Can I Sue After a Bicycle Accident?
Cycling is a wonderful activity. It is a great way to get out into the fresh air, to learn a neighborhood or tour a city, to commute, and to get exercise. We all learn the “rules of the road” for bicycles when we first learn to ride, but we also share the road with automobile drivers who don’t necessarily show cyclists the respect that they deserve. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident that was caused by somebody else’s negligence, you have the right to file a claim for compensation for the damage that you suffered.
There are many different types of bicycle accidents that can lead to significant injuries. The most common include:
- Being Hit by a Car – Cars and trucks hit cyclists when they are either not paying attention or when they are trying to pass you. They may disobey traffic signals, putting not only you as a cyclist but also other motorists and pedestrians at risk.
- Being Doored by a Car – This happens when a motorist is parked on the street and opens their door without first looking to see whether a bike is approaching. A cyclist that is appropriately traveling in the bike lane may swerve into traffic to avoid striking the door or have the door opened onto them or directly in front of them.
- Being Right Hooked – Right Hooking is when a car hits a cyclist while turning. This usually happens when a cyclist is traveling in a bike lane and a driver turns right in front of them.
Bike accidents can also occur as a result of road defects such as potholes or ditches, or even trolley tracks.
In all of these situations and many others, cyclists whose bike accidents are caused by someone else’s carelessness or recklessness are able to file a personal injury claim to compensate them for any medical bills they sustain, for damage to their bike, for any lost wages due to their injury, and for the pain and suffering of the injury itself.
If you have been in a bike accident and you have the opportunity to photograph or write down the vehicle’s license plate, do so. Call the police to the scene of the accident and ask any witnesses who are present for their contact information. Assuming that the driver has stayed on the scene, collect their insurance information.
Bicycle accidents are scary and have the potential for causing permanent damage. To learn about your rights and how we can move forward to help you, contact us today.
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