Bicycling is a popular pastime for recreation, exercise, and transportation. Some communities are doing their part by establishing bike lanes and generally trying to improve safety for bicyclists. However, bicyclists are still vulnerable to injuries at due the actions of negligent drivers. If you were hurt in a crash, a Hillsborough County bicycle accident lawyer may be able to help.
While negligent motorists should be held accountable for their actions, it is up to injury victims to file a claim for compensation. Seeking damages for your injuries can be difficult when you are working to recover physically and mentally from a devastating accident. Fortunately, enlisting the assistance of a personal injury lawyer may allow you to focus exclusively on your own health, rather than worrying about financial and legal matters.
Negligence in Hillsborough County Bicycle Accidents
Injury victims can pursue legal claims based on negligence against drivers who are wholly or partially at fault for the accident. All motorists have a responsibility to drive in a reasonably safe manner. When they fail to live up to this standard by driving carelessly, they may be liable for any resulting property damage and injuries.
To prove negligence, injury victims typically must prove that the drivers violated traffic laws or drove carelessly or recklessly to endanger the safety of others. When drivers breach this legal duty of care and cause an accident, victims may have a valid personal injury claim. In these cases, the negligence of the driver must directly lead to the damages suffered by the bicyclist.
Some examples of behaviors that might constitute driver negligence include:
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Distracted driving due to cell phone usage or other factors
- Speeding, failing to yield, or committing other traffic violations
- Driving while overly fatigued
All these situations easily can lead to catastrophic accidents causing severe injuries to bicyclists. As bike riders have no protection against the impact of heavier and faster motor vehicles, their likelihood of injuries is high. In this situation, a bike accident lawyer in Hillsborough County may be able to provide legal advice and representation in a personal injury lawsuit against any potentially liable drivers.
The Right to Compensation in Bike Accident Claims
When cyclists sustain significant injuries in an accident, they may be entitled to seek damages from the negligent drivers who caused the crash. High medical expenses, an inability to work, physical pain, and emotional trauma may all be factors in determining the extent and amount of any damages in a personal injury claim. Bicyclists in this situation may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including the costs of hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and assistive devices
- Lost wages while unable to work, and loss of future earning capacity and income
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- Damage to bicycles or other personal property
All too often, insurance companies are reluctant to pay the full and fair amount of compensation in bicycle accident claims. They may undervalue claims significantly or try to coerce injury victims into quick but unfair settlements. A bicycle accident attorney in Hillsborough County can be highly effective in negotiating with insurance companies and working toward a solution that adequately compensates injured bicyclists for their losses.
Call a Hillsborough County Bicycle Accident Attorney for Advice
Injured bicycle riders should not be left with high medical bills, lost income, and more as a result of the negligence of motorists. As an injury victim, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses, and a Hillsborough County bicycle accident lawyer may be able to help.
However, timeframes for filing personal injury suits are limited, so you owe it to yourself to seek legal advice now. With a strong legal advocate on your side, you may be able to seek the compensation that you need to recover from your injuries.
