Wisconsin offers beautiful scenery for bicyclists, from city bike lanes to sprawling country roads. But this enjoyable mode of transportation comes with significant risks. When a bicycle and a motor vehicle collide, the cyclist is almost always the one who suffers devastating injuries.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be facing a long road to recovery and a mountain of medical bills. It is a stressful and overwhelming time, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Understanding your legal options is the first step toward getting the justice and compensation you deserve.
An experienced Wisconsin bicycle accident lawyer can be your most crucial ally in this fight.
The Vulnerability of Bicyclists
Bicyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on the road. They lack the protection of a motor vehicle, and even with a helmet, they are susceptible to severe injuries in a crash. Common injuries in bicycle accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
- Severe road rash and lacerations
These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, leading to significant financial and emotional burdens.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Many bicycle accidents are caused by the negligence of motor vehicle drivers. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers who fail to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists at intersections or when turning.
- Unsafe Passing: Drivers who do not give bicyclists the legally required three feet of space when passing.
- “Dooring” Accidents: Drivers or passengers who open their car doors into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
How a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a bicycle accident, the insurance company for the at-fault driver will likely contact you. Their goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible. A bicycle accident lawyer will protect you from these tactics and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate the Accident: We will conduct a thorough investigation to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and prove the driver’s negligence.
- Calculate Your Damages: We will work with you and your doctors to determine the full extent of your damages, including your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiate with the Insurance Company: We will handle all negotiations with the insurance company, fighting for a settlement that covers all of your losses.
- Represent You in Court: If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we are always prepared to take your case to trial.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: What are the most common causes of bicycle accidents?
A: The most common causes of bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles are distracted driving, failure to yield the right-of-way, unsafe passing, and drivers opening their doors into a cyclist’s path.
Q: Can I still recover compensation if I wasn’t wearing a helmet?
A: Yes. While wearing a helmet is always recommended for safety, Wisconsin law does not require helmets for all riders. The fact that you were not wearing a helmet does not prevent you from recovering compensation for your injuries, although the insurance company may try to argue that it contributed to your injuries. An experienced lawyer can counter these arguments.
Q: What should I do after a bicycle accident?
A: First, seek immediate medical attention. Then, if possible, document the scene, get contact information from the driver and any witnesses, and report the accident to the police. Finally, contact a bicycle accident lawyer before speaking to any insurance companies.
Protect Your Rights. Contact a Wisconsin Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you have rights. The dedicated and compassionate attorneys at Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Butler are here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. We invite you to visit our homepage to learn more about our firm.
When you’re ready, contact us online or call us at 608-784-4370 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you get back on the road to recovery.