A Guide To Understanding The Actual Worth Of Your Bicycle Accident Claim
Many people now use bicycles as a mode of transport. However, as the use of bicycles increases, so does the rate of bicycle accidents. Every road user owes every person a duty of care to keep one another safe on the road.
One question that arises after a bicycle accident is the settlement amount. Filing bicycle accident claims can be challenging, but getting the compensation you deserve is essential.
You need experienced bicycle accident lawyers to arm you with the knowledge necessary to deal with the processes involved in bicycle accident cases.
More About Bicycle Accidents
After a bicycle accident, you may face emotional trauma, physical pain, or a heap of financial concerns. Understanding the intricacies of your bicycle accident is the first step in knowing the worth of your claim.
It’s not about knowing your rights; it’s more about knowing how to argue them effectively so that you can recover the losses.
To hold a valid claim, you should be able to show that the other party was at fault. Also, gather sufficient and appropriate evidence to support your case. This includes:
- Contact details of witnesses
- Medical reports from your doctor
- Police report
- Photographs of the accident scene and your injuries
To make a valid compensation claim, you must prove that the accident occurred due to the negligence of the other road user. Some causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Traffic rule violation
- Distractions
- Riding an oversized or undersized bike
- Riding in the blindspot of other vehicles
- Lack of bicycle maintenance
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Tailgating
- Changing lanes without checking side mirrors or signaling
- Running stop signs or red lights
- Passing close to a cyclist
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to yield to right of way
Factors That Can Affect The Value Of Your Bicycle Accident Claim
Some factors that can influence the actual worth of your accident bicycle claim are listed below.
1. Lost Earning And Income Capacity
When your injuries prevent you from working, you have the right to recover compensation for all your lost earnings.
Severe injuries from a bicycle accident make you eligible to pursue financial recovery for employment benefits.
2. Medical Prognosis And Recovery
The duration and type of rehabilitation and medical treatment can influence the worth of your bicycle accident claim. The longer your treatment and the cost of rehab and care, the more money you can get from the at-fault driver or other party at fault.
Long-term suffering from impairments or physical disabilities after reaching complete medical improvement can also boost your financial recovery.
3. Life-Altering Injuries
Bicycle accident victims are vulnerable to life-altering injuries, given the lack of protective covering like a car.
Life-altering injuries have a massive impact on the final compensation amount. For instance, a victim who ends up with a disability will have to be dependent on another person for the rest of their life. The victim will have to deal with the physical, emotional, and financial difficulties of a disability. This plays a huge role in the compensation awarded to the victim.
4. Emotional Distress And Physical Pain
When you or a loved one suffers an injury in a bicycle accident, you have every right to pursue financial recovery for the emotional distress and pain you’ve suffered due to the accident.
Severe injuries or disabilities may support a claim for settlement for your suffering and pain, in addition to monetary losses like lost income or mounting medical bills.
