Bicycle accidents result in severe injuries at a high rate. That is because of the limited defenses against a crash afforded to cyclists. Aside from a helmet, most cyclists do not have any other protection in the event of a crash. Therefore, recovering compensation is often essential for victims to be able to afford medical treatment and get their lives back on track.
At the Morelli Law Firm, we are dedicated to ensuring that our clients get the money they need after an injury. Our Jersey City bicycle accident lawyers will work hard to help you recover fair compensation after a collision. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
What does a Bicycle Accident Attorney Do?
When you hire a pedestrian accident attorney, they will take over every aspect of your legal case so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries. One of the first actions they will take will be to coordinate an investigation into your accident. The steps in this investigation will likely include:
- Visiting the accident scene to take photos and gather evidence
- Interviewing witnesses to the accident
- Speaking with various experts
- Obtaining a copy of the official accident report filed by the police
- Reviewing your medical files
Upon finishing their investigation, your attorney will use their collected information to calculate the full value of the damages you sustained. They will then speak to you about the strength of your case and advise you of your best options. After that, they will likely file a personal injury lawsuit with the court or an insurance claim with the liable party’s insurer.
When pursuing a lawsuit, your lawyer’s next steps will be to go through the pretrial process as they prepare your case for trial. While going through all of these steps, your lawyer will also be in contact with opposing counsel, negotiating for a fair settlement deal. A settlement can be very beneficial as it gets you money quickly and lets you avoid an unpredictable trial.
Make Sure to File Your Bicycle Accident Lawsuit on Time
If you are pursuing a bicycle accident lawsuit against the liable party, it is essential to pay attention to the statute of limitations. That way, you can avoid missing your opportunity to collect compensation. In general, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey is two years.
However, it is critical to note that some conditions can affect the amount of time available to file. For example, you will have a much smaller window to file a lawsuit if the party at fault for your damages is a government agency.
The best way to ensure that you meet all deadlines, and protect your right to recover compensation, is by hiring a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after you suffer an injury.
Jersey City Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Damages You Can Recover After a Bicycle Accident
After a bicycle accident, you will likely be eligible to recover financial compensation for various damages. The specific damages for which you can receive compensation will depend on the particulars of your case. All damages are divided into the following categories:
- Economic
- Non-economic
- Punitive
Economic Damages
Economic damages are easily identifiable as any losses you suffered that directly cost you financially. This includes both money you are forced to spend and money you fail to earn because of your accident. Economic damages cover both current and future losses. Common economic damages claimed by bicycle accident victims include:
- Lost income
- Lowered earning ability
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
Non-Economic Damages
All the other losses you suffered fall into the category of non-economic damages. These damages are typically substantial losses that can not be easily replaced. Because of the profound nature of these losses, the money awarded for non-economic damages is often significant. Common non-economic damages include:
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent disability
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not awarded in the majority of bicycle accident cases. These damages are not meant to compensate accident victims for their losses but rather to punish the liable party for causing the accident. Punitive damages are only assessed when the actions of the liable party were either criminally negligent or carried out with wanton disregard for public safety.
The Cost of Hiring a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Bicycle accident victims often fall into the trap of representing themselves because they don’t think they can afford to pay an attorney. However, cost should never be a concern when hiring a personal injury lawyer.
These lawyers typically do not bill their clients for their services directly. Instead, they collect their fee as a preset percentage of the compensation paid out by the liable party once the case is settled. Under this system, the more you receive, the bigger the payday for your attorney. If you don’t recover any compensation, then your lawyer doesn’t get paid.
When your lawyer works in this way, you can feel confident that they will do everything within their power to ensure you collect as much money as possible. Additionally, you will never have to worry about not being able to afford to pay your attorney because you will never pay them directly.
Talk to a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Jersey City Today
At the Morelli Law Firm, we believe that all accident victims deserve access to experienced legal counsel. Our team of Jersey City bicycle accident attorneys has helped countless accident victims recover the money they need and deserve after a crash.
Fill out our online contact form, or give us a call to get started with a free case evaluation today. We will review your case and answer all of your questions.