When a bicycle accident upends your life, it can feel like pedaling uphill against a fierce wind. You’re not just dealing with the physical wounds but also the accident’s emotional toll and financial impact. The pain, the confusion, the mounting medical bills – it can all seem like too much to handle. That’s where we come in.
The Sandy, UT, bicycle accident attorneys at London Harker Injury Law are proud to stand up for bicyclists like you who’ve sustained injuries in an accident caused by someone else. We know you’re seeking more than just compensation – you’re pursuing justice and a way to regain control of your life. We believe in championing your rights and will fight tirelessly to help you recover fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, pain, and suffering. With us at your side, you can concentrate on your recovery while we focus on the legal battle. Fill out our online contact form or call 77CARCRASH today for a complimentary case review.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Bicycle Accident
It’s challenging to manage the complexities of a legal case while you’re dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma. This is where a lawyer can make a significant difference. Here’s why hiring a lawyer is crucial after a bicycle accident:
- Knowledge of the Law
Personal injury law is complex, and bicycle accident cases have unique nuances. An experienced lawyer understands these complexities, can interpret the law, and can apply it to your case effectively.
- Negotiation Skills
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts to save money. A skilled lawyer can negotiate with these companies on your behalf, using their experience and expertise to battle the insurer’s tactic for reducing compensation.
- Accurate Valuation of Claims
It’s not easy to calculate the full value of your claim, especially since you need to consider all the current and future expenses related to an accident. A lawyer with experience in personal injury cases knows how to assess the intangible losses you’ve suffered in addition to adding up the expenses that have fixed dollar amounts.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Establishing fault in a bicycle accident can be challenging. A lawyer can investigate your case thoroughly, gather essential evidence, engage expert witnesses as needed, and build a robust claim on your behalf.
- Representation in Court
If your case goes to trial, you’ll need a seasoned lawyer to represent you, present your case convincingly, and argue for your rights in court.
- Peace of Mind
Knowing that a professional is handling your legal matters can alleviate some of the stress that follows a bicycle accident. Letting a lawyer take over your case allows you to focus on your recovery.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Sandy, UT
Bicycle accidents can occur for many reasons, and often the cause is negligence, whether by motorists or local authorities. Here are some of the most common causes of bike accidents in Sandy:
- Distracted Driving: Today, more than ever, distracted driving poses a significant threat to bicyclists. Drivers who are texting, using GPS devices, eating, or simply not paying full attention to the road can easily overlook a cyclist.
- Failure to Yield: Many accidents occur when drivers do not yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections or while making turns. In these situations, drivers might cause a crash because they either failed to see a cyclist or misjudged their speed and distance.
- Dooring Accidents: This happens when a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path without checking for oncoming traffic. This action can lead to severe injuries, as the cyclist may not have enough time or space to avoid the collision.
- Aggressive Driving: Speeding, road rage, hazardous maneuvers in traffic, and failing to adhere to traffic signs and signals can lead to devastating bicycle accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, inadequate signage, or poorly maintained bike lanes can cause cyclists to lose control and crash. A city or county could be legally responsible for an accident in such cases.
- Drunk or Drugged Driving: Alcohol and drugs can impair a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. These substances slow reaction times, hinder good judgment, and make it harder for drivers to focus on the road. All these factors make a bicycle accident more likely.
Common Injuries from Sandy Bicycle Accidents
When a bicycle collides with a vehicle or other large object, the cyclist is usually at a disadvantage due to the lack of protection compared to that of an occupant of a car or truck. Because of this, bicycle accidents can result in serious, sometimes life-altering injuries, such as:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Helmets can provide some protection during an accident, but traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, or skull fractures can still occur during high-impact collisions.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can range from herniated disks to more severe injuries like paralysis, significantly impacting a victim’s quality of life.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Cyclists often suffer from fractures or broken bones, particularly in their wrists, arms, legs, collarbone, or ribs, due to the impact of an accident.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries of this type can include sprains, strains, or tears to the muscles, ligaments, or tendons.
- Road Rash: This type of burn occurs when a cyclist’s skin scrapes against the road during a fall. Severe cases can lead to infections, nerve damage, or permanent scarring.
- Facial and Dental Injuries: Without a full-face helmet, cyclists are susceptible to facial fractures, dental injuries, and lacerations.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond the physical wounds a crash can cause, bicycle accidents can also lead to emotional distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
Recovering compensation after a bicycle accident can feel impossible. However, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. A skilled bicycle accident attorney from London Harker Injury Law is not just a legal professional – they’re your advocate, ally, and guide through this difficult terrain. Call 77CARCRASH today or complete our contact form online for a free consultation.
