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Bicycling can be a healthy, eco-friendly, and cost-effective way to get around. But, like so many activities, riding a bike does not come without risk. Reckless and careless motorists put bicyclists in danger when they do not act responsibly behind the wheel, posing a risk of serious and even fatal injuries.
If you or a loved one were seriously hurt in a bike wreck, it is crucial to reach out to a dedicated injury attorney as soon as possible. The Erie bicycle accident lawyers at Lowenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys can help you hold the negligent driver responsible and get the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Bike Accidents Can Be Incredibly Dangerous
Bicyclists who are hit by motorists often bear the brunt of the impact. While motor vehicle drivers have airbags, seatbelts, and structures to protect them, bicyclists generally have no more than a helmet between them and multiple tons of steel and glass. Bicyclists are often thrown to the ground during a collision, which can put them at serious risk for traumatic brain injuries, road rash, and other damages. Injuries commonly sustained in bike wrecks include:
- Severe cuts
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Spine injuries, including paralysis
Injuries like these often require extensive and even lifelong treatment. Medical care is expensive, and injured bicyclists should not have to shoulder that burden on their own. A bicycle collision attorney in Erie can help cyclists place an accurate dollar amount on their suffering and pursue compensation from the at-fault parties.
Comparative Negligence and Recovery
In Erie, the amount of financial recovery victims of bicycle accidents are entitled to depends on whether they contributed to their own injuries. The legal theory justifying this concept is called comparative negligence.
The comparative negligence rule applies when a defendant can prove that the injured party contributed to their own injuries. When this happens, the amount of compensation that an injured party is entitled to is reduced by the percentage of liability they are attributed.
Unfortunately, negligent parties and their insurers will often try to shift blame onto cyclists to avoid paying out a fair settlement. They might allege that the injured biker was weaving in and out of traffic or running a red light. An experienced Erie bicycle accident attorney can fight back against unjust accusations of fault, ensuring that the injured party gets the full amount they are entitled to.
Time Limitations for Filing a Bicycle Wreck Claim
A statute of limitations is a legal concept that governs the amount of time in which someone can file a civil suit after an injury. Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Title 42 § 5524 sets the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, at two years.
Failing to take legal action within the required timeframe could leave an injured person unable to recover any compensation at all, which is why it is crucial to reach out to an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. An Erie bike collision lawyer can take the lead in collecting information, speaking with witnesses, preparing for court, and ensuring all legal deadlines are met.
Call an Erie Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
In an instant, a bicycle accident can turn your life upside down. You could be facing significant medical bills, long-term rehabilitation, difficulty working, and more. If someone else caused your injuries, you deserve fair compensation.
Working with an experienced Erie bicycle accident lawyer can make all the difference in how your case turns out. We are ready to fight for the payments you need, so call today to get started. Your initial consultation is free.
