Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Waipahu, Hawaii
Bicycle accidents can happen when you least expect them and dealing with the aftermath may feel overwhelming. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in Waipahu, Hawaii, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. That’s where a bicycle accident attorney can help.
At the Recovery Law Center, our experienced attorneys in Waipahu handle personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents, to help you get the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, or emotional distress, our Honolulu personal injury attorney will guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected. We’re here to help you focus on healing while we take care of your case.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents happen for a variety of reasons, many of which could be prevented with more caution from drivers and cyclists. Here are some common causes:
Collisions with Cars
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Failure to see cyclists
- Not yielding at intersections
- Not giving cyclists enough space
Poor Road Conditions
- Potholes
- Debris
- Poor lighting
- Obstacles that force cyclists to swerve or lose balance
Weather Factors
- Rain, fog, or wind reducing visibility
- Slippery roads from wet conditions
- The need for cyclists to wear bright clothing and use lights in bad weather
Human Error
- Cyclists ignoring traffic laws
- Distracted cycling
- Riding poorly maintained bikes
In some cases, accidents are caused by the carelessness of others. When this happens, it’s important to consider contacting a bicycle accident attorney or a personal injury lawyer to help file a bicycle accident claim. Taking legal action can be important when dealing with the aftermath of a serious car accident or personal injury.
Types of Bike Accident Injuries
A bicycle accident injury can be mild or catastrophic. Common examples of injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) – Brain injuries occur when a person sustains a violent blow to the head. A bicyclist is much more likely to suffer a TBI if they are not wearing a helmet. TBIs can be life-threatening and leave victims with long-lasting disabilities.
- Broken bones – A bicyclist who gets hit by a car is at risk of suffering severe fractures that can take months to heal.
- Back and spine injuries – Back sprains and strains, pinched nerves, and slipped discs are all common bicycle accident injuries. Spinal cord damage can lead to full or partial paralysis.
- Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations – If a bicyclist slides across pavement or comes in contact with broken glass and debris, they could sustain severe cuts, abrasions, and lacerations. These wounds can lead to infection, scarring, and disfigurement.
- Internal injuries – Rising sales of SUVs and light trucks in the United States mean that cyclists are more likely to sustain internal injuries in a collision. Because these vehicles ride higher up on the road, cyclists are at risk of suffering upper-body injuries to vital organs.
Accident victims who sustain serious injuries often face astronomical medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disabilities after bike crashes on Oahu. You should not be responsible for these expenses if you did not cause the collision. A knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer in Waipahu can identify all potential sources of compensation for you if you or a loved one is hurt.
Tips to Protect Your Rights After a Bicycle Accident
If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, it’s important to act quickly and carefully to protect your rights. Here are some tips to help you handle the situation:
1. Get Medical Attention Right Away
Your health should always come first. Even if you think you’re not seriously injured, some symptoms may appear later. Seek medical help immediately to ensure you’re okay. Keep records of all medical visits and bills, as this will be useful when filing a bicycle accident claim.
2. Call the Police
Contact the police to report the accident. A police report is a critical piece of evidence when dealing with an insurance company or a personal injury attorney. Make sure you give a clear account of what happened and ask for a copy of the report.
3. Collect Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able to, take photos of the accident scene, your bike, the car or motorcycle involved, and any visible injuries. Gather contact information from any witnesses as well. This evidence can help your legal team or personal injury lawyer build a strong case.
4. Do Not Admit Fault
Avoid making any statements that could suggest the accident was your fault. Leave determining fault to the professionals—whether it’s a bicycle accident attorney or a personal injury lawyer.
5. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
Contact a law firm that handles bicycle accident claims as soon as possible. A legal team can help you deal with the insurance company and ensure you’re not taken advantage of. They can also advise you on your rights and what compensation you may be entitled to, including coverage for medical bills or lost wages due to someone else’s negligence.
6. Avoid Speaking to the Other Party’s Insurance Company
After an accident, the other party’s insurance company may try to contact you for a statement. It’s best not to speak with them without first consulting your lawyer. Anything you say can be used against your claim. Let your attorney handle these communications.
7. Document Your Recovery
Keep track of how your injuries are affecting your daily life. Write down any physical pain, emotional distress, and time off work. This documentation will help your personal injury attorney argue for the right compensation.
By following these steps, you’ll be in a better position to protect your rights after a bicycle accident. If the accident was due to someone else’s negligence, a law firm specializing in personal injury can guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Pursuing Maximum Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims
After a traffic accident, injured cyclists may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver. Hawaii is a no-fault insurance state, which means that when a motorist is involved in an auto accident, they usually turn to their own personal injury protection (PIP) plan to cover their losses regardless of who caused the crash. The state-required minimum PIP coverage is $10,000 per person per accident.
However, Hawaii law provides an exception for bicyclists. A cyclist injured because of a driver’s negligence can make a claim against that driver’s PIP insurance policy. If the driver’s policy cannot cover the costs of the cyclist’s losses, the victims may also turn to their own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or their health insurance policies for compensation.
You could also be entitled to file a bicycle accident lawsuit if your injuries meet Hawaii’s serious injury threshold and your expenses exceed the driver’s PIP policy limits. A successful lawsuit could recover additional compensation for your pain and suffering, property damage, and other non-financial losses. The right personal injury attorney can determine whether you are eligible to file suit after a bike crash.
Why Should You Hire an Attorney After a Bicycle Accident?
After a bicycle accident, it’s important to hire bicycle accident attorneys to help you get the compensation you deserve. Bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries, and dealing with insurance companies and medical bills on your own can be stressful. An experienced accident attorney can take care of the legal side so you can focus on healing.
An attorney will look at your case, collect evidence, and make sure you’re not settling for less than you should. Insurance companies often try to pay out as little as possible, but an attorney with a proven record in accident cases can fight for your rights. They’ll handle all the legal details, including negotiations and, if needed, going to court.
Accident attorneys at Recovery Law Center understand how to deal with these cases and have the legal experience to achieve the ideal result. Schedule a consultation today to learn how they can help you get fair compensation for your injuries.
