Riding a bicycle should be a safe and enjoyable experience, but when drivers fail to pay attention to the road, the results can be devastating. Distracted driving is a leading cause of bicycle accidents, often leaving us with serious injuries and overwhelming medical bills. When this happens, hiring our Raleigh, NC bicycle accident lawyer can make all the difference in securing justice and compensation for our losses.
Understanding Distracted Driving And Bicycle Accidents
Distracted driving happens when a driver’s attention is taken away from the road. Common distractions include:
- Texting or using a phone
- Adjusting the GPS or radio
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to passengers
- Looking at something outside the vehicle
Even a moment of distraction can cause a driver to miss a stop sign, swerve into a bike lane, or fail to yield at an intersection. As cyclists, we are vulnerable in these situations because we don’t have the same protection as those inside a vehicle. When a distracted driver hits us, the injuries can be severe, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord damage.
How A Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
When we’re injured by a distracted driver, dealing with the legal process on our own can be overwhelming. A bicycle accident lawyer helps us by handling every aspect of our case so we can focus on recovery.
1. Investigating The Accident
One of the first things our lawyer will do is conduct a thorough investigation to prove the driver was distracted. This may include:
- Reviewing police reports and witness statements
- Obtaining traffic camera footage or dash cam recordings
- Requesting the driver’s cell phone records to check for texting or calls
- Examining the accident scene for evidence of negligence
By gathering strong evidence, our lawyer can build a case that holds the distracted driver accountable.
2. Handling Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto us. They may argue that we were riding improperly or not following traffic laws. Our lawyer will handle all communication with insurance adjusters, ensuring that our rights are protected and that we don’t accept a lowball settlement.
3. Securing Maximum Compensation
A bicycle accident lawyer helps us recover the full compensation we deserve, which may include:
- Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages if we are unable to work
- Pain and suffering for physical and emotional distress
- Bicycle repair or replacement costs
If the driver’s actions were particularly reckless, we may also be eligible for punitive damages, which serve to punish negligent behavior.
4. Filing A Lawsuit If Necessary
If insurance negotiations don’t result in a fair settlement, our lawyer can take the case to court. They will represent us in trial, fighting to ensure that we receive the justice we deserve.
Being hit by a distracted driver is a traumatic experience, but we don’t have to go through it alone. A bicycle accident lawyer will protect our rights, handle the legal battle, and work to secure the compensation we need to move forward. By taking action, we not only seek justice for ourselves but also help make the roads safer for all cyclists. At Burton Law Firm, we are here to help.