Cyclists have very little protection when sharing the roads with cars, trucks, and buses. In the event of a collision, the bike rider is likely to take the brunt of the damage.
Bicycle accident injuries are often severe. Covering your bills and putting your life back together after an accident can be next to impossible for most people without the help of financial compensation.
At the Morelli Law Firm, we are well aware of how significant the injuries suffered by a bicycle accident victim can be. Our team of bicycle accident lawyers in New Rochelle has helped countless bicycle accident victims recover the money they need after an accident.
What Actions Will a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Take?
When you get injured in a bicycle accident, attempting to recover compensation on your own can prove challenging. Additionally, the stress of pursuing legal action can slow down the healing process. In this situation, it is much better to leave your financial concerns in the capable hands of an experienced bike accident lawyer while you focus on your health.
A bicycle accident attorney in New Rochelle will take over every aspect of your legal case. They will begin by investigating your accident. Steps in this inquiry will likely include:
- Photographing the accident site and collecting evidence
- Speaking with potential witnesses
- Consulting various experts
- Procuring a copy of the official accident report
- Going over your medical records related to the injuries you suffered
Once this is done, your attorney will assess your damages and determine the value of your claim. They will then discuss your options with you, outline the strength of your case, and advise you about the next steps.
Your attorney will then draw up the appropriate paperwork and either submit a claim to the liable party’s insurer or file a lawsuit with the court. If you are filing a lawsuit, your lawyer will then go through all the steps of the pretrial process and prepare to represent you at trial.
Throughout the process, your bicycle accident attorney will be in contact with opposing legal counsel as they attempt to negotiate a fair settlement deal and avoid an unpredictable courtroom battle.
Damages You Can Recover After a Bike Accident
You will likely be eligible to recover a wide variety of damages after suffering a bicycle injury. Which damages apply to your case will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident and the resulting injuries. These damages can be divided into three categories:
- Economic damages
- Non-economic damages
- Punitive damages
Economic Damages
Economic damages are fairly straightforward. These are the losses you suffered that can easily be quantified. Essentially, any losses that directly cost you money or lessen your income fall into this category. Economic damages cover both the financial losses you currently face and those you will face in the future as a result of your accident. Common economic damages include:
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
All other losses you suffer because of your bicycle accident fall into this category. Non-economic damages are typically profound and can greatly change the rest of your life. Because of this, the amount awarded for non-economic damages tends to be significant. Common non-economic damages include:
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Lowered quality of life
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
Punitive Damages
Rather than focusing on the losses of the accident victim, punitive damages take aim at the at-fault party. The purpose of these damages is to punish those who are liable for their actions. Punitive damages are only awarded in extreme cases where the actions of the responsible party were criminally negligent or carried out with a willful disregard for public safety.
New Rochelle Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Your Bicycle Accident Lawyer Will Only Get Paid if You Collect Compensation
The majority of lawyers charge their clients based on the number of hours they spend working on their cases. However, this is not the case for personal injury lawyers. Instead, personal injury lawyers charge their clients based on results.
Your attorney will collect their fee as a set percentage of the compensation you receive from the liable party. That means that the more money you recover, the more your lawyer gets paid. On the flip side, if your lawyer fails to secure compensation on your behalf, you won’t have to pay a single penny.
This contingency fee-based payment structure assures that your interests and those of your attorney are aligned. You can be confident that they will do everything they can to win you as much money as possible. Additionally, this setup has the benefit of ensuring that all accident victims can obtain experienced legal counsel, regardless of their financial means.
Don’t Delay in Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit in New York is three years. However, it is essential to realize that there are many exceptions to this timeline. For example, you will have far less time to file a lawsuit if the liable party is a government agency.
The best way to ensure that you meet all deadlines and protect your legal right to compensation is to hire a New Rochelle bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible after you suffer an injury. By enabling your attorney to get started on your case early, you will also be putting them in the best position to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.
Talk to a New Rochelle Bicycle Accident Attorney Today
At the Morelli Law Firm, we have seen the devastation that can result from a bicycle accident. Our team of New Rochelle bicycle accident lawyers knows what it takes to get the compensation that our clients need to rebuild their lives after an injury.
If you have been harmed in a bicycle accident, give us a call or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation today.