Bicycle Accident Lawyers

While roads across the country are becoming safer for bicycle riders, accidents still happen more often than they should. In any given year, hundreds of bicyclists are killed and thousands more are injured in the United States. If you find yourself suffering from injuries that were caused by this type of accident, it’s time to call the bicycle accident lawyers at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law.

We take great pride in helping the victims of accidents that were caused by negligence. Whether you’re suffering from minor or severe injuries, you may be entitled to compensation.

Call to schedule a free consultation so we can discuss the details of your situation.

Find Out How Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help

Any traffic accident has the potential to cause serious injury. But when you’re traveling on a bicycle, you’re more vulnerable and exposed, and therefore susceptible to a devastating injury. You should call our attorneys immediately after a collision, especially if it was caused by another party.

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If you’re wondering how our attorneys can help lighten your load as you struggle with an accident-related injury, keep reading.

Here are just a few of the ways our bicycle accident lawyers can help:

  • Gathering evidence to build your case
  • Compiling your medical records
  • Speaking and negotiating with insurance providers
  • Winning a fair settlement to cover the cost of your damages

Of course, we can’t help if you don’t call us. Even if you’re unsure whether you have an actual case, you can schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn more about your options. At the very least, we can make sure you’re not taken advantage of by an insurance provider.

In our years of business, we’ve worked with victims of every type of bicycle accident. From bicycle-pedestrian collisions to accidents caused by potholes or debris, we’ve seen it all. Trust our bicycle accident lawyers to give your case the care and thought you want on your side.

The Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Studies indicate that the number of overall bicycle accidents is decreasing while the number of fatal bicycle accidents is increasing. This is likely because more cities are trying to create safe environments for local bikers, but drivers may not pay as much attention to bikers as they should.

When an accident happens to you, statistics don’t matter. What does matter is identifying the source of the problem and ensuring that it doesn’t happen again.

That’s why our lawyers are dedicated to the task of fighting for justice for accident victims. We not only help our clients get compensation for their damages and injuries, but by doing so we also help to create a safer environment for future bikers.

With that being said, it helps to understand some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in the U.S. Consider the following list, and hopefully, you can avoid a dangerous situation the next time you hop onto your bike.

Common causes of bicycle accidents include:

  1. Failure to yield at an intersection
  2. Inattention from other drivers
  3. Inattention from riders
  4. Poor riding conditions, like rain or snow
  5. Riding at night

If you have become involved in an accident for any of these reasons, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We want to ensure that you get what you need and deserve as you recover.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Bicycle Accident

Taking the right steps immediately after a bicycle accident can help protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s a checklist of what to do:

  1. Report the Accident: Contact the police to report the accident. Make sure to obtain a copy of the formal report, which can be crucial for your claim.
  2. Gather Evidence: Document the scene by taking photos of the accident location, your bicycle, any vehicles involved, and visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and the other parties involved.
  3. Seek Medical Attention: Prioritize your health by getting medical help right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Some conditions may not produce immediate symptoms, and it’s better to get checked out.
  4. Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not discuss the details of the accident or admit fault, either at the scene or later on. Stick to factual information when speaking with the police or your insurer.
  5. Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer: Seek legal advice to understand your rights and start building your case.

Common Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents

There are a wide range of injuries associated with bicycle accidents. Many have serious, long-lasting effects.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in bicycle accidents include:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even with helmets, cyclists can suffer from TBIs due to the impact with the other vehicle or the ground.
  • Fractures: Broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbone, are frequent in bicycle accidents.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting a victim’s quality of life.
  • Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes are common, particularly when a cyclist is thrown onto the road or into debris.
  • Internal Injuries: These can include damage to organs and internal bleeding, which may not be immediately apparent but are potentially life-threatening.

Seeking Compensation After a Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the losses associated with your injury. It’s important to be aware of the following types of damages when filing a personal injury claim:

  • Medical Expenses: Covers hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care
  • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work while recovering from your injuries
  • Loss of Future Earnings: Compensation if your injuries impact your ability to work or advance in your career in the future
  • Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from the accident
  • Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident

Our team is dedicated to helping injured cyclists fully calculate and secure the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

How Cities in Western New York Can Keep Bicyclists Safe

At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we care about our clients and our community. As our bicycle accident lawyers serve people in need across Western New York, we try to encourage positive changes that will keep roads safe for every traveler.

As the number of fatal bicycle accidents increases, we believe that a few small changes can make all the difference.

Biking continues to grow in popularity. As it does, the following changes will help individuals and communities stay safe. Keep reading and remember that a city that fails to keep its roads safe can be liable for an accident.

If you were injured because of improper signage, poor road conditions, or malfunctioning traffic lights, you can hold the city or county responsible. Make sure to call us if this applies to you.

Education

Safety always starts with education, and biking is no exception. Communities should offer bicycle safety courses and individuals should take advantage of these offerings. If possible, the city might also consider sponsoring an educational program in local schools.

More Thoughtful Infrastructure

Cities that are home to a large community of bicycle riders should implement some thoughtful infrastructure to keep the community safe. From the creation of dedicated bicycle lanes to the installation of traffic-management measures, there are many steps to take for the benefit of all.

If you believe that your city has failed to do its due diligence in keeping local bikers safe, give us a call. Our bicycle accident lawyers can help you determine who is truly at fault for your accident and how to best proceed.

Know When to Call Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers

Of course, not every bicycle accident requires the help of an attorney. In some cases, an accident is just an accident. However, there are times when a bicycle accident lawyer is more than an asset — they’re a necessity.

Here are the most common scenarios that demand the help of an attorney:

Serious Injury or Death

If you or a loved one were seriously injured or killed in a bicycle accident, call our bicycle accident lawyers. A legal professional can help you get the compensation you need to manage mounting medical costs, funeral expenses, and lost wages.

Uncooperative Insurance Adjusters

Unfortunately, insurance providers have been known to try to cut corners and deny claims unfairly. If you believe that you’re entitled to more compensation than your insurance is providing, give us a call. We’ve been in this situation before and can help you get the full amount you deserve.

Uncertain About Fault

If it’s not immediately clear who was at fault for a bicycle accident, call us. We can take a look at the facts and help you understand who was to blame and how to proceed.

You Have Questions

The aftermath of an accident is a confusing and painful time. If you need a third party to look at the situation and help you decide what to do next, you can trust our injury lawyers with the job.

Why You Should Trust Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law with Your Bicycle Accident Case

Not all law firms are created equally. At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we offer full representation to ensure you are protected from the very beginning to the very end.

If you are overwhelmed by the number of legal responsibilities you’re suddenly facing, trust our team. We will assign an experienced injury lawyer to your case and that attorney will see you through from start to finish.

Are you ready to learn more? Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation and meet with a qualified bicycle accident attorney.

In addition to bicycle accident law, we can help you: