Learning how to ride a bike is a favorite memory for many. A bike accident, however, is not one most want to remember. However, serious bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries, long-term damage, and costly bills. If a bike accident causes you injury or the death of a loved one, you may consider seeking financial rewards.
The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC will fight on your behalf for compensation for your personal injuries and other losses. Let a Tucson bicycle accident lawyer from our law firm handle your case so that you can focus on recovery. Call a team member at (800) 761-5225 to discuss your bike accident.
Compensation from Bike Accidents
Cyclists can suffer several injuries from bike accidents, from cuts and scrapes to disability and death. If you or your loved one required medical assistance, the responsible party should pay for initial and ongoing costs. Depending on your case, you may seek compensation for any of the following:
- Immediate medical costs – You may sue for reimbursement of any expenses related to the accident, such as hospital and physician bills. If you or your loved one required an ambulance, the fee may be part of your settlement amount.
- Ongoing medical costs – Some bike accidents require extensive therapy to recover. This can include physical therapy to regain lost motor skills and counseling for emotional or mental distress following the accident.
- Loss of property – Bicycles, especially those enthusiasts own, are not inexpensive. Bikes can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Lost wages – If the accident kept you or your family member from working, you may be able to seek compensation for lost earnings. A lawsuit can help you seek the pay lost while recovering in the hospital.
- Future earnings – If the accident affected you or your family member’s ability to return to their profession, you should consider suing for compensation for future income lost. A Tucson bicycle accident lawyer will fight for the maximum reward to cover the consequences of the accident. You do not want to continue to suffer financially long after the collision.
- Pain and suffering – The physical injury and emotional toll from a bike accident can result in severe and long-term distress. An injury, like nerve damage, can hurt and cause continual pain for years. Emotional damages may include new anxiety or loss of a once-loved hobby.
According to Arizona Constitution Art. 2 § 31, there is no limit on damages for personal injury and wrongful death claims. Your personal injury lawyer can review your bike crash and the outcome to determine a compensation amount. The legal team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC works on a contingency basis. This means we take our fee from the settlement we get you.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Tucson, call (800) 761-5225
Who Is Responsible for Bike Accident Damages
As part of your personal injury lawsuit, you and your lawyer will need to establish proof of who is at fault.
Bicycle Vs. Vehicle
Vehicles are one of the most common causes of bike crashes. Drivers can be distracted, under the influence, or just not mindful of nearby cyclists. Common vehicle-related bike accidents include:
- Striking a cyclist with a vehicle door
- Collisions from driving under the influence
- Running a red light or sign
- Turning or switching lanes without looking
- Reckless driving like speeding
- Distracted driving like using a cell phone
An at-fault driver and their car insurance provider may both be responsible for compensation. The driver’s insurance company may cover the policy’s limit, and the driver is responsible for the excess. The State of Arizona requires drivers to carry the following minimum vehicle insurance levels:
- $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
- 15,000 for property damage liability
Bicycle Vs. Pedestrian
A pedestrian stepping onto a bike path without looking may be held negligent for not being cautious. Likewise, a cyclist would be at fault for hitting a pedestrian while riding on a sidewalk illegally. If you and the other cyclist were the only two present, the claim can involve a lot of finger-pointing without proper evidence.
Bicycle Vs. Bicycle
It can be challenging to determine who is at fault in certain situations, such as bike on bike crashes. The defending party may claim you or your loved one is partially responsible. If the defense can show evidence of your blame, your settlement amount may decrease.
Unlike drivers, cyclists do not need to have insurance to ride. However, at-fault parties may rely on homeowners or renters insurance to cover damages. An umbrella insurance policy extends coverage after that the previously mentioned policies do not.
Tucson Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 761-5225
Bicycle Accident Lawsuits
You and your legal team will need to collect evidence to support your case. Evidence in a bike accident case includes but is not limited to:
- Testimony from the parties and witnesses. Similarly, witnesses can attest to you or your loved one’s physical and mental condition following the accident.
- Health care documents to show the extent of the damage. Medical records and photography of physical injuries can illustrate the pain, lasting damage, and more, while bills detail the financial impact. Letters and testimony from therapists or other mental health professionals can show any emotional consequences.
- Documentation of the incident. Almost everyone has a smartphone today, and still or video documentation of or after the bike crash may be helpful.
A timely filing can make collecting evidence for your case easier.
Getting Professional Help
A law that sets time limits to start legal proceedings is a statute of limitations. Arizona personal injury law is particular about how long after the crash you can file depending on the collision outcome.
Personal injury cases have a two-year limit, according to Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 15-542. However, there are exceptions to the rule. Work with a Tucson bicycle accident lawyer about when to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for damages. Speak to a team member at Ben Crump Law, PLLC by calling (800) 761-5225.
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