LaGrange Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Unfortunately, not all motorists are aware of bicyclists and the unique challenges posed to them as they navigate traffic and the road. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a crash like this, consider speaking to a LaGrange bicycle accident lawyer. A personal injury attorney could help you take legal actions while you recover from your injuries.
Causes of Bike Accidents in LaGrange
Any number of roadway issues can cause a bike wreck. While many times these accidents involve motorists, some crashes result from other causes. Some common causes may include:
- Drunk motorists
- Distracted motorists
- Drivers who neglect the right of way
- Drivers who fail to give bicyclists adequate space
- Opening a car door in cyclist’s path
- Slick road surfaces
- Potholes, eroded shoulder, or other road maintenance issues
Additionally, the cause of a bike crash may be attributable to multiple sources. Determining the cause of a collision is an essential step in assessing whether a person will be able to bring a viable insurance or legal claim. An experienced LaGrange attorney could assess a bike accident case and advise an injured cyclist about their options.
Damages Available Bicycle Wreck Cases
In a lawsuit, a plaintiff must prove that a defendant was responsible for the accident. This means not just showing that a defendant acted negligently but also demonstrating how the crash negatively impacted the plaintiff’s life.
If successful in a civil lawsuit, there are a variety of damages an injured bicyclist may be eligible to obtain. A large portion of any bicycle accident suit is the physical harm the claimant experiences. A person must experience injuries that require medical attention for a case to proceed. Some typical examples of injuries a cyclist may suffer may include:
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Joint and soft tissue injuries
- Lacerations
- Road rash
- Broken bones
A lawsuit may demand reimbursement for the medical bills the injured person incurred as a result of their accident. However, serious cycling accidents usually do more damage than just impacting a person’s physical well-being.
Emotional trauma also commonly happens following these accidents. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nightmares, sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression can result as someone adjusts to a new reality following a cycling collision. Although hard to quantify, the law recognizes that these are compensable damages.
A plaintiff also may seek compensation for financial losses. This grouping of damages may include income that the plaintiff lost due to the accident and medical treatment. If injuries are lasting and will impair a plaintiff from working in the same capacity, they have the right to seek compensation for the reduced ability to earn. An attorney in LaGrange could help someone understand that factors like age, years left in the workforce, skills, and education all play a role in calculating this figure for a bicycle crash case.
Consult a LaGrange Bicycle Accident Attorney
Recovering from injuries is an arduous task. Physically and mentally, moving forward requires great strength and support. A LaGrange bicycle accident lawyer could offer you the help you need.
While the legal process can be unbelievably frustrating for an unrepresented plaintiff, the benefit of having a lawyer is that they can handle the brunt of legal difficulties so that you can focus on your physical recovery. Call our firm today to learn more about what may be possible in your case.