As you face the consequences of a bicycle accident in DeLand, you likely have numerous questions and concerns. We understand that this can be a challenging time for you and your family. A seasoned DeLand bicycle accident lawyer from Anidjar & Levine can help you find the answers and provide guidance on Florida’s bicycle laws and regulations.
Our experienced lawyers can help you understand your rights and options. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to consult with a DeLand personal injury lawyer who can provide you with the support and representation you need to secure the compensation you require.
Causes of Bicycle Accidents in DeLand
Rider error is a significant contributor to bicycle accidents, accounting for a substantial proportion of crashes. This can include mistakes such as failing to follow traffic laws, riding recklessly, and not wearing safety gear like helmets. Additionally, road hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, and debris can cause you to lose control of your bike, leading to accidents.
Furthermore, inadequate infrastructure can also contribute to bicycle accidents. This can include a lack ofbike lanes, poor lighting, and inadequate signage, making it difficult to travel roads safely. Besides, careless motorists can pose a significant threat to cyclists, including those who fail to yield, tailgate, or drivedistracted.
It’s important to be aware of these hazards and take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of accidents. By following traffic laws, wearing safety gear, and being mindful of road conditions, you can reduce your chances of being involved in a bicycle accident. Our DeLand bicycle accident lawyers can help determine the cause of your accident.
Common Injuries Sustained
One of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents is road rash, which can range from mild to severe. Road rash occurs when your skin comes into contact with the road surface, causing abrasions, lacerations, and bruises. In severe cases, road rash can lead to infections, scarring, and long-term skin damage.
Another common injury sustained in bicycle accidents is knee injuries. Due to their location and the forces involved in a crash, the knees are particularly susceptible to injury. Knee injuries can range from mild strains and sprains to more severe injuries, such as ligament tears, meniscal tears, and fractures.
Other common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and soft tissue injuries. These injuries can have a significant impact on your daily life, causing pain, discomfort, and limited mobility.
Determining Liability Factors
You may be wondering who is responsible for the damages and injuries you’ve sustained in a bicycle accident. To determine liability, you’ll need to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash. This involves identifying the parties involved, gathering evidence, and analyzing the facts to establish fault.
When it comes to vehicle-bicycle accidents, liability often falls on the driver. However, it’s important to investigate whether the driver’s actions contributed to the accident. For instance, did the driver fail to check their blind spots before turning or changing lanes? Were they distracted, speeding, or reckless?
On the other hand, you should also consider whether the vehicle was properly maintained. Was the vehicle’s braking system functioning correctly? Were the tires worn out or improperly inflated? Failure to maintain a vehicle can lead to mechanical failures, which can cause accidents.
Insurance Company Tactics a DeLand Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Defend Against
You’re likely to encounter insurance company tactics designed to minimize or deny your claim, such as delaying payment or disputing liability, which can further complicate your bicycle accident case. As you handle the claims process, it’s important to be aware of these tactics and take steps to safeguard your rights.
Insurance companies often employ bad faith negotiations, which involve using unfair or deceptive practices to avoid paying claims. This may include:
- Lowball offers: The insurance company makes an initial offer that is substantially lower than the actual value of your claim.
- Delaying tactics: The insurance company drags out the claims process, hoping you’ll become frustrated and accept a lower settlement.
- Insurance intimidation: The insurance company may use aggressive or threatening language to try to persuade you to accept a lower settlement or drop your claim.
- Misrepresenting policy terms: The insurance company misinterprets or misrepresents policy terms to avoid paying your claim.
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to face these tactics alone. A DeLand bicycle accident lawyer can help you handle the claims process, identify insurance company tactics, and fight for the compensation you are entitled to.
Seeking Compensation Damages in DeLand
When you’re seeking compensation for damages after a bicycle accident, you’ll need to accurately calculate the total value of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To build a strong case, you’ll also need to prove that the other party was liable for the accident, which often requires gathering evidence and witness testimony.
Calculating Accident Damages
After a bicycle accident, determining the extent of your damages is important for seeking fair compensation, as it directly impacts the amount of money you can recover from the at-fault party. To calculate your damages, you’ll need to weigh both economic and non-economic losses.
- Medical expenses: This includes past and future medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost wages: If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover lost wages, including future lost earning capacity.
- Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and suffering: This includes non-economic damages such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Accurately calculating your damages is pivotal to seeking fair compensation. A lawyer can help you chart the process and guarantee you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Proving Liability Claims
To establish a successful bicycle accident claim, your bicycle accident lawyer must demonstrate the defendant’s liability by gathering and presenting evidence that proves their negligence or reckless behavior directly caused your injuries and subsequent damages.
It’s important to prove that the defendant’s actions were the primary cause of the accident and not cyclist negligence. Your lawyer will examine the defendant’s conduct, such as speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield, to establish their liability. Witness statements from bystanders, passengers, or other cyclists can provide valuable insights into the accident.
Maximizing Injury Awards
As you go through the legal process, your bicycle accident lawyer will work to maximize your injury award by thoroughly calculating and pursuing compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. To achieve this, your lawyer will:
- Leverage settlement negotiations to reach a fair agreement with the at-fault party, using evidence and persuasive arguments to secure a satisfactory outcome.
- Appeal to jury empathy in the event of a trial, presenting a compelling narrative that highlights the impact of the accident on your life and well-being.
Contact a DeLand Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
You’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in DeLand, and now it’s time to take action. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you.
Consult with us to discuss how an experienced DeLand bicycle accident lawyer at Anidjar & Levine can help you through the legal process.
We Can Help.
