5 Most Common Bicycle Accident Claims You Need To Be Aware Of
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are over 4,000 bicycle accident fatalities annually in the United States. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, you know how devastating it can be.
The good news is that you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The bad news is that winning a bicycle accident claim can be difficult. Insurance companies are notorious for lowballing victims or denying their claims altogether.
That’s why it’s important to be aware of the most common bicycle accident claims and to have an experienced attorney. Keep reading to learn more!
- Roadway Defects
One of the most common bicycle accident claims is for roadway defects. These defects can include potholes, cracked or uneven pavement, debris in the roadway, and more.
When a roadway defect causes a bicycle accident, it’s usually because the cyclist could not avoid the defect and crashed as a result. In some cases, the municipality responsible for maintaining the roadway may be liable for the accident.
- Driver Negligence
Another common claim is driver negligence. This can happen when a driver fails to yield the right of way to a cyclist, makes an illegal turn, or is otherwise careless behind the wheel.
If you’ve been in an accident with a driver, get their insurance information and contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
- Bicycle Defects
Bicycle defects are another common cause of accidents. A defective bicycle can cause a crash even if the rider is careful.
Common bicycle defects include:
- Faulty brakes.
- Problems with the steering or suspension.
- Tires that are bald or have too much air pressure.
If you’ve been in an accident and believe your bicycle was defective, contact an experienced attorney immediately.
- Pedestrian Negligence
Believe it or not, pedestrian negligence is a common cause of bicycle accidents. This can happen when a pedestrian fails to yield the right of way or walks into the street without looking first.
If you’ve been hit by a pedestrian while riding your bicycle, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
- Bad Weather
Bad weather is another common claim in bicycle accident cases. If you’ve been in an accident due to poor weather conditions, you may be able to hold the municipality responsible for failing to properly maintain the roadway.
Remember that insurance companies will often try to blame the victim in these cases. That’s why it’s so important to have an experienced attorney on your side.
How to File a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Now that you know the most common bicycle accident claims, you may wonder how to file a claim. The first step is to contact an experienced attorney.
Your attorney will help you gather evidence, such as witness statements, photos of the accident, and medical records. They will also help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t try to handle a bicycle accident claim on your own. Let an experienced attorney help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact and visit us at Oracle Law.
No matter the cause of your bicycle accident, it’s important to have an experienced attorney. At Oracle Law, we have years of experience handling bicycle accident claims. We know how to deal with insurance companies and get our clients the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been in a bicycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer free consultations, so you can learn more about your rights and how we can help. Call us today at (888) 547-1778 to schedule your appointment.