Utah Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Biking is not only a popular hobby but also a convenient means of local transportation. Cyclists can enjoy the freedom of the open air and the health-preserving benefits that this exercise has, but at the same time, they have limited protection from more powerful vehicles like cars. 

Even though motor vehicle drivers are expected to share the road with bicycle riders, accidents can happen. In fact, roughly 130,000 bicyclists are injured on the roads each year. The danger for cyclists on the road is increasing, with annual bicyclist fatalities increasing from their low point in 2010 by 55%. Thankfully, the number of fatal crashes has decreased by 4% since 1975, possibly due to the normalization of safety measures like helmets. 

A bicycle accident can leave someone with new debts and responsibilities, so how can you advocate for yourself as the victim of the accident? To help you file a claim or lawsuit, our team at Valley Law Accident and Injury Lawyers is standing by to provide legal aid, which can make the claim or litigation process easier to manage. 

Our knowledgeable attorneys have years of experience representing people like you who have endured injuries and other lasting damages from a bicycle accident.  Call (801) 810-9999 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review.   

A Utah Bicycle Accident Attorney Fights for Your Right to Compensation

Getting into a bike accident can have the victim walking away confused and distraught. Unfortunately, the legal process that follows can have the same effect — especially if you try and conquer it alone! 

A bicycle accident lawyer has years of experience representing clients like you and knows what to expect. An attorney from Valley Law Accident and Injury Lawyers can prepare you for each step of your unfolding litigation process, representing your best legal interests at every turn. 

Along the way, you’ll have questions and concerns that you’ll want professionally addressed, so having the advocacy of a lawyer can also give you peace of mind when faced with hiccups. The team at Valley Law has the skills, knowledge, and experience to help guide you through all the steps of your litigation process so you never have to feel like you’re juggling the details alone.  

Working with an attorney from Valley Law means having:

• An open line of communication with professionals in the field
• Comprehensive management of your case from the big steps to the fine details
• Protection from common insurance traps

What Are Common Injuries in a Bicycle Accident?

No two people will have the same experience, so a bicycle accident will look and feel different for everyone who endures it. Because they have little to no protection from motor vehicles, bicyclists who are involved in accidents have a high chance of sustaining some kind of injury, even if it is just a minor one. Those involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle should always be examined by a medical professional to rule out any serious concern that adrenaline may be masking. 

Additionally, minor accidents with motor vehicles like cars or motorcycles can still leave the cyclist with serious injuries due to the previously mentioned lack of protection and the velocity of the vehicle. Treating bicycle accident injuries can be expensive, and you may not have PIP coverage, depending on the type of policy you have and whether it applies to recreational vehicles like bicycles.

This is where an attorney from Valley Law comes in, prepared to represent you in your fight for a more comprehensive compensatory amount that adequately covers the cost of your recovery. 

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

• Concussions or other traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Neck or spine injuries
• Nerve damage
• Cuts or lacerations 
• Abrasions
• Bruises
• Dislocations
• Bone breaks and fractures

How Does Being a “No-Fault” State Affect Bicycle Accident Claims in Utah?

Out of all 50 states, Utah happens to be one of the few no-fault states which makes the hoops of the claim and/or lawsuit process a lot more challenging to jump through. All Utah drivers are required to obtain Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance that covers a minimum of $3,000 in damages. Often, this amount can’t cover the weight of the bills, lost wages, and continued treatment combined, but are there other options?

Fortunately, yes. In Utah, if the incurred damages amount to more than is covered by a PIP policy, and another party is deemed at-fault, then a claim may be filed seeking to compensate the victim of the crash for the remainder of their expenses. 

While injured bicyclists still have many options in a no-fault state, navigating the complexities of the process can be overwhelming.  

What Can I Recover From a Bicycle Accident Claim?  

After a bicycle accident, a victim is likely to be left with expenses and debts that would never have been necessary had it not been for the actions of the negligent party. 

When collecting a settlement for a bicycle crash, the money will be spread among multiple categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and more rarely, punitive damages. These categories separate the types of ways a victim may have suffered from the events of their accident. 

Categories like non-economic damages or punitive damages may be more challenging to receive compensation for if you don’t have a lawyer, because of the specific arguments that have validity in these cases. 

Economic (Special) Damages 

This category encompasses monetary losses with an objective price point. Some of the most common examples of economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, the cost of continued treatment, and repair or replacement of damaged belongings. The weight of economic damages makes up the majority of most settlements, as it includes the biggest bills and all other expenses incurred. One particular area to be wary of is the full costs of any special or custom accessories on your bike, as the costs of repairing or replacing these may be overlooked by your insurer.

Non-Economic Damages 

Non-economic damages are a little more tricky to document and fight for than their counterpart. This category compensates a victim for the suffering they endured because of the other party’s negligence. Non-economic damages are described as having no real price point, encompassing aspects such as the pain and suffering of the victim, their loss of enjoyment of life, loss of ability to spend time with loved ones, and mental anguish. 

As previously mentioned, this category is harder to receive compensation for because of the ambiguous nature of the whole category. That does not necessarily mean gaining compensation for non-economic damages is impossible. With the right evidence and guidance from your attorney, you can concretely document your suffering and pursue appropriate compensation. 

Punitive Damages

In the hopes of stopping others from being influenced by the negligent party’s bad habits, punitive damages are awarded to victims of some accidents when their case proceeds to a jury trial. This is a special category reserved for extreme cases of malicious intent or reckless neglect that aims to act as a deterrent for similar cases. Most cases don’t qualify for punitive damages, but an attorney from Valley Law can help you understand if they may be appropriate to seek in your case.   

What If I Was In a Hit-and-Run?

Hit-and-run collisions are, sadly, extremely common with bicycle accident cases. On average, a hit-and-run accident affects one person every 43 seconds in America. 

While always unjustified, a person may run for many reasons including lapsed insurance, warrants for outstanding tickets, fear, and more. Running from the scene of an accident may make it more difficult for the proper authorities to locate the negligent party, but not impossible, and it will add a criminal charge to what was simply a civil matter.  

Follow these steps in the event you are a cyclist affected by a hit-and-run accident: 

1. Call the police: The sooner first responders arrive, the better. If you are physically capable, give the 911 operator a description of the vehicle and even any characters from the license plate. This way, they can dispatch officers to the area to look for the runner. 
2. Prompt witnesses to stick around and offer statements: When the party responsible for the damages leaves the scene of the accident, witness statements become incredibly valuable to secure the details of the event. 
3. Focus on recovery and call an attorney: Managing the stress of a hit-and-run accident can include more phone calls with people like police and insurance companies, but you don’t need to waste all of your precious healing time on those overwhelming tasks. An attorney can be there to carry the bulk of the weight while you focus on healing. 

Work With Our Utah Bicycle Accident Law Firm to Secure the Best Representation for Your Case! 

If you’ve been in an accident, finding the right representation can be an important step that protects you in more ways than one. Biking is a passionate hobby for many, and the team at Valley Law Accident and Injury Lawyers is here to protect people like you in the event of an unforeseen accident. 

Navigating the claim process can be confusing and overwhelming at times, but with the team at Valley Law, you’ll gain a team of experienced advocates who can be there to watch your back and answer any of your most pressing questions along the way. Schedule your free, no-obligation case review when you call (801) 810-9999 or contact us online.