If a cyclist crashes into a vehicle, the rider will almost certainly come off worse than the driver. However, that doesn’t mean the driver is always to blame. Either party’s recklessness, carelessness, or negligence could have caused the collision, which is why you need an experienced lawyer to help fight your case and uncover the facts.
At Corradino & Papa, we want to help drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists remain safe on the road, which is why we’ll be spreading awareness of safety during May, the national Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Keep reading below to learn four things regarding bicycle accident settlements. If you’ve recently sustained an injury due to a collision with a vehicle. We urge you to call us sooner rather than later.
Negligence Explained
The jury and judge will determine whether you or the other driver caused the accident as a result of negligence. For drivers, negligence could mean speeding, drifting into the bike lane, or running a stop sign. For cyclists, negligence could refer to running a red light, riding the wrong way down a one-way street, or turning abruptly into traffic. You might assume there’s no way you could be to blame for a collision involving a large vehicle, but the defendant will likely try to prove that your recklessness caused the accident. Hire an experienced lawyer to ensure the jury hears your truth.
Hit and Run Accidents
Unfortunately, it’s all too common for drivers to flee the scene of an accident involving a cyclist. However, hit and run can be a felony if the driver had reason to believe you were injured but decided to drive away anyway. If the driver didn’t stop to assist you, you will likely need to rely on your health insurance to cover your bills, which could leave you seriously out of pocket. For that reason, you should try to find out who caused your accident so that you can recoup your losses and win the compensation you deserve.
What You Should Do After a Crash
If you collide with a car, you must wait at the scene of the accident for the police to arrive, even if you don’t think you’re injured. In some cases, cyclists don’t realize their injuries for several hours. The police can file a report that you can use as evidence in court to claim compensation. Make sure you get your version of events into the report, and, if you can, obtain information from the driver and any witnesses.
You Need a Lawyer to Fight Your Case
Claiming compensation can be a challenging process, and you will face obstacles from the driver’s insurer, especially if you have no witnesses and the case becomes your word against the plaintiff’s. For that reason, hiring a legal expert to fight your corner is crucial, which is where we can be useful.
At Corradino & Papa, we understand the rules of the road like the back of our hand. We can help you win the compensation you deserve, which may help you get your life back on track after having an accident. If you want to learn more about bicycle accident claims, don’t hesitate to call us.