Whether you’re getting some exercise, running an errand, or just enjoying a day outside, riding a bicycle can be a fun and environmentally friendly way of getting around town. Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous when reckless or careless drivers are on the road.
Bike accidents caused by negligent drivers can cause life-changing injuries. After this type of incident, you need support from an experienced attorney like Jon Ostroff and the team at Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers. Our winning Hershey bicycle accident lawyers understand how devastating these types of wrecks can be, and we will work tirelessly on your behalf to get you paid fairly for all your losses. In a lawsuit settlement involving a drunk driver who hit our client, a minor child riding her bike, we recovered $3.5 million for our client, who suffered a traumatic brain injury and fractures to her face, ribs, and clavicle. We know how to fight like hell for our clients to get them the compensation they deserve.
Common Injuries and Losses from Bike Wrecks
Even if you wear a helmet, put on appropriate clothes, and follow every traffic law, you are still at risk of suffering serious harm if any car or truck driver acts irresponsibly on the road. Even at low speeds, a motor vehicle crashing into a bike can result in painful injuries like road rash, ligament tears, and broken bones that may take months to heal. More serious accidents can lead to brain, spine, and/or internal organ damage with lifelong consequences.
Getting paid for the effects of a bike crash caused by another person is not just about being reimbursed for medical bills, although that should certainly be a big part of your lawsuit or settlement proposal. However, your Hershey bicycle crash lawyer can also demand compensation for other losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost work wages and/or working ability
- Psychological trauma and distress
- Personal property damage, including costs of repairing or replacing your bike
- Loss of life’s pleasures
An Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers attorney can discuss what damages you should factor into your bicycle accident claim during a free consultation.
Proving Someone Else at Fault for a Hershey Bike Crash
Vehicle passengers and drivers are much less likely to be hurt in bicycle collisions than cyclists. However, this does not mean that civil courts automatically assume the driver is always to blame. To make a driver pay for damages caused by a bike crash, you and your local attorney must show the driver was “negligent.” This involves means proving the following facts are true:
- The driver had a “duty” to be a responsible person by paying attention to their surroundings and following traffic laws
- The driver did something reckless or careless that went against their “duty”—for example, violating a traffic law or being distracted while driving
- The driver’s irresponsible action directly caused them to strike a bicyclist
- The driver’s action was the primary cause of injuries the bicyclist experienced due to the accident
Support from a skilled lawyer at our firm is key to proving these facts and building a strong case after a biking collision in Hershey.
Call a Hershey Bicycle Accident Attorney for Help
Bicycle wrecks can be painful and lead to life-altering harm. If you were hurt while riding your bike because another person acted recklessly, discuss your legal rights with a Hershey bicycle accident lawyer.
At Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, we know how to work with crash experts and medical specialists to prove the other party’s fault and lay out the full extent of your injuries. You will not pay us anything until we get the compensation you deserve. Give us a call today to set up a free initial meeting, and let us fight for your best interests.