From its numerous bike parks to the 100-mile Louisville Loop that surrounds our city, biking is a popular activity in Louisville, whether for commuting, exercise, or just enjoying the outdoors. Our “Gateway to the South” offers beautiful parks, scenic routes, and an increasing number of bike lanes. Unfortunately, as the number of cyclists on the road increases, so does the number of bike accidents.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it can be confusing to know what steps to take next and whether you need a lawyer. Let’s explore some of the facts about these accidents and why you might want to hire a Louisville bicycle accident lawyer if you’re seriously hurt, as well as what to expect if you do.
If you think that you may need the assistance of an attorney after a bike crash in Louisville, be sure to reach out to us at Thomas Law Office for a complimentary initial case review to better understand your rights.
Common Causes of Bike Crashes in Kentucky
Bicycle accidents can happen for a lot of reasons, including negligent drivers, bad weather, and poor road conditions.
Here in Louisville and greater Jefferson County, cyclists often share the road with motor vehicles, which can create dangerous situations like distracted driving, speeding, and failing to yield the right of way. These are typically the most common causes of accidents between cars and bikes.
Lack of proper signage is another common contributor to these incidents.
No matter the apparent cause of your crash, reach out to a bike accident attorney in our Louisville to discuss the details surrounding it to better understand the legal avenues available to you for making a financial recovery for your damages.
Injuries That Result When Motorists Strike Bicyclists
Some of the most common injuries that bicyclists suffer when struck include:
- Head Injuries: Skull injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries are common, especially when the rider isn’t wearing a helmet. Facial injuries from impact after going over the handlebars aren’t uncommon, either.
- Fractures: Riders in accidents often risk broken bones, particularly in the arms, wrists, collarbone, and legs, due to falls or collisions.
- Road Rash: This type of skin abrasion happens when a cyclist falls to the ground and slides along the road or pavement.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains and strains to muscles and ligaments shoulders, knees, and ankles are another common type of injury.
- Contusions: Severe bruising can happen when a rider impacts with the ground or other objects.
- Dislocations: Joints, especially in the shoulders and fingers, can be dislocated when hitting the ground or other surfaces, as it’s a common reaction to move your hands up when bracing for an impact.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spine can result in partial or complete spinal cord injuries and residual paralysis.
Though Kentucky only requires children under 12 years old to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle unless they are in a metro park (where the age limit is 18), it’s highly recommended that all cyclists wear a helmet.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that as many as 550,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to bike riding accidents and that head injuries account for 62% of bicycle-related fatalities.
On top of the potential physical injuries, cyclists who’ve experienced an accident can find themselves facing emotional distress and mounting financial burdens like medical bills and lost wages.
It’s important that you know your rights and the legal options you have available for compensation following an accident, as they can have a major impact on your recovery and well-being.
Why You Need a Louisville Bicycle Accident Lawyer To Represent You
You may wonder if hiring a bike crash attorney is something you really need to do after your accident.
While it’s possible (and legal) to handle your own claim, having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney by your side can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. A lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents will understand local laws, state regulations, and the complexities of dealing with personal injury claims.
Your attorney is your advocate, making sure that you receive the maximum compensation that you deserve. This can include coverage of both noneconomic and economic losses medical expenses, lost income, and compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured. Insurance companies will often try to minimize payouts with quick “lowball” offers, but an experienced attorney can level the playing field because they know how to recognize and counter these attempts.
When working with a bike collision lawyer, you can rest assured knowing that they’ll take care of:
Gathering Evidence
Maintaining thorough documentation will be crucial evidence in supporting your case. Be sure to keep detailed records of all medical appointments, prescriptions, medical instructions, bills, and any other correspondence that’s related to your accident.
It can also be a good idea to document your recovery, and jot down things like your pain levels, emotional discomfort, and how your injuries are impacting your daily life. Be sure to record dates and times for specific references.
Your lawyer may be able to use this information to build a stronger case and strengthen your claims for damages. Keeping a comprehensive record can greatly improve your chances of getting the maximum compensation you deserve.
Navigating the Legal Process
When you hire a bicycle accident lawyer in Louisville, they’ll guide you through the claims process step by step. First, your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident. This can include gathering evidence to support your case, like police reports, witness statements, and related medical records. The more information your lawyer has, the stronger your case will be.
Once the initial investigation is done, your attorney will determine the full extent of your current damages, as well as estimates of any future costs and losses. This is vital information for calculating the amount of compensation you should demand. Factors that can affect this amount include the severity of your injuries, forecasts of ongoing medical needs, and the impact on your daily and future life.
Typically, your lawyer will then send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company, negotiations will follow, and your lawyer will fight to secure you a fair settlement.
Dealing with Common Challenges
There can be some challenges when pursuing an injury claim. Insurance companies often dispute claims, trying to shift the blame or downplay your injuries, arguing that you were the one at fault or that your injuries are not as severe as claimed.
Your accident lawyer is familiar with these tactics and is well-equipped to counter these allegations.
You may also have to face the adverse perception that some drivers have of cyclists on the road, and this can complicate your claim, unfair though it is. Your lawyer can address these head-on, and present your case so that it argues the facts rather than these stereotypes.
It’s also vital to understand the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Kentucky. In most cases, you have one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you don’t do so within this time frame, you could lose your right to pursue compensation.
Your Louisville bicycle accident lawyer will make sure that all necessary deadlines are met and that the appropriate paperwork is filed.
Calculating Compensation
You also need to understand the types of compensation that might be available to you.
- Medical Expenses: As we’ve discussed, compensation can cover a wide variety of damages and losses that you’ve suffered because of your injury. The total cost of hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and any future medical care can be significant and add up quickly. You shouldn’t have to deal with this financial burden out of your own pocket.
- Lost Income: If your injuries keep you from returning to your work, or you have to take a lower-paying position, and you lose income because of it, you may also be entitled to compensation for those losses.
- Pain and Suffering: Many times, pain and suffering are very real and prolonged effects of these accidents and can create difficulties in every area of life, as are the emotional and psychological toll you could face. You have a right to be compensated for the suffering you experience due to someone else’s negligence.
Let Our Team at Thomas Law Offices Help You After Your Jefferson County, KY Bike Crash
Being in a bicycle accident can be a traumatic and painful experience, but you don’t have to face the aftermath of one alone.
At Thomas Law Offices, our accident lawyers provide the expertise and support you’ll need to navigate the legal system and seek the maximum compensation you deserve.
With our expert representation, you can focus on recovering and getting back out on the road with confidence, knowing that you have an advocate in your corner fighting for your rights.
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
Your journey to recovery starts with knowing your rights and options. A Louisville bicycle accident lawyer on our team can help.
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