalities or government entities—If roads and signage aren’t properly maintained, this could lead to an accident, and the city or other local government may be liable.
- Manufacturers—If a car, car part, or bicycle manufacturer has defective products, they may be held liable in the event of an accident or injury.
Determining the correct liable party is imperative when building your case. If multiple parties are responsible, your attorney can help determine who to go after to get justice.
Why You Should Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Sun Valley After a Crash
After a bike accident, the last thing on your mind should be dealing with insurance companies. A qualified attorney understands how insurance companies operate, how to negotiate with them, and how to get you the maximum payout for your physical and emotional trauma.
Before speaking with an insurance company, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer. Oftentimes, insurance adjusters try to devalue your claim. This can be done by using your own statements against you and using their own experts to shift blame onto you. Your attorney will fight to make sure this doesn’t happen.
Your lawyer knows the system and may use evidence such as traffic cam footage, witness statements, medical documents, and police reports to build your case. A local attorney can also utilize their own knowledge of traffic patterns and local courts to strengthen your case and ensure everything is filed with the courts correctly.
Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers are Here to Fight for You
At Shook & Stone, we believe in taking a holistic approach, thoroughly reviewing every detail of your case, and using that information to win.
Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation. You are more than your case, and we want to be your law firm for life.
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