Bicycles offer riders an economical method of transportation that is good for their health and the environment. Unfortunately, there are serious safety concerns with riding bicycles on public roadways. This is especially true when negligent motorists are present. A bicycle accident lawyer at Showard Law Firm can advocate on your behalf to hold a negligent driver accountable after a collision.

 

If you suffered injuries in a bike crash, you might be entitled to monetary compensation. A qualified Tucson bicycle accident lawyer can evaluate your case and advise you of your right to pursue legal action. Call now for a free consultation.

 

The severity of bicycle accidents

 

Car-on-bicycle accidents have the potential to cause severe bodily injuries to the cyclist, who has little protection from the impact on an oncoming motor vehicle. Riders who are thrown from their bike could also suffer additional injuries from striking the ground or falling into traffic.

 

Bicycle accidents are also increasing in frequency. This is because bicycle travel has increased dramatically in recent years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA also reports there is a direct correlation between more bikes on the road and more injuries involving cyclists.

 

Common bicycle accident injuries

 

Some of the injuries commonly associated with bike accidents include:

 

• Road Rash. Road rash is a type of injury that primarily results from motorcycle and bicycle accidents. Road rash occurs when a rider is thrown from their bike and slides across pavement at high speeds. The friction causes burn-like injuries on exposed skin.
• Brain Injuries. Brain injuries are one of the most serious possible outcomes of a bike accident. They are especially common among cyclists that do not wear a helmet. While recovering from a head injury is possible in some cases, other accidents will lead to permanent health consequences.
• Spinal Damage. Damage to the spinal cord or column is another potential risk with cycling. Riders that are struck on their head or neck could suffer severe damage to their spinal cord. In some cases, these injuries could result in paralysis.
• Broken Bones. One of the most common serious injuries resulting from a bike accident is broken bones. Fractures and breaks can happen in countless ways. A fracture could occur in the skull, spine, arms, legs, or wrist.

 

A bicycle accident attorney can pursue legal action against a negligent driver based on any of these injuries. If the case is successful, it could result in significant monetary compensation for the cyclist.

 

Pursuing compensation for a bicycle accident

 

A bicycle injury lawyer can advise you about the potential compensation available in your case. Some types of damages commonly recovered in bicycle accident cases include:

 

• Medical Bills. Given the potential severity of bike accident injuries, compensation for medical bills – past, present, and future – could be significant. You can pursue damages for the cost of your hospitalization, surgical procedures, and prescription medication, among other things.
• Lost Wages. Some cyclists are injured severely enough that they cannot immediately return to work. For many people, every day they miss work while recovering from their injuries is a day they go unpaid. Past and future lost wages could be available through a personal injury claim.
• Pain and Suffering. The physical pain from a bike accident is often severe and long-lasting. In some cases, chronic pain could continue for months after the underlying injury heals. Damages are available based on the severity of your physical suffering.
• Property Damage. If your bike was damaged in the crash, there could be compensation for that as well. These damages could cover the cost of repairing or replacing a bicycle.

 

Speak with an experienced bicycle accident attorney

 

If you suffered injuries in a bike accident, you deserve to be compensated by the party that caused the crash. Whether it was a fellow cyclist or a negligent motorist, you should not bear the cost of an accident you didn’t cause.

 

Showard Law Firm understands what is at stake after a serious injury. Reach out today for your free consultation.