“I didn’t see the bike.” “The bicycle came out of nowhere.” “I don’t know how the bike accident happened.”
Each Wisconsin personal injury lawyer at Clifford & Raihala has heard comments like these over and over again from motor vehicle operators who have negligently crashed into our cycling clients. Bicycle accidents, like most crashes, can and should be prevented. Over 90% of bicycle accidents are caused by operator error, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Sadly, when a motor vehicle-bicycle crash occurs, the bike always loses. DOT records show that the bicyclist is injured, or killed, in almost 95% of bike crashes with motor vehicles. The most common serious injury in bike accidents is head injury, or traumatic brain injury. Other serious injuries include spinal cord injuries and paralysis; fractures of the legs, ankles, arms, ribs or vertebre; organ damage and soft tissue muscle or ligamentous injuries. Any of these injuries can be devastating, making it difficult or impossible to enjoy normal life’s normal activities.
When a cyclist is injured by a negligent car or truck driver, the law says she or he is entitled to be compensated for all injuries, physical pain and suffering, and economic losses including medical bills, lost wages, property damage and more. An experienced bike accident attorney, like those at Clifford & Raihala, can help evaluate your injuries and get the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a bike accident, Clifford & Raihala will provide a free consultation to advise you of your rights, with no obligation. If you hire a Clifford & Raihala bicycle accident attorney, our fee will be a percentage of the amount we recover for you. There will be no fee unless there’s a recovery for you. We advance all costs for medical records, consulting with your doctors, filing and other fees, reimbursed only if you win your claim.
It is important to speak with a bicycle accident attorney as soon as feasible after a bike crash to obtain motor vehicle accident reports and physical evidence of the scene including photographs or videos from DMV roadway video cams and nearby commercial security cameras. As well, some insurance payments may be available to you almost immediately to help deal with the economic difficulties for you and your family from your injuries. Often these go unpaid without the help of an experienced bicycle accident attorney.
Motor vehicle operators owe a duty to drive with due regard for the safety of bicycles sharing our roadways. If motor vehicle operators comply with that duty, serious injury from vehicle-bicycle crashes can often be avoided.
If you have been on your bicycle and injured by the negligence of a motor vehicle operator, contact Clifford & Raihala for a free consultation.
