Hampton Bicycle Accident Lawyer
When bicycles and motor vehicles collide, the resulting injuries to the cyclist are often devastating. While seat belts, cushioning, and airbags protect drivers, a bike offers very little protection to its rider. Given the extensive medical bills that can stem from a bike wreck, it could benefit an injured cyclist to discuss their claim with an experienced injury attorney.
If you sustained severe injuries in a bike accident, you have the right to seek compensation from the responsible party. However, proving that you are entitled to compensation is easier said than done. This is where a Hampton bicycle accident lawyer can help. An experienced injury attorney from Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Common Factors in a Bicycle Collision
With proper experience and gear, many riders avoid ever suffering injuries in a bike crash. However, crashes can occur even when the cyclist does everything right. There are several common causes of crashes:
- Drivers changing lanes without noticing a cyclist;
- Drivers turning in front of a cyclist;
- Opening a vehicle door in the path of a cyclist;
- Rear-end collisions; and
- Failure to yield to bikes on roadways or parking lots.
During their initial review of a case, a Hampton bicycle accident attorney could look at the evidence to identify the cause of a collision. If a driver’s negligence was involved, they could help you bring a claim to hold the responsible party accountable.
Proving Fault in a Hampton Bike Wreck Case
Suffering an injury in a collision with a car will not always result in a valid claim for damages. As stated above, to recover damages, a Hampton bicycle accident attorney must demonstrate that the driver involved in the crash was negligent. There are four elements to a negligence claim:
- The driver owed a cyclist a duty of care
- The driver breached that duty
- Their breach injured the cyclist
- The cyclist’s injuries amount to monetary damages
Duty of Care
In any negligence case, you must show that the other person owed you a duty of reasonable care. If there was no duty, a person is not responsible for your injuries. However, this is rarely at issue in a bike accident. All motor vehicle operators have a duty to drive carefully and follow the rules of the road.
Breach of the Duty of Care
Once you establish the other party owed a duty of care, you must also prove the breach of that duty. Any negligent, reckless, or wanton act could constitute a breach of a driver’s duty of care. Examples include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, or running a red light.
Causation
It is not enough to show the responsible driver breached their duty of care. You must also connect your injuries to this breach of the duty of care to have a successful claim.
Damages
Finally, you must establish that you suffered monetary damages due to the bicycle accident. Common examples of damages include medical bills, lost wages, and bicycle repair costs.
How a Hampton Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Help
When you suffer an injury in a collision with a motorist, you do not have to take up an injury claim by yourself. An experienced Hampton bicycle accident lawyer could work tirelessly to protect your rights throughout the claims process. Call Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation to learn about your legal options.
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