Bicycle Accident Settlement Calculator

Riding a bicycle in California traffic can be dangerous. Bike trails are inviting and a favorite of families on warm days. However, as soon as a rider enters the street traffic, there are dangers. Road congestion, inattentive drivers, ongoing street maintenance, road closures, and damaged pavement are just some of the hazards you face. If you have been the victim of a bicycle accident, you have a right to compensation.

Working with a bicycle accident settlement calculator is an excellent starting point to estimate what you may be owed. Of course, it is critical to connect with attorneys who will advise you how to protect your legal rights. The MKP Law Group, LLP, is here to serve you, and the sooner you make the call, the sooner they can begin looking after your interests.

Calculate How Much You Are Owed

A short five minutes can give you a good ballpark estimate of the compensation owed to you after your bicycle accident. Remember, the bicycle accident settlement calculator is only a starting point. To protect your rights, it makes sense to work with the friendly team at the MKP Law Group, LLP, who help you navigate settlement negotiations and the courts. Because this law firm specializes in assisting injury victims just like yourself to receive fair compensation, the team is an invaluable asset to you.

Understanding Bicycle Accident Settlements

There is more to compensation for bicycle accidents than meets the eye. For example:

• The at-fault driver’s insurance company is likely the entity with which to negotiate.
• If the driver is not insured, you may be able to file a case with your vehicle insurance.
• If there is a PIP (personal injury protection) rider attached to the auto policy, you may have a claim against it.
• If the driver who injured you is a rideshare contractor, there are additional insurers in play.
• Because of California’s comparative negligence system, it may be possible that you are considered partially at fault for the accident, which affects future compensation.

As more and more people ride their bikes to work, stores, or just for recreation, the number of accidents will increase. Statistics prove that the most dangerous time to ride is between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Intersections are deadly for bikers by accounting for 29% of fatal bike crashes. Even bike lanes are not as safe as you might believe.

And, once you are hurt, insurers will attempt to pay the least amount of money in compensation possible. As noted by our team, “Our attorneys made a decision to leave the world of representing Fortune 500 companies and insurance companies to work with real people.” The other side has plenty of legal help; it is time to get someone into your corner.

Types of Damages Awarded in Bicycle Accident Cases

You certainly have medical bills to pay. However, did you know that there are additional damages for which you may be eligible to recoup?

Economic Damages from Bicycle Accidents

We have already discussed the medical expenses you are likely to face. Additionally, you may need to budget for future rehabilitation costs. If you were unable to work after the accident, you likely have some lost wages; in some cases, your actual earning capacity may also be compromised. There is also a good chance that your bicycle must be repaired or replaced.

Non-Economic Damages

When you work with a bicycle accident settlement calculator, you have the option of entering values for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma. If you suffered a permanent disability or disfigurement, it will be with you forever, making it non-economic damage.

Special Circumstances in Bicycle Cases

You are more likely to suffer severe injuries during a bicycle accident than if you were riding in a car. Moreover, there are occasionally multiple liable parties, and it is crucial to understand who is responsible for providing compensation. In cases of egregious third-party negligence, you may also be entitled to punitive damages.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents and Settlement Impact

What causes many bike accidents? We have already noted that intersections and bike lanes are hazardous. Bicycle riders face additional hazards daily.

• Driver negligence. Did the driver who hit you pay attention to traffic? Were they changing the radio, punching in directions into their phone, or running a stop sign? Even a slight instance of driver negligence can have devastating consequences for a bicyclist.
• Road conditions. Many roads in California have deep ruts, potholes, and damage caused by years of heavy traffic and inadequate maintenance. These may be cases involving municipal liability, because bad road conditions put you at a disadvantage when you are on two wheels.
• Dooring accidents. Even when parked, driver negligence can strike. How often have you ridden past parked cars where doors suddenly swing open? When you do not anticipate an opening door, you may hit it at full speed with your bike, resulting in severe injuries and damage to your bike.
• Hit and run incidents. Some motorists keep on driving after crashing into you. In some cases, they may not even have noticed that they collided with a bike.

Factors That Maximize Your Bicycle Accident Settlement

It is tempting to want to walk it off. You do not like all the attention from passersby. However, we cannot overstate the importance of receiving immediate medical attention. Emergency personnel and hospital doctors will document the accident and subsequent injuries. Having a medical file that clearly outlines the nature of your injuries and projected outcomes is a crucial element in your settlement negotiations.

The same goes for legal representation. Work with a compassionate team that looks after your health and your financial interests. Do not worry about spending hours reading and interpreting insurance fine print; your bike accident attorney can handle this for you.

Why Bicycle Accident Cases Require Specialized Legal Expertise

Just like work and industrial accidents, bicycle accidents have unique injury patterns. Depending on the parties involved, there may be complex liability determinations. Now, factor in the insurance company tactics to pay out the least amount possible as a settlement. For this reason, the MKP Law Group, LLP, takes a proactive approach to settling bicycle accident cases. The team will work hard to maximize your compensation.

Source: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/Publication/812884