Riding a bicycle in Florence offers freedom and exercise but comes with risks. Every year, bicyclists find themselves in accidents that can lead to severe injuries or even worse. When these incidents happen, victims need someone who understands the complexities of bicycle accident cases. That's where a Florence bicycle accident lawyer comes into play, offering competence and support to navigate the aftermath. At Genesis Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, we fight for you.
Our law firm specializes in helping those hurt in bicycle accidents. We know the roads, the local laws, and how to fight for bicyclists' rights. Our team is committed to ensuring victims receive the compensation they need for their serious injuries, lost pay, and suffering. Trusting in a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of bicycle accident claims in Florence can make all the difference in your recovery journey.
Our Florence Bicycle Accident Lawyer Fights for Florence's Bicyclists
Florence's streets should be safe for everyone, including bicyclists. That is why our Florence bicycle accident lawyer fights for the injured during bike accidents. We understand cyclists' challenges on the road, from inattentive drivers to unsafe road conditions. We aim to advocate for safer biking environments while seeking justice for those harmed, including those involved in a wrongful death case.
Bicyclists have the same rights on the road as any motor vehicle, but often, those rights should be noticed or addressed. Our lawyer works tirelessly to ensure bicyclists' voices are heard in and out of the courtroom. By holding negligent parties accountable, we strive to recover compensation for our clients and promote changes that protect all of Florence's cyclists. We're not just attorneys but advocates for a safer cycling community.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Florence
Distracted driving: Many bicycle accidents occur because drivers aren't paying full attention to the road. This can lead to collisions with bicyclists who share the road.
Poor road conditions: Cracks, potholes, and debris can cause bicyclists to lose control and crash. The city or state may be held responsible for not maintaining safe roads.
Right of way violations: Drivers who fail to yield the right of way to bicyclists at intersections or while turning can cause serious accidents. This is a common reason for collisions.
Dooring: This happens when a parked car's door opens into a bicyclist's path. It can throw the cyclist off their bike and into traffic.
Speeding: Speeding cars have less time to react to bicyclists, increasing the risk of an accident. High speeds also mean more severe injuries in the event of a crash.
Riding against traffic: Bicyclists riding against traffic flow can surprise drivers, leading to accidents. Riding in the same direction as traffic is safer and legally required.
Impaired driving: Alcohol or drugs impair a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. They are a major risk to bicyclists.
Steps to Take Following a Bicycle Accident
Seek medical attention: Even if you don't think you're injured, get checked out. Injuries from bicycle accidents can sometimes be hidden or delayed.
Report the accident: Call the police and have them file a report. This document is necessary for your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Gather information: Ask the driver for contact and insurance information and get the names and numbers of any witnesses. This information will be valuable for your lawyer.
Take photos: If you can, record the crash site, your injuries, and any damage to your bike. Photos can help prove what happened and the extent of the damage.
Don’t negotiate with the driver: It's best to avoid discussing faults or settlements at the scene. Leave these conversations for your lawyer.
Contact a bicycle accident lawyer: The sooner you get legal advice, the better. A lawyer can guide you through the next steps and start working on your case.
Keep records: Save all medical invoices, repair receipts, and any other documents related to your collision. They'll be important for calculating your damages.
Insurance Companies and Negotiations After a Bicycle Accident
Talking with insurance companies after a bike crash can be overwhelming. They often try to minimize what they pay, even when the bicyclist is not at fault. Our Florence bicycle accident lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance providers for fair compensation. We can handle the back-and-forth so you can focus on healing.
Insurance adjusters might seem friendly, but their job is to save their company money. They might offer a quick settlement that's much less than you deserve. Our lawyer will evaluate any offers and advise you on whether to accept or negotiate for more. Our experience lets us know what your claim is truly worth, and we won't let insurance companies take advantage of you.
Why You Need a Florence Bicycle Accident Lawyer To Negotiate on Your Behalf
Negotiating with insurers can be tricky, and they have plenty of experience. You need someone who knows the law and won't be intimidated. Our Florence bicycle accident lawyer has the skills to negotiate effectively, aiming for a settlement that covers all your needs. We understand the tactics insurers use and how to counter them.
Having a lawyer negotiate for you also conveys that you're serious about getting what you're owed. We can resist lowball offers and fight for compensation that accounts for all your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We aim to get you a settlement that lets you move forward from the accident as fully as possible.
How Much Is My Bicycle Accident Claim Worth?
The value of your bicycle accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical care, and how the catastrophic injuries affect your life. If you've had to miss work, lost income is also considered. Our Florence bicycle accident lawyer will work to calculate a fair amount that covers both your economic and non-economic damages.
Another factor is whether you share any fault for the accident. Arizona adheres to the comparative negligence rule, so your compensation could be reduced if you're found partly responsible for the accident. Rest assured, our lawyer will strive to minimize your fault and maximize your recovery. We'll fight for a comprehensive settlement that addresses all your needs.
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
Medical expenses: You can be compensated for all medical treatment related to your injuries. This should include past and future medical costs.
Lost wages: If your injuries force you to miss work, you can recover your lost income. This also covers future earnings if you can't return to work or must take a lower-paying job.
Pain and suffering: Damages for pain and suffering consider the physical and emotional distress caused by your injuries. It's harder to quantify but just as important.
Property damage: You can be reimbursed for repairing or replacing your bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Rehabilitation costs: Many bicycle accident victims need physical therapy or other rehabilitation. These costs can also be included in your compensation.
Legal Challenges in Bicycle Accident Cases: Common Defense Tactics
Blaming the cyclist: The defense often tries to shift blame to the cyclist, arguing that they broke traffic laws or weren't paying attention. We can counter these claims with evidence and witness statements.
Questioning injuries: Insurers might state that your injuries were pre-existing. They might even say you are exaggerating your injuries. We use medical documents and expert testimony to prove the extent of your injuries.
Minimizing the impact: The defense may downplay how the injuries have affected your life. We demonstrate the true impact, showing how the injuries have changed your daily activities and enjoyment of life.
Disputing costs: There might be disputes over the cost of medical care or the necessity of certain treatments. We ensure that all your medical expenses are justified and included in your claim.
Settlement pressure: Insurers often pressure victims to accept a quick, low settlement. We advise you on the fairness of any offers and continue negotiations to seek better compensation.
Why Choose Us as Your Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Florence?
Local knowledge: Our familiarity with Florence and its roads gives us an edge in understanding and investigating your accident. We have the knowledge you need to recover compensation for Florence bike accidents.
Experience: We have a strong track record of successfully handling bicycle accident cases, knowing what strategies work best in negotiations and trials.
Personalized attention: We give each case the attention it deserves, ensuring we understand every detail and how the accident has impacted your life.
Resourcefulness: We have the resources to investigate your accident thoroughly, consult with medical experts, and build a compelling case on your behalf.
Commitment: We are committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you, whether that's through settlement negotiations or trial advocacy. Rely on our bicycle accident attorney to fight for you.
FAQs
What Should I Do if the Driver Who Hit Me Fled the Scene?
Immediately report the incident to the police and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Collect contact information from witnesses, and consult with a bicycle accident lawyer to explore your options for seeking justice and compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or a civil lawsuit.
How Long Do I Have to File a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit in Arizona?
In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including bicycle accidents, is typically two years from the accident date. However, this time frame can vary under certain circumstances. Therefore, meet with an attorney as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
Can I Still Pursue Compensation if I Was Partly Blamed for the Bicycle Accident?
Yes, Arizona follows a comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Remember that your compensation will be cut by the percentage of fault in the accident.
Contact a Florence Bicycle Accident Lawyer With Genesis Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Don't suffer the consequences of a serious bike accident in Florence by yourself. Genesis Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers offers the legal proficiency and compassionate support you need. Remember to see a doctor for your bicycle accident injuries first. Then, contact our Florence bicycle accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights after a local bike accident.
