If you have been seriously injured in a bike crash, you may be wondering how you can recover the funds you will need to get through this difficult time. If someone else is responsible for causing your accident, you may be able to make them pay.
Find out what legal options may be available to you when you contact a Union personal injury lawyer at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC. Schedule your free consultation today to learn more about the bicycle accident claims process in Union.
Examples of Bicycle Accident Injuries to Sue For
One of the top reasons bicycle accident victims in Union do not take action on their lawsuits is because they have concerns that they will be accused of attempting to file a frivolous claim. Many bicycle accident victims wonder whether their injuries are severe enough to have grounds for legal action against those responsible for causing their injuries.
It should be noted that your diagnosed injury has little to do with the outcome of your case. It is not the type or severity of the injury you are diagnosed with that determines your grounds for a bicycle accident claim. Instead, what matters is how your bicycle accident injuries have had an impact on your life.
Some of the more common types of bicycle accident injuries you may be able to sue for include:
- Concussion, head injuries, neck injuries, soft tissue injuries, whiplash, or traumatic brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries, quadriplegia, back injuries, herniated discs, paraplegia, paralysis, and amputation
- Contusions, abrasions, lacerations, sepsis, internal bleeding, organ failure, and other internal injuries
- Emotional trauma including the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, depression, anxiety, and other emotional disorders
If you suffered another type of injury not listed above, don’t worry. You might still have grounds for a claim. Your best option may be to contact a bicycle accident lawyer in Union to discuss your case further.
How Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?
Your lawyer will need to closely evaluate your bicycle accident to ascertain who is responsible for causing your injuries. Generally, the cause of your bicycle accident will give your lawyer a basic idea of who could be at fault.
Some of the more common causes of bicycle accidents in Union include:
- Dangerous roads including potholes, broken pavement, lack of bicycle lanes, broken or missing streetlights or signs, defective traffic lights, or unsecured highway or road construction zones
- Negligent or unsafe driving such as speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, drowsy driving, impaired driving, aggressive driving, road rage, following too closely, and other traffic violations
- Defective bicycle or motor vehicle parts that caused the motor vehicle or bicycle to malfunction or otherwise cause an accident
Who Is at Fault?
The person responsible for causing your bicycle accident injuries will be compelled to compensate you for your damages accordingly. As previously mentioned, the way in which your bicycle accident occurred could give your attorney a clear idea of the liability in your case.
For instance, if your bicycle accident was caused by a drunk driver, your lawyer would know to look to the following parties for culpability:
- The drunk driver
- Local dram shops
- Other third parties
However, if your bicycle accident was caused by defective bicycle or motor vehicle parts, the list of parties who could share liability is far more extensive. Some of these parties could include:
- Parts designers and manufacturers
- Parts distributors and suppliers
- Bicycle retailers or motor vehicle dealerships
- Executives and decision-makers
- Safety inspectors
These are just a few of the parties that could be at fault for causing your bicycle accident in Union. Only a thorough review of the circumstances of your case will reveal the truth. Your attorney will be responsible for gathering the evidence needed to prove liability based on a preponderance of the evidence so you can be awarded the compensation that is rightfully yours.
Will You Have to Go to Court?
After suffering a severe or debilitating injury, the last thing you want to do is bring your case to court. However, sometimes filing a lawsuit and bringing your case to civil court may be the best way to maximize your compensation.
Many bicycle accident victims are surprised to find that an insurance settlement does not meet their needs. Insurance claims are based on the types and amounts of coverage the policyholder purchased. If the types and amount of coverage the policyholder purchased do not cover your losses, going to court may be the only way to recover these damages in full.
Fortunately, with help from an attorney, you can ensure that the insurance company upholds their financial obligation and prepare your case for trial, so you have the opportunity to exercise your right to be made whole following a bicycle accident in Union.
How Could the Statute of Limitations Impact Your Case?
Per NC Gen Stat § 1-52 (2021), North Carolina law allows for a maximum of three years before the statute of limitations runs out. The statute of limitations sets the time in which you have to file your claim. If your bicycle accident claim is not filed before the three-year statute of limitations runs out, you will lose your right to have your case heard in the Union civil courts.
Reach Out to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Union Today
Your bicycle accident may have had a significant impact on your life financially, emotionally, and physically. When you retain the legal guidance and support of a Union bicycle accident lawyer at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC for help, you may be able to rest easier.
Our team will handle the legal details of your case while you begin rebuilding your life. Start working on your insurance and civil claims as soon as today when you complete our quick contact form or call our office to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation.