Bicycling can be a popular means of both recreation and transportation, but it can also be dangerous. Many drivers fail to drive carefully or pay attention when driving near bicyclists.
Although bicyclists and drivers alike must follow the rules of the road, most bicycle accidents are the drivers’ fault. The injuries that you may sustain in a bicycle accident can be devastating because cyclists have little protection from the impact of an automobile.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, a personal injury attorney can help you fight for compensation. A Bellevue bicycle accident lawyer can be instrumental in protecting your rights and interests after an injury.
Negligence in Biking Collisions
The amount you get back from your injury claim depends heavily on how well you can prove the driver was negligent and therefore responsible for the accident. Negligence does not mean someone intentionally hurt you. It means that someone was careless or reckless and failed to use reasonable care. In a bicycle accident, this usually means they disregarded the safety of bicyclists and caused an accident.
If a driver in Bellevue fails to exercise reasonable care on the roadway, he or she may be held liable for any subsequent bicycle accidents.
According to state law, if you are injured in an accident and are less than 50 percent at fault, you can seek compensation for your damages from people that were responsible. However, your total recovery would decrease by your assigned percentage of fault.
Deadlines in Bicycle Accident Claims
Under Nebraska Revised Statures §25-207, if you were injured in a bicycle accident you must file your personal injury claim within four years from the date of the collision. While there are some exceptions to this rule, injured bike riders should consult a bicycle crash attorney in Bellevue as quickly as possible following an accident to ensure that a claim is filed with plenty of time before the deadline. Missing this legal deadline can prevent you from receiving any compensation whatsoever.
Damages in Bellevue Bike Crash Cases
The weight, speed, and overall size of motor vehicles can be deadly for bicyclists, who have virtually no protection against the impact of a car. As a result, your injuries can be substantial and the accompanying bills can be significant.
If the negligence of other drivers causes an accident that led to your injuries, you could recover compensation for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income from missed work
- Rehabilitation and medical equipment costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
If the injuries sustained in the accident result in permanent injuries that prevent you from returning to work, you may be entitled to additional damages for loss of future income and diminished earning capacity.
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
Consult a Bellevue Bicycle Accident Attorney for Guidance
Even when bicyclists follow traffic laws and wear protective gear, they still can suffer devastating injuries when struck by motor vehicles. A personal injury claim can allow you to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions and get the compensation that you need to move forward. A Bellevue bicycle accident lawyer can be vital to your efforts to recover damages.
Personal injury claims can be complicated. Experienced legal counsel can fight on your behalf to help you get the maximum compensation available. Call Berry Law today for a free case evaluation.
