Paterson Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, there is a high chance that you are facing significant injuries and expensive medical treatment. The cost of getting your life back after an accident that results in serious injuries can be substantial. Recovering fair compensation from the liable party may be an essential step in the healing process.

At the Morelli Law Firm, we are committed to providing accident victims with the best possible legal counsel to help them recover the money they need and deserve after an accident. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. One of our Paterson bicycle accident attorneys will review your case and answer your questions.

Do I Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?

You always have the option to represent yourself in a bicycle accident case. However, it might not be in your best interest to do so. Those who hire bicycle accident attorneys tend to fare far better than those who attempt to represent themselves. Additionally, if you are dealing with serious injuries, the last thing you need to worry about is the stress of building a legal case.

When you hire a pedestrian accident attorney, they will take over all aspects of your bicycle accident case, leaving you free to focus on healing from your injuries. One of the first actions your attorney will likely take will be to begin an investigation into your accident. The reason for doing this is so that your lawyer can establish liability and gather evidence to support your claim.

Steps they will likely take in their investigation include:

• Visiting the accident site to take pictures and collect evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Speaking to various experts
• Obtaining a copy of the official accident report
• Reviewing your medical files related to your injuries

After they have concluded their investigation, your attorney will assess the value of your damages. They will then advise you of the strength of your case and help you decide on the best path forward. In most cases, the next step will be either to file a personal injury lawsuit with the court or submit an insurance claim to the liable party’s insurance company.

If you choose to file a lawsuit, your attorney will then go through the steps of the pretrial process, as they prepare to represent you at trial. All the while, they will also be negotiating with opposing counsel as they attempt to secure a fair settlement offer.

How Much does a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Charge?

When you hire a bicycle accident attorney, the last thing you have to worry about is whether or not you can afford to do so. Personal injury lawyers tend to work on a contingency fee basis. That means that your lawyer will only get paid if you collect compensation.

If you do collect, the amount your attorney receives will be a predetermined percentage of the money you get from the liable party. This setup incentivizes your lawyer to work to get you as much money as possible for your accident claim.

When lawyers collect their fees in this manner, it ensures that any accident victim can afford to hire an attorney because they will never pay a single cent out of their own pocket.

Mind the Statute of Limitations When Filing a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit

When pursuing a bicycle accident lawsuit, it is essential that you pay attention to the statute of limitations. In New Jersey, bicycle accident victims generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, special circumstances may apply to your case that alter the amount of time you have to file.

The best way to ensure you meet your deadlines and protect your right to compensation is by hiring a Paterson bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible after your crash.

Recoverable Damages After a Bicycle Accident

After getting injured in a bicycle accident, there will likely be many damages you are eligible to recover. The circumstances of your case will determine what damages apply. All bicycle accident damages can be divided into the categories of:

• Economic
• Non-economic
• Punitive

Economic Damages

Economic damages include all monetary losses you suffer as a result of your accident. These damages include both money that you are forced to spend and money that you fail to acquire. Additionally, both current and future expenses are covered. Common economic damages include: 

• Property damage
• Lost wages
• Lowered earning potential
• Medical expenses
• Future medical costs

Non-Economic Damages

All other losses you suffer because of your accident are categorized as non-economic damages. While these damages don’t directly hurt your bank account, they often affect accident victims in far more profound ways. Because these losses can not be easily replaced, the money awarded for non-economic damages tends to be substantial. Common non-economic damages include:

• Permanent disability
• Lowered quality of life
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• Mental anguish

Punitive Damages

In rare bicycle accident cases, punitive damages are also awarded. These damages are different in that, unlike those listed above, the focus here is on the behavior of the liable party, rather than the losses suffered by the accident victim.

Punitive damages are only awarded when the liable party acted in a manner deemed to have been criminally negligent or carried out with the deliberate intention of causing harm.

Contact a Paterson Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

At the Morelli Law Firm, we pride ourselves on our results. We have helped countless bicycle accident victims regain control after suffering an injury. We can help you get the money you need so that you can close the book on this trying chapter of your life.

Give us a call or fill out our online contact form to get started with a free case evaluation today.