Recovering from a bicycle accident involves not just healing physical wounds but also navigating the complex aftermath, which often includes seeking fair compensation.
Due to many factors, there is no meaningful answer to how much an average bicycle settlement is worth. In fact, some would argue that there is no such thing as an “average” bicycle accident settlement. Understanding what affects the amount of a settlement and having a New York bicycle accident lawyer help can make a difference in this situation.
Two people can be injured in the same accident. For example, a couple riding a tandem bicycle is struck by a car whose driver is looking at his cell phone instead of the road, and the outcome of their respective claims can be dramatically different. Continuing the example, one bicyclist has a broken leg requiring surgery and misses 1 year of work.
The other bicyclist has a sore back and goes to the emergency room but has no further treatment. The value of their respective cases will be quite different. The “average” of their case values does not provide any meaningful information.
At Friedman & Simon, LLP, we carefully analyze every detail of every client’s case we handle. Our mission is to win the maximum recovery for every one of our injured clients. “Averaging” does not serve that mission. Understanding every aspect of your accident, your injuries, and how they have impacted your life are what we focus on.
- Understanding Bicycle Accident Settlements
- Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts in a Bike Accident Settlement
- Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
- Compensable Injuries and Losses After Your Cycling Accident
- Common Bicycle Accidents Leading to Personal Injuries
- Steps You Should Take After a Bicycle Accident
- Prompt Legal Action Generally & the Statute of Limitations Specifically: Their Roles in Your Bike Accident Settlement
- Call Friedman & Simon, LLP, Today for Your Free Bicycle Accident Case Review
Understanding Bicycle Accident Settlements
A bicycle accident settlement is a financial agreement reached outside of court that compensates you for the various impacts of your accident. The exact figure is tailored to your unique circumstances, covering a range of needs, including medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Settlements are negotiated based on the evidence presented, the coverage available, and the skills of your legal team.
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Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts in a Bike Accident Settlement
The settlement amount is influenced by key factors such as:
- The determination of who is the at-fault party in the accident.
- The presence and strength of witness testimonies and accident reports.
- The extent of your bike accident injuries and their impact on your daily living activities and quality of life.
- Your medical costs, both incurred and anticipated.
- The estimated cost of future rehabilitative and long-term care needs.
- The degree to which the injuries have affected your mental and emotional well-being.
- The amount of income you’ve lost and may lose due to the injury.
- The availability of insurance and the policy limits of such coverage for the involved parties.
Each of these elements requires careful documentation and representation to ensure that the settlement reflects the actual cost of your accident.
Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
After an accident, a personal injury lawyer becomes your advocate, championing your cause when you are most vulnerable. They understand the legal nuances that can affect your settlement and are prepared to negotiate aggressively on your behalf. A lawyer can also shield you from the often overwhelming interactions with insurance companies, allowing you to focus solely on your recovery.
How a Lawyer Can Maximize Your Settlement
By enlisting the help of a personal injury lawyer from a law firm that concentrates its practice exclusively on prosecuting accident claims and lawsuits you ensure that:
- A thorough investigation of the accident is conducted.
- All necessary evidence to support your claim is meticulously gathered.
- Expert testimony and detailed documentation are procured to substantiate your future needs.
These steps are crucial in persuading insurance providers or courts to offer a settlement that covers the full extent of your losses. If there is no settlement offer, or the offer is inadequate, these steps will also play a significant role in determining the strength of a potential lawsuit. The strength of a potential lawsuit must be considered from the perspective that the matter could ultimately be argued at trial before a judge and jury in the courthouse.
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Compensable Injuries and Losses After Your Cycling Accident
A settlement should reflect the full range of your losses, which often extend beyond immediate medical bills. Compensation typically addresses:
- Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation costs.
- Property damages
- Non-economic damages, such as the loss of enjoyment of life and daily activities.
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression.
The goal is to restore your quality of life to the greatest extent possible through financial compensation.
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Common Bicycle Accidents Leading to Personal Injuries
Bicycle accidents can occur in many ways, but they commonly include scenarios where an opening car door strikes a cyclist, or a negligent driver fails to yield. These incidents can lead to severe injuries, and the specific circumstances of the accident can significantly affect the settlement outcome.
The type of accident you suffered will also determine who the liable party is, which is a crucial step in filing your claim.
Steps You Should Take After a Bicycle Accident
The actions you take following a bicycle accident are critical. After ensuring your immediate safety and obtaining medical attention, the next steps include:
- Documenting the scene and collecting evidence(i.e., by taking photographs and video, if safe to do so, of the scene, the involved vehicles, skid marks if any, and any and all other potentially contributing factors.)
- Obtaining the names and contact information of witnesses
- Notifying the relevant authorities and obtaining a copy of the accident report.
- Consulting with a personal injury lawyer to assess your legal options.
While you may no longer be at the accident scene, no matter how much time has passed, you can still carry out these or similar steps, to the extent possible,to help your lawyer build the strongest, most compelling case on your behalf, determine an appropriate settlement amount and prepare your case as thoroughly as possible.
Prompt Legal Action Generally & the Statute of Limitations Specifically: Their Roles in Your Bike Accident Settlement
Understanding how taking prompt legal action after a bicycle accident as well as the statute of limitations are important to your case is crucial for several reasons:
- Preservation of Evidence: As time passes, evidence vital to your case may become harder to collect or lose. Witnesses’ memories can fade, and physical evidence can deteriorate or be destroyed. Therefore, every effort must be made to capture these as soon as possible.
- Legal Leverage: If a lawsuit is filed within the appropriate time frame, it can provide significant leverage during settlement negotiations with insurers and defendants who might otherwise be unwilling to offer fair compensation.
- Peace of Mind: Meeting the statute of limitations ensures you maintain your legal right to compensation. This helps alleviate the stress and uncertainty that often accompany the period following an accident.
- Financial Planning: Knowing that your claim is filed means you can better plan for your financial future, especially if your ability to work has been affected.
- Closure: Filing your claim starts the process toward resolution and closure, allowing you to move forward legally and emotionally from the accident.
Adhering to the statute of limitations is not just a legal formality—it is an essential part of your path to recovery and justice. Missing this deadline can bar you from seeking compensation, regardless of the severity of your injuries or the other party’s negligence.
Given the complexities involved in calculating and abiding by these legal timelines, it is in your best interest to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
Call Friedman & Simon, LLP, Today for Your Free Bicycle Accident Case Review
Friedman & Simon, LLP is ready to help you seek the settlement you deserve after a bicycle accident. With a commitment to personal attention and comprehensive legal care, our personal injury lawyers are equipped to handle the legal complexities of your bicycle accident claim so you can focus on healing from your injuries.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and take the first step towards securing the compensation you deserve.
Call or text 516-932-0400 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form