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After a serious bicycle accident, many victims are confronted with large medical bills, calls from insurance adjusters, time off of work, and a damaged bicycle. While every bicycle accident is unique, our compassionate and experienced lawyers are here to help you get what you deserve.
Serious Nature of Injuries & Types of Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Concussions: Can cause temporary cognitive issues and dizziness.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Severe impacts may lead to long-term brain damage.
- Skull Fractures: Often caused by high-speed collisions or falls.
- Fractures and Broken Bones
- Collarbone Fractures: A common injury from falling off the bike.
- Wrist and Hand Fractures: Result from bracing during a fall.
- Leg and Arm Fractures: Often occur in collisions with vehicles.
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Lacerations and Abrasions: “Road rash” from sliding on pavement.
- Muscle Strains and Sprains: From impact or sudden movements.
- Spinal Injuries
- Herniated Discs: Caused by compression or impact to the spine.
- Paralysis: In extreme cases, spinal cord damage can lead to partial or total paralysis.
- Facial and Dental Injuries
- Broken Teeth: From direct impact to the face.
- Jaw Fractures: Can result from severe accidents.
- Eye Injuries: From debris or impact.
- Internal Injuries
- Organ Damage: Trauma to the abdomen or chest may harm organs.
- Internal Bleeding: May occur without obvious external signs.
- Psychological Injuries
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Emotional distress after a serious accident.
- Anxiety and Depression: Can result from trauma or long-term recovery challenges.
What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident
Experiencing a bicycle accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights. The personal injury attorneys at Murphy & Prachthauser recommend the following actions:
- Ensure Your Safety: Move to a safe location, away from traffic, if possible.
- Call for Help: Contact 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of your injuries, bicycle damage, the vehicle involved, and any road conditions that contributed to the accident.
- Exchange Information: Obtain the name, contact details, insurance information, and license plate number of the driver involved.
- Collect Witness Statements: Ask for contact details of anyone who saw the accident to support your case later.
Taking these steps can provide critical evidence if you pursue a claim.
Contact a Trusted Attorney
After addressing the immediate aftermath, contact the experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Murphy & Prachthauser. They can guide you through the next steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor to rule out hidden injuries.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: Refrain from making statements that could imply liability.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Provide basic details, but avoid giving recorded statements until speaking with an attorney.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Murphy & Prachthauser can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
Taking swift and informed action can protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents are a significant concern for cyclists and other road users, often resulting from a combination of environmental, human, and vehicle-related factors. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help cyclists and motorists adopt safer practices to reduce risks. Below is an overview of the primary causes:
Environmental Factors
Environmental conditions often play a major role in bicycle accidents. Poor visibility due to weather or low light, and road hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, or debris can significantly increase the risk of crashes. Cyclists need to remain vigilant in adapting to their surroundings, while city planners can mitigate risks by maintaining roads and installing adequate lighting.
Human Factors
Human errors are among the leading causes of bicycle accidents. These include inattentive driving, failure to yield, or risky cyclist behavior such as running red lights. Many accidents also occur due to misunderstanding traffic rules or poor communication between cyclists and drivers. Education on shared road responsibilities can help bridge these gaps.
Vehicle-Related Factors
Mechanical issues with bicycles, such as brake failures, flat tires, or poorly maintained components, also contribute to accidents. Similarly, collisions caused by motor vehicles often stem from drivers failing to check blind spots or overtaking unsafely. Regular maintenance and adherence to safety checks can reduce these occurrences.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
- Driver Inattention or Distraction: Motorists failing to notice cyclists due to distractions like texting or eating while driving.
- Failure to Yield: Drivers not giving the right of way at intersections or during turns.
- Dooring: Opening car doors into a cyclist’s path.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, or uneven surfaces causing cyclists to lose control.
- Cyclist Errors: Unsafe cycling practices such as weaving through traffic or ignoring traffic signals.
- Limited Visibility: Nighttime riding without lights or reflective gear, as well as adverse weather conditions reducing visibility.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Both by cyclists and motorists, leading to a higher likelihood of collisions.
- Mechanical Failures: Issues like brake malfunctions or flat tires compromising the cyclist’s control.
By recognizing these common causes, both cyclists and motorists can take proactive steps to improve road safety, such as enhancing visibility, following traffic rules, and maintaining vehicles properly. Advocating for infrastructure improvements, such as dedicated bike lanes, can also help minimize the risks of accidents.
Compensation for Losses
The compensation someone could expect from a bicycle accident in Wisconsin depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries, the extent of property damage, and the specifics of the accident, such as liability and contributory negligence.
In Wisconsin, injured bicyclists are entitled to seek damages for:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for immediate and ongoing treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any assistive devices required due to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work or loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes both physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairing or replacing the bicycle and other personal items damaged in the accident.
Additionally, Wisconsin operates under a comparative negligence law, meaning the compensation could be reduced based on the bicyclist’s share of fault in the accident. For example, if a bicyclist is found to be 20% at fault, their compensation would be reduced by that percentage.
For accurate estimates, it’s recommended to consult an experienced Wisconsin personal injury attorney, such as those at Murphy & Prachthauser, who can evaluate the case specifics during a free consultation.