A bicycle accident may not sound like something that can cause serious injury or permanent disability. It can and it does. The clients who call the Law Office of John C. Fitzpatrick have been involved with an accident with a car or other motor vehicle. Often times the driver of the vehicle doesn’t see the cyclist until impact. Frequently occurring incidents include park cars opening their door into the bicyclist and turning right into a cyclist continue straight ahead. Having a strong attorney on your side makes a difference in your recovery.
With the help of a bicycle accident lawyer you can seek compensation for an injury resulting from a car-bicycle collision to recover any and all expenses and damages related to the accident that are the fault of a negligent party:
- Lost earnings and lost future income
- Medical expense
- Property damage, such as the value of your bicycle or any equipment
- The cost of household help as you recover
Bicycle Accident Safety Tips
The Law Firm of John C. Fitzpatrick knows that bike safety can help saves lives. In a crash, a bike is no match for a 3,000 pound car.
Preventive, defensive-driving measures to avoid a bike accident altogether can help avoid a potentially deadly crash:
- Drive your Bike. Be predictable and obey state and local traffic laws. Cyclists are responsible for following all of the same traffic laws as motor vehicles.
- Don’t Pass on the Right. Motorists regularly do not look to their right for passing vehicles, including bikes. Observe the normal flow of traffic.
- Understand and Anticipate Common Crash Scenarios.
- Wear a Properly Fitted Helmet, even if not required by law. Helmets can save your brain, even in the event of a minor crash.
- Be Visible. Wear light or brightly colored clothing. If you must ride at night, make sure to properly equip your bike with appropriate lights required by law.
- Stay Alert. Be aware of traffic around you, potential obstacles, parked vehicles in parking lots, driveways, intersections, high congestion areas, and delivery trucks and semis. Headphones and headsets are prohibited by law and inhibit your senses.
- Maintain Your Bike. Keep proper working order of your bike-tires, handlebars, brakes, seat, lights. If it’s been a while, test them out before riding with traffic.
- Use hand signals, so motorists can anticipate your actions at least 100 feet before you turn or “make a move.”
Contact a bicycle accident lawyer
If you were hurt cycling to school or work, you may have cause for a personal injury law suit. An attorney experienced with bicycle accident law will be able to advise you of your rights.