A bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience that can result in significant injuries and a challenging financial situation. For the majority of accident victims, recovering compensation is an essential step toward getting their lives back on track.
If you have been harmed in a bicycle accident, the experienced team at the Morelli Law Firm is here to help. Our Clifton bicycle accident attorneys have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. Reach out to us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Does a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Do?
After a bicycle accident where you suffered major injuries, the last thing you need is the stress of trying to get the compensation you need to cover your damages. Fortunately, when you hire a bicycle accident attorney, they will take over every aspect of your legal case so that you can focus on healing from your injuries.
One of the first things your lawyer will do is begin an independent investigation of your accident. The purpose of this investigation will be to prove liability and gather evidence to help them build a strong case on your behalf. Some of the steps they will likely take include:
- Going to the accident site, taking pictures, and collecting evidence
- Speaking with any potential witnesses
- Conferring with experts
- Reviewing the official accident report
- Examining your medical records related to your injuries
Once your attorney has completed their investigation, the next step will be to evaluate your damages and calculate the full cost of your claim. They will then discuss your legal situation with you, advise you of your options, and let you know how best to proceed.
The next step will be to file the appropriate paperwork. If you pursue an insurance claim, your attorney will file the claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If you choose to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, your lawyer will file with the court. They will then begin the steps of the pre-trial process and prepare to represent you in court.
Throughout the process, your attorney will be in communication with the legal counsel for the other side. They will attempt to negotiate a fair settlement deal that can help get you paid quicker and avoid an unpredictable courtroom battle.
Make Sure to File Your Personal Injury Lawsuit on Time
If you are planning to file a personal injury lawsuit, it is essential that you are aware of the timeframe in which you have to file. In New Jersey, the general statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is two years from the date of the accident. However, special circumstances may apply to your case that further limit the time you have to file your lawsuit.
In order to ensure that all deadlines get met, it is best to hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Doing so will have the added benefit of putting your attorney in the best position to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
Clifton Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Damages You May Be Able to Claim After a Bicycle Accident in Clifton
There are many damages that apply to bicycle accident cases. However, which damages are applicable vary from case to case. Accident damages can be separated into three overarching categories:
- Economic
- Non-economic
- Punitive
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the monetary damages that you suffer as a result of your accident. Any money you have to spend or that you fail to accumulate because of your accident falls into this category. Common economic damages include:
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Lowered earning capacity
- Medical costs
- Future medical expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages account for all other losses that you suffer as a result of your accident. These damages are typically profound and can not be easily remedied like a financial loss. Because of this, the amount awarded for non-economic damages usually makes up the bulk of the settlement or court-ordered payout. Common non-economic damages include:
- Loss of companionship
- Permanent disability
- Lowered quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not about the losses of the victim. Instead, they are focused on the actions of the liable party. Punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party for any actions considered to be criminally negligent or performed with the willful intent of causing harm.
Punitive damages are only awarded in extraordinary circumstances. Talk to your bicycle accidnet lawyer in Clifton if you think punitive damages might apply to your case.
Bicycle Accident Lawyers Get Paid Based on Results
Unlike most other types of lawyers, personal injury lawyers collect their fees based on the results they get for their clients rather than on how many hours they spend working on the case. Your lawyer will collect their fee as a percentage of the money you recover from the liable party.
Under this contingency fee-based payment structure, you can feel confident that your attorney will do everything possible to get you as much money as they can. After all, the more you win, the more your lawyer makes, and if you don’t get paid, neither do they.
This system also makes it so that anyone can have access to experienced legal representation. Since you will never pay your attorney any money out of your own pocket, you don’t have to worry that hiring a lawyer will put you in a worse financial position than the one you already face.
Get a Free Consultation on Your Bicycle Accident Case
At the Morelli Law Firm, we have helped countless bicycle accident victims recover the compensation they need to get their lives back on track after an accident. If you have been injured, contact our Clifton bicycle accident lawyers for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Give us a call or fill out our online contact form to get started.