When a car and a bike collide, the results can be very devastating for the cyclist. A driver who is being negligent could easily cause a crash with a cyclist. The victim could end up with at least a damaged bicycle. The worst outcome could even be fatal injuries.
If you or your family member has gotten into a bicycling accident, Ben Crump Law, PLLC may be able to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and losses. In addition, we have an Omaha bicycle accident lawyer who can help you file a lawsuit. If the driver of the vehicle was at fault, they should be responsible for the costs. We can guide you and prevent further suffering for you and your family. Call us today at (800) 761-5225.
Cycling Can Be Dangerous
A cyclist has just as much right to use roadways and paths as motor vehicles, pedestrians, or anyone else. The problem of bicyclist safety is often about the lack of safe riding conditions. A narrow or uneven road or poor lighting can all contribute to cycling accidents. Additionally, a driver who is not paying attention or is disregarding bicyclist safety is being negligent.
Protective gear, such as a helmet, could save a bicyclist’s life, but they could still suffer injuries if they are in an accident. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that bicycle riders are at a higher risk of injury and death than people in motor vehicles. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2017, nearly 800 cyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes across the country. Three of those deaths were in Nebraska.
Bicyclists can wear fluorescent or reflective clothing and install lights on their bicycles to try to keep themselves safe. Unfortunately, if a driver is being irresponsible, there may be nothing the cyclist can do to avoid an accident. Death is not the typical outcome of these encounters, but many end in injury for the cyclist.
Injuries Can Be Costly
There are many injuries a cyclist could suffer as a result of a collision with a motor vehicle. Some of these injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Road rash or other scrapes and cuts
- Head injuries
- Contusions
- Puncture wounds
- Bleeding
These injuries can require emergency room visits, hospital stays, medications, and long-term treatment. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), head injuries are the most common cause of serious injury or death to cyclists. In some cases, injuries can cause paralysis.
Whatever the degree of injury, it causes a disruption to your life. You may need modifications to your home to be able to get around every day. If your injuries affect your ability to move freely, you will need assistance with simple tasks like cooking dinner or cleaning. These costs should not fall into your lap if you were not at fault. If the driver in your accident was being negligent, it is fair to hold them responsible for the costs.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Omaha, call 800-761-5225
Recover the Damages You Have Lost
If the driver of the motor vehicle is the one who caused your accident, you can seek to pursue awards for the costs of the accident. These costs can add up quickly, and you should not have to take on drastic measures to pay for an accident that you did not cause. Sometimes, families feel forced into quitting employment to care for an injured loved one or taking on massive debt to pay the bills. These decisions can lead to life-long consequences.
A lawsuit can seem daunting while you are recovering from the injuries caused by the accident. An Omaha bicycle accident lawyer can guide you through the process and help you make decisions about your lawsuit.
Some of the costs you could recover with a successful lawsuit include:
- Medical bills: Doctor appointments, emergency room visits, medications, medical equipment, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages: The time you missed at work
- Diminished earning capacity: For when your injuries will keep you from earning the same amount you did before the accident
- Property damage: For the repair or replacement of your bicycle and any other property damaged in the accident
- Emotional distress: An accident and injury causes an upheaval of your routine, which can be very stressful, and may require psychiatric treatment
- Pain and suffering: For the physical pain of your injuries
- Inconvenience: Scheduling appointments to treat your injuries and getting to those appointments is just one of the many inconveniences you may face
Nebraska Revised Statute § 25-207 states that you have four years after an accident to file for damages. This is an important time frame. A court may dismiss your case if you do not file within four years. There are some exceptions to this statute. A conversation with an Omaha bicycle accident lawyer can help you better understand how the statute of limitations affects your lawsuit.
You can call Ben Crump Law, PLLC to speak with our team. We can tell you the approximate amount of damages to include in your lawsuit, help you build a lawsuit, and fight for your compensation. Contact us today.
Omaha Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-761-5225
Call Us Today
If you have suffered injuries because of a driver’s negligence, you have a right to seek compensation. You have suffered injuries and hardships because of your accident, and if it was someone else’s fault, you can pursue awards. Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (800) 761-5225 today to discuss your case with a member of our team. We can help you figure out the next steps and do the legal work for you. Get an Omaha bicycle accident lawyer on your side.
Call or text 800-761-5225 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
