Bicycle Accidents Lawyer

Cycling is a popular hobby and transportation method, but bike riders face serious injury risks from accidents, especially when they are riding in higher-traffic areas. Negligent drivers, hazardous road conditions, and mechanical failures can all cause cyclist crashes with devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has suffered harm in a bicycle accident, you need a strong legal advocate on your side.

At Kingbird Legal, we have spent several years securing justice and maximum compensation for injured victims in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Washington D.C. We know how to build a strong case proving fault and damages after a bike crash, and we will fight tirelessly to recover the financial means for you to heal and get your life back on track.

Common Causes of Bike Accidents

Bicycle crashes can occur for a variety of reasons, such as:

Driver Negligence – Drivers frequently fail to yield to bikes properly, speed, aggressively pass too close, open doors into traffic, or otherwise operate carelessly around cyclists. These driver errors often cause serious bicycle-vehicle collisions.

Hazardous Infrastructure – Poorly maintained roads, unsafe intersections, debris in bike lanes, and lack of protected lanes force bicyclists into dangerous situations. Governments can be liable for unsafe riding conditions.

Mechanical Failures – Equipment defects in bikes or components like brakes can cause loss of control and crashes. The same holds true with cars and trucks that are often involved in collisions with bicycles. Product liability may apply if faulty manufacturing caused or contributed to the accident.

Bicyclist Errors – Bike riders sometimes cause or contribute to an accident through errors like distracted or reckless riding, improper signaling, disregarding traffic laws, or riding while intoxicated.

Common Bicycle-Related Injuries

Bike accidents frequently lead to very serious trauma for the cyclist, including:

Concussions and Broken Bones – A collision ejects the unprotected cyclist with force, causing head injuries and fractured extremities requiring surgery.

Head and Neck Trauma – Severe brain injuries or spinal cord damage that may result in permanent impairment are common with bike crashes. Helmet use is critical to avoid fatal head wounds.

Lacerations and Internal Injuries – Bike riders often suffer deep cuts from impact with vehicles and encounter abdominal organ damage or internal bleeding when hitting the ground or cars.

Road Rash – Bicyclists are extremely vulnerable to severe abrasion injuries through skin contact with the pavement, which requires painful debridement and skin grafting during recovery.

Our bicycle accident injury lawyers have helped clients suffering all varieties of harm get coverage for extensive medical treatment, including rehabilitation services. We fight to ease the physical pain bike crashes cause.

Your Legal Rights & Claims

Cycling accident victims have legal recourse through various types of claims:

Driver Negligence – At-fault motorists must compensate bicyclists for injuries through auto insurance liability coverage. Lawsuits may be necessary when out-of-pocket costs exceed liability limits.

Government Liability – If unsafe road infrastructure contributed to the crash, claims can be pursued against state/local governments or private entities that are responsible for maintaining the road.

Product Liability – Bicyclists injured by defective equipment like brakes, frames, or helmets can seek compensation from product manufacturers through strict liability suits.

“No-Fault” – Bike accident victims’ own auto insurance policies sometimes provide modest “no-fault” medical and lost wage coverage regardless of fault.

Damages Recoverable from Bicycle Accidents

There are two general types of compensatory damages that may be available for bike accident victims, these are:

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to quantifiable losses that result in direct financial costs for the injured party. These include:

Medical Expenses – This covers the immediate costs of treatment following the accident such as ambulance transportation, emergency room fees, surgery, hospitalization, and medications. Ongoing medical costs may also be claimed if the injuries require long-term care such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, at-home nursing care, adaptive medical equipment, and follow-up appointments with physicians. Thorough documentation is necessary to prove the medical costs.

Lost Income and Benefits – If the injuries sustained in the accident prevent someone from working for a period of time, they can claim lost wages based on their average salary and benefits. This also accounts for potential future loss of earning capacity if the injuries cause permanent disability.

Property Damage – Costs to repair or replace a damaged bicycle or other personal property that was damaged in the collision can also be claimed. Receipts showing the original costs and repair estimates are useful evidence.

Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages are losses that are more intangible and difficult to quantify. Examples include:

Pain and Suffering – Monetary compensation for any physical pain, discomfort, emotional distress, mental anguish, inconvenience, or loss of enjoyment of life that results from injuries sustained in the accident. Quantifying pain and suffering can be difficult, but factors like the severity of injuries, length of recovery, and extent of permanent disability or disfigurement may be considered.

Loss of Consortium – Compensation for negative impacts on family relationships including loss of companionship, intimacy, affection, society, solace, or moral support. The injured person’s spouse often makes this claim, but other family members may as well.

Permanent Disability – Monetary awards to compensate for permanent disfigurement, loss of limb, or loss of bodily function resulting from the injuries. Even with treatment, some disabilities cause lifelong impairment that merits compensation.

In more limited cases, punitive damages may be awarded. This occurs when the liable party’s behavior shows a blatant disregard for public safety and intentionally or maliciously causes the accident. These types of damages are intended to punish the defendant rather than simply compensate the plaintiff. The judge or jury determines if punitive damages are warranted based on the specific circumstances of the case.

Steps After a Bike Accident

Critical actions following bicycle crashes include:

Seeking Prompt Medical Attention – This establishes a record of injury and treatment needs and facilitates the recovery process. Delays can negatively impact the claim.

Reporting the Accident & Gathering Evidence – Contact the police so they can ensure safety at the scene of the crash and produce an official report. Take photos and video of the scene, get witness contact info, etc. Preserve key proof for the case.

Consulting Bicycle Accident Attorneys – Experienced lawyers protect your rights, perform investigations, and handle negotiations.

Documenting Injuries and Missed Work – Keep records of medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering to demonstrate harm. Ongoing documentation builds a stronger claim.

Contact Our Experienced Bicycle Crash Lawyers

If you or a loved one got injured in a bike accident in Pennsylvania, Maryland, or the Washington DC area, Kingbird Legal is here to help. Contact us today to set up a free consultation and case assessment to review your legal options.