- April 14, 2020
Louisiana has often been named one of the most dangerous states for bicyclists. More people are opting to ride instead of drive because of the cost savings and reduced environmental impact. This means it’s more likely that cyclists will get involved in a crash. Very often, drivers and cyclists don’t know how to share the roads with each other. Sometimes, motorists simply don’t see bicyclists.
If you received injuries in a bicycle accident, you should seek advice from a vehicle accident attorney. You need to ensure you protect your right to get compensation for your medical bills and other losses. When you have a competent attorney, they will do everything they can to ensure you don’t have to handle the aftermath of the accident alone. They will make sure that you are aware of all the damages you can claim, and they will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If a settlement can’t be reached during negotiation, your lawyer will help you to file a lawsuit. Let’s look at some of the damages you may be able to claim.
Types of Compensation Available Following an Accident
It can be difficult to figure out just how much compensation you should get after your crash. While your financial damages may be easy to calculate, there are also non-economic damages to consider. Financial damages include things like medical bills, lost wages, loss of future income and the cost of repairing or replacing your bike. You can calculate these by looking at receipts, medical bills, and payslips. You just need to make sure you hold on to all the documentation that you have. Your attorney will use it to build a strong case for damages.
Financial damages are what may automatically come to mind when you think about compensation. However, as Baton Rouge auto acciden2t lawyers will tell you, your intangible losses are just as valid. People suffer mentally and emotionally after bicycle accidents, especially when they are serious. The negative impact can last for months or years. You may be in constant pain or you may be unable to play with your kids or support your spouse. Therefore, you can claim damages for things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life. While it’s not easy to put a dollar figure on these types of losses, your lawyer will help you to do so.
To claim any of these damages, you will need to present proof of your losses. It is often a battle to get insurance companies to pay up for economic losses. Imagine how difficult it will be to get compensation for non-economic losses that are hard to prove. Your attorney will draw on many types of evidence to support your claim. These may include medical reports and testimony from psychologists or therapists and other experts. Your lawyer may also suggest that you keep a diary in which you detail what you’re feeling and experiencing on a daily basis.
Why You Should Contact an Injury Attorney in Baton Rouge
People often don’t have sympathy for cyclists. Many assume they should use the sidewalk instead of sharing the road with motorists. Even some police officers are not aware of the rules that apply to cyclists. They may cite you for a traffic offense even though the motorist was at fault. Therefore, the odds may be stacked against you from the start when you get into an accident. You will need to have an advocate who understands the law.
Often, bikes are mangled or destroyed after a collision with a motor vehicle and they can’t be used as evidence. Your attorney will need to draw on several resources to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They may use eyewitness testimony, expert opinions, photos, and video evidence to prove liability. It’s important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible after your crash so they can begin working on your case.
Reach Out to Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers Today!
If you’ve suffered serious losses in a bicycle accident in Louisiana because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve to get compensation. Reach out to a vehicle accident attorney at our firm and get the help you need. We’ll assist you in calculating all your losses and ensure you get full and fair compensation. Your first consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose by seeking legal advice. If you choose to hire us, you only pay when we secure compensation for you. Schedule an appointment today.
