Cycling is a great way to get around Lowell. It is faster than walking and more environmentally friendly than driving. However, cyclists are more vulnerable than others on the road and at a greater risk of being hit by a moving vehicle.
Bikes offer no protection from impacts and may even make cyclists more vulnerable to specific injuries. Even low-speed collisions can lead to severe injuries.
A Lowell bicycle accident lawyer from The Law Offices of David W. Holub could help you understand your potential remedies after an accident. Call today to schedule a meeting with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Common Cyclist Injuries in an Accident
A bicyclist could end up with moderate to severe injuries after being hit by an automobile, including the following:
- Cuts and lacerations
- Broken bones and fractures
- Whiplash
- Burns
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fatality
In the event of a loved one’s death, a bicycle accident attorney in Lowell could help file a wrongful death claim. Reach out today to learn more.
Determining Fault After a Bicycle Crash
Bicyclists injured in an accident could be entitled to damages for their injuries. The determining issue is whether another person was responsible for the harm they endured.
Under Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule, if a party is more than 50 percent responsible for an accident, they are unable to recover damages. If they are the lesser liable party, they can receive compensation, but the amount will be reduced to reflect their percentage of fault.
Governmental entities are an exception to the modified comparative negligence approach. If the wrongdoer is a governmental entity, any negligence by the injured party is enough to bar recovery.
Recovering Damages for a Bicycle Accident
A person injured in a bicycle collision could collect compensation to aid in their recovery. This takes the form of compensatory and punitive damages.
Compensatory damages repay parties for the economic and non-economic losses related to the injury. Punitive damages punish wrongdoers for egregious behavior, such as drunk driving or purposeful harm.
Economic damages repay people for financial losses or help cover future financial expenses. Some examples of economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Economic damages also cover injury-related costs like modifications to a home, caregivers, or physical therapy.
Non-economic damages compensate individuals for intangible losses, including pain and suffering, trauma, loss of consortium, and loss of services. These damages may not have an easily quantifiable monetary value, but they are actual injuries that genuinely impact a person’s life.
A seasoned lawyer in Lowell could review a client’s bicycle accident case and help calculate their losses. With this knowledge, they could pursue fair compensation that adequately covers the injured party’s damages. Call today to schedule an initial consultation with a dedicated legal professional.
Get in Touch With a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Lowell Today
Bicycle crashes can lead to physical, financial, and emotional upheaval and trauma. The recovery period can be lengthy and exhausting. Unfortunately, some people will never fully recover from the physical injuries they incur in a cycling collision.
Without substantial compensation, you may be unable to maintain your living standard after an injury. Schedule a meeting with a Lowell bicycle accident lawyer today. Our compassionate legal team could help you obtain the compensation you deserve after a serious crash.