Hit By A Car While Riding A Bike? Know Your Rights

Blog

Were you involved in an accident and injured while you were riding your bike? Even though you're on a bike and not in a car, you shouldn't feel helpless in this situation. Here are a few things that you need to know concerning your rights. 

Are A Cyclist's Rights Different Than A Driver's Rights In An Accident? 

The most important thing to know is that bike riders don't have any fewer rights than the driver of a vehicle, especially if you get into an accident. Being in an accident on a bike doesn't make the cyclist automatically at fault because it's the smaller form of transportation. Both people involved in an accident are responsible for knowing the laws and what they are responsible for.

Is A Cyclist More Liable For Injuries They Sustained When Not Using A Helmet?

Each state is going to have its own laws regarding if cyclists should be wearing a helmet while on their bikes. If you were to get into an accident and suffer a greater injury while not wearing a helmet, the detail doesn't matter to your case in the eyes of the law if the state laws do not exist. The number of states that do not have helmet laws far outnumber the states that do.

That said, helmet laws are not always going to protect you when it comes to receiving compensation. If your injury case does not settle and goes to trial, it's possible that a jury will be influenced by if you wore a helmet during the accident. This can end up having a negative impact on your case. 

How Do You Receive Compensation If The Vehicle Driver Is Uninsured?

Your first path will be to file a lawsuit against the driver's insurance company to pay for your damages and then hopefully settle out of court rather than go to trial. If the person does not have insurance, then you have the option of filing a lawsuit against the individual. You could also use your underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage from your car insurance since it would cover an accident while riding your bike when a car is involved. 

What Kind Of Lawyer Do You Seek For Help With An Injury Case?

If you're involved in an accident as a cyclist, it's best to reach out to a personal injury lawyer for their help. If you live in a busy city where there are more cyclists than usual, know that there are lawyers that specialize in this specific part of the law.

Reach out to a lawyer for more info

Share

31 January 2023

Maximizing Compensation in Accident and Injury Lawuits

Hi, my name is Sally. I was living a pretty average, uneventful life until I had an accident. At that point, my life become more stressful and painful than I could have ever imagined. Sadly, my accident happened on private property, and it could have been prevented if the owner of the property had kept up with his shoveling. For months, I missed work, suffered through constant pain and become more and more depressed. Finally, a friend referred me to an accident and injury lawyer, and she showed me how to get the compensation that I deserved. I don't want to see anyone else suffer like I did, and because of that, I decided to create this blog. Here, I hope anyone who has been injured can find the information they need to get fully compensated and regain their lives. Enjoy your reading and thanks for stopping by!