Belleville Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycles leave you vulnerable to dangerous drivers, and that can turn deadly. When you’re injured by a careless driver while on your bike, reach out for help from a Belleville lawyer to get the compensation you need.
As more people are looking to be eco-friendly or just to get a little more exercise in their day, more people are taking their bicycles for their commute or their errands. It’s a great way to save on gas and get a little fresh air. Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous.
Many people are injured by careless drivers who aren’t looking out for people on bikes. When that happens, you need to protect your personal injury claim by contacting a Belleville bicycle accident lawyer from Hipskind & McAninch, LLC. Our attorneys understand how painful a bike wreck is, and we’ll help you fight back when you’re injured.
Causes of Bicycle Wrecks
When you’re injured in a bike crash, you’ll need to know who’s at fault for your injuries. Unfortunately, that can be overwhelming and difficult because a crash can be so complex. Finding the cause first is important, as it can help you find the person responsible. For example, knowing that your accident happened because someone opened a parked car door can tell you that the driver is responsible.
It’s not always the driver’s fault, however. For example, you might have lost control of your bicycle and crashed because of unsafe conditions in the bike lane. Bicycles require a lot of balance to control, so if the Department of Transportation doesn’t maintain the roads, you could be injured and it could be laid at the DOT’s door.
Common Injuries in Bike Crashes
Bicycles may be better for the environment, but they leave you especially vulnerable. Most people don’t wear special gear when they take their bikes, besides a helmet, so you’re more exposed to the dangers of the road, similar to a motorcyclist.
That means you’re more likely to suffer a serious injury when you’re in a bike accident. These injuries can be difficult to recover from, so seek out help getting your damages covered after your accident. You can expect some of the following injuries when you’re involved in a bicycle crash:
- Head trauma
- Friction burns
- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
Seeking Compensation for a Belleville Accident
Once you’ve determined the severity of your injuries, you’ll also need to know what damages you’ve suffered and how much those damages are worth. Unfortunately, that can be tough to calculate on your own, so you’ll need help from a lawyer in itemizing your injuries.
You’ll need to seek economic damages for your claim first. These damages include all financial losses you’ve suffered, such as property damage, medical bills, and accommodations for your injuries. These can add up, and you may have long-term or future expenses that you’ll need to include.
Your nonfinancial damages may be worse. These damages are intangible, which means you don’t have a specific dollar amount for these experiences. Instead, damages like pain and suffering or emotional trauma are determined by the severity and the impact on your life.
Illinois Law Will Affect Your Case
Unfortunately, you won’t receive compensation just because you suffered an injury. Instead, you’ll need to prove that the other person was negligent, and you’ll need to focus on certain laws that will affect your claim.
For example, you’ll need to file within two years. If you don’t file in time, your claim will be dismissed, and you’ll lose your chance for compensation.
Remember that your part in the accident will matter as well. In Illinois, if you’re found partly at fault, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. So, if you’re 15 percent at fault, you’ll only receive 85 percent of your compensation. Worse, if you’re found over 50 percent at fault for your accident, you’ll be unable to recover any compensation for your damages.
Contact a Belleville Bike Accident Lawyer
When a bicycle accident happens, it can leave you in a dire condition. You’ll need help overcoming your situation, especially when suing the responsible party for their carelessness. Unfortunately, you may not have the experience you need to fight back and get your compensation.
Fortunately, our attorneys at Hipskind & McAninch, LLC do. We understand how complex, painful, and confusing bike accidents can be, but we’ll help you fight back. Get started today with a free consult, and we’ll discuss your claim and what we can do for you.
Struggling after a driver hit your bike? Get help today to get the compensation you need. Seek out a Belleville bicycle accident lawyer by calling 618-641-9189 or filling out the online form below.