Bicycle accidents are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. Many victims are left with extensive injuries, property damage, and expenses to deal with afterward. Because bicycle accidents can be so dangerous, many city and state governments take specific action to provide extra protection for riders.
For example, there are specific facilities designed for bike riders in Salt Lake City. According to the Transportation Department, bicyclists are allowed to ride on the sidewalk in most areas of the city to keep them safe from traffic. The government also provides specific safety guidelines to help prevent bicycle accidents and injuries. Much of this work is done in recognition of the fact that riding a bike in traffic-filled areas can be dangerous, and many accidents can be avoided with proper care.
After a bicycle accident, you might have the option to seek restitution from the liable party. To see what your legal options are, you might want to start by contacting the offices of a Salt Lake City bicycle accident lawyer. You can reach out to the offices of Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at
Determining Liability
Liability is an important part of any case, as it determines which party was responsible for the incident and, thus, liable for your expenses. In a bicycle accident, this is usually the person that caused your accident.
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, there may be other parties liable for your expenses. For example, if you are in a bicycle accident involving a city-owned and -operated vehicle, you might have a viable case against the city. If your accident was caused by a company vehicle, the company might also be held liable under specific circumstances.
Liability is something a lawyer tries to determine at the beginning of the legal process so that they can build the rest of the case accordingly. There may be different processes your lawyer needs to follow depending on who is being sued. Government agencies, for example, tend to have special procedures for filing claims against specific agencies. You might want to work with your lawyer to identify everyone involved in your accident to determine liability accurately.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Salt Lake City, call 800-761-5225
Settlement vs. Trial
Depending on how your accident happens, it might resolve in one of two ways. Once the civil lawsuit is filed, it goes to trial, where you will receive a ruling from a judge. A long wait for a court date is normal because there are typically many civil cases that need to go before the court.
If your accident involves another vehicle, an insurance company might be involved. Insurance companies usually offer settlement agreements to accident victims. A settlement agreement trades compensation and other terms that you negotiate in exchange for forgoing your lawsuit and any claims to liability. This helps the insurance company keep payouts lower and case times shorter.
A settlement agreement might allow you to negotiate a specific amount of compensation while getting a shorter conclusion to your lawsuit. While you might not negotiate as much compensation as you may be awarded at trial, you do get to collect that compensation sooner. For some victims, this can make a substantial difference in the outcome of their case.
Before you accept any type of settlement agreement, you might want to review it with a lawyer. There are potential problems that can arise from settlement agreements that your Salt Lake City bicycle accident lawyer might be able to help you address.
Salt Lake City Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-761-5225
Potential Compensation
It is impossible to say how much restitution you will receive at the end of your lawsuit because every case is different. Medical expenses are the most common set of claims in a bicycle accident lawsuit. Aside from that, claims for replacing bicycles and riding gear are also common. Since bike accidents tend to be severe, it is likely that the victim will have extensive medical needs. The bike will most likely be destroyed, as will most other property on your person during the accident.
Click to contact our Salt Lake City Personal Injury Lawyers today
Seeking Legal Action
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, you might have the right to file a lawsuit against the person who caused your accident. Under civil law, you can seek financial restitution to help handle your related expenses, such as your medical bills or the cost of repairing your bike. Many accident victims decide to take legal action because of these related expenses, which can have a major impact on your finances and can take a long time to resolve. Collecting compensation from the lawsuit can cut down the time needed to pay off those expenses by years.
If you are still considering taking legal action but are unsure, it might be in your best interest to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options. There is a limited amount of time for you to file your lawsuit because of the statute of limitations.
According to Utah Code §78B-2-305, you have three years to file a personal injury suit that involves property damage. This includes damage to your bike, helmet, and other personal property that was damaged during the accident. Although that may seem like a lot of time, it can pass quickly when you are trying to recover. Keep this in mind if you do not want to miss your opportunity to collect financial restitution from the liable party by waiting too long to start the legal process.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Speak to a Lawyer About Your Case
If you or a loved one were injured in a bicycle accident, you might be able to take legal action to collect compensation for your related expenses. Contact the offices of a Salt Lake City bicycle accident lawyer to find out what legal steps you can take. Call the offices of Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at
Call or text 800-761-5225 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
