Reckless motorists often cause bicycle accidents. In these cases, the cyclists could recover compensation. If you are a bicycle accident victim, contact a St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyer's firm to help you pursue legal action as you focus on recuperating.
How Can I Know I Am Qualified to Receive Bicycle Accident Compensation?
Anyone who got hurt in a bicycle accident in St. Petersburg could pursue fair compensation for damages incurred. You could claim compensation for:
- Missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Medical treatment
- Mental anguish
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damages
- Wrongful death
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Loss of limb
- Dooring
Speak to your bicycle accident attorney to get justice in the form of financial recovery. We can help you get such compensation through an insurance settlement, a judgment award, or workers' compensation (if you were injured while working).
Injuries After a Bicycle Accident That Could Enable You to Pursue Damages
Since a vehicle is significantly larger than a bicycle, chances are the person on the bicycle is the one who will sustain the most injuries. Some probable injuries include:
- Lacerations, which may range from minor cuts to deep cuts that require surgery
- Spinal injuries, possibly causing paralysis, life-long pain, broken bones, etc.
- Brain damage
- Broken bones
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Emotional harm
The above injuries can be life-changing, and you should see a doctor for immediate medical help.
What Will a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Look for in My Claim?
One benefit of having a bicycle accident attorney is that they know what to look for in your case to get you a fair settlement. First off, they will need to prove that the other party was negligent. To do that, they need to confirm the following:
- Duty of care: The other party had to keep other drivers safe on the road.
- Breach of duty: The other did not keep other drivers safe.
- Cause: The other party's negligent actions led to your accident.
- Damages: The accident caused your losses.
Your attorney will study the at-fault driver's insurance limits and whether the amount on the policy is enough to cater to your bills.
What Will My Lawyer Do After Hiring Them for My St. Petersburg Accident Case?
When you hire one of our attorneys serving St. Petersburg, we strive to take care of all the legal aspects of your bicycle accident case, such as:
- Collecting the necessary evidence (photos, videos, accident records, eyewitness accounts, etc.)
- Contacting and negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Represent you in court for a judgment award if we cannot settle the claim
- Informing you of settlement offers
- Answering your questions
- Protecting your legal rights
- Communicating with the other party's lawyers
- Keeping you updated throughout the case
Who Is At Fault for My Bicycle Accident Injuries?
Contrary to belief, many factors can cause bicycle accidents aside from getting hit by a vehicle. A few other instances include:
- Accidents caused by improper or inconsistent road maintenance by a municipality (a municipality could compensate you)
- An animal attacks you while you are cycling (the animal's owner could compensate you)
- An unmarked road causes an accident (a municipality could compensate you)
- A vehicle runs you off the road (the vehicle driver's insurance could compensate you)
Some bicycle accidents are hit-and-run accidents, as it is tough for cyclists to follow a speeding car. If the car owner stops, they could refute responsibility. Regardless of how the vehicle driver feels about who is at fault, note down the registration plate of the car in question.
You could also take a photo of your injuries and call the police so they can make an accident report. This way, your lawyer will know who to contact for compensation. Our team can check business and traffic cameras, view accident reports from the area, and speak to eyewitnesses if you do not know who hit you.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident?
According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, an accident victim usually has four years to file a compensation lawsuit. If the four-year limit lapses, it will be legally impossible to file a lawsuit. Filing a claim as soon as possible puts you in a better position because you can still count on eyewitnesses' memories to be fresh. Your lawyer will also have ample time to prepare a solid case.
The time frame may vary depending on whether the accident resulted in a fatality, if a government official was involved, or if a child was injured. Your bicycle accident lawyer will notify you of such irregularities.
Has the Firm Handled Other Bicycle Accident Cases in St. Petersburg
Dolman Law Group prides itself on reducing the pressure bicycle accident victims usually face. We understand it can be challenging to heal from your injuries while pursuing legal action against whoever has caused your suffering.
We have recovered millions of dollars for our past clients and secured many favorable case results. Our team knows the ins and outs of bicycle accident cases.
What Is the Cost of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Often, victims of personal injury cases in St. Petersburg such as bicycle accidents usually have high medical bills to take care of. We know accident victims suffer many costs, so we take cases on a contingency-fee basis. So, you don't pay us until we win your case.
The lawyer attending to your case will keep an account of every cost the firm has incurred in getting you a fair settlement, compile it with any other relevant fees, and then deduct it from your settlement money. If you don't win a settlement, you will get to walk away without owing the firm any money.
Retain Our Services Today, So We Can Start On Your Bicycle Accident Case
Contact us at (727) 472-3909 for a one-time free bicycle accident case consultation. Dolman Law Group is standing by to hear your story. Our staff members will tell you about your options and relieve any confusion you face about the claims process. Lean on our St. Petersburg bicycle accident lawyers at this difficult time.
St Petersburg Office
1663 1st Ave S.
St. Petersburg, FL 33712
Phone: (727) 472-3909