Bicycles just like any other means of transport, are not immune to accidents. Accidents happen all the time. Accidents on riders may come as a result of reckless driving, careless pedestrians, or even poor road conditions. Bicycle accidents can be very lethal to the rider; injuries in bicycle accidents may be very costly.
A good lawyer can help one get compensated for such accidents. Cycling has become a common means of transport. As part of making healthy living decisions, cycling has become a preferred means of transport for many people. This has caused an increase in the number of bicycle accidents happening daily. Bicycle-related cases are making their way into the courts every day. Good representation from lawyers experienced in handling bicycle-related cases can help one get justice after a bicycle accident.
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Causes of Bicycle Accidents
The causes of bicycle accidents usually affect the direction the case will take. Some of the common causes of bicycle accidents are riding at high speeds, inexperience in navigating roadways, competitive riding, alcohol and substance abuse, mechanical failure, poor road conditions such as loose gravel, and motorist errors among many others. All these accidents have different dynamics that could affect the compensation of the rider. A good bicycle lawyer has handled cases of accidents emanating from all these causes. They know how to handle the dynamics to get the best results for their clients. Hiring a lawyer that has specialized in bicycle cases increases your chances of winning the case.
Precautions and Safety Tips
When riding a bicycle, it is important to ensure that you adhere to the safety regulations that are put in place. The first is to ensure that you wear a helmet. A helmet not only minimizes the head injuries which could be fatal but also helps the case in claiming damages. A helmet greatly reduces the fatality of bicycle accidents. If an accident happens without a helmet, carelessness can be argued as the cause of the injuries, which makes the case more complex. The injuries when a helmet is on are less severe.
Types of Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents present different types of injuries with varying severity. Head injuries are some of the most common injuries in bicycle accidents. Head injuries have very dire consequences depending on the severity. They include skull fractures, brain contusions, concussions, and other brain-related injuries. In some cases, they may cause strokes and other permanent conditions that may cause disabilities. These cases may affect the quality of life for the victim and their family. Compensation for such cases is important as they affect the length and quality of life for the victim and family. One must ensure that they hire a lawyer that is experienced in handling such cases.
Other injuries may include bone-related injuries such as fractures and dislocations. These may vary depending on the severity. Soft tissue injuries and skin injuries are also common. Some of these injuries may leave a permanent mark as a result of scarring. Facial and dental injuries are also common. Due to their location, they are hard to hide and affect one’s appearance and subsequently their quality of life. A good bicycle lawyer knows how to argue each unique situation to get the best result for their client.
Defenses for Bicycle Lawsuits When a bicycle causes an accident, the cyclist is held liable just like any other road user. The responsibility of the cyclist may be quantified and lead to a percentage of the claims they can get for the accident. For example, dynamics such as the speed of the cyclist, and the lane used can significantly affect the amounts of compensation. It is therefore mandatory to get a qualified lawyer to represent you. Fresno bicycle accident lawyers at The May Firm are always ready and equipped to give you the best representation
