Lexington, KY Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Riding a bicycle on Kentucky streets and roadways alongside motorized vehicles is a convenient way to travel, especially in a day and age when many of us are more environmentally conscious than ever. Bicycles carry many inherent risks, however, and one of them undeniably has to do with the fact that when a bike and a motorized vehicle like a passenger car get into an accident, the bicyclist will generally suffer most.

It comes down to simple math. Passenger cars, motorcycles, and trucks are much larger, heavier, and travel at faster speeds. They carry a great deal more force when colliding with a smaller object like a bicycle. There’s also the fact that while riding a bike, cyclists have minimal protection. Bike helmets and other protective gear can prevent major head trauma and other injuries, but depending on how fast the car and bike are traveling, serious injuries are often a consequence of bike vs. car traffic accidents.

The statistics don’t lie. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, 726 U.S. bicyclists died in crashes involving motor vehicles in the year 2014. This translates to roughly two people who were killed every single day. Compared to how many drivers die after getting into an auto collision, this number may seem small, but there are far fewer bicyclists on our streets than cars—or pedestrians, for that matter.

Protecting Yourself Legally in a Bicycle Accident

Due to the rarity of bicyclists who ride alongside vehicles on major streets and highways, drivers of cars and trucks are often quick to blame a bicyclist if they’re involved in an accident with one—regardless of who was really at fault. It can be difficult for drivers to see bikes in time, and drivers do not always properly check for them as they should. A bike can hide in a car’s blind spots easily, and unless the driver physically checks, a quick lane change can result in disaster.

If this happens, a driver may still try and blame the bicyclist, stating that they have no business riding that close to cars in the first place or claiming that the cyclist didn’t make themselves known. Drivers often come down unfairly on bicyclists since, unlike motorists, bicyclists aren’t required to have insurance coverage. All cyclists still have legal rights, however, including the right to contact a Lexington, KY bicycle accident lawyer and file a lawsuit against a negligent driver.

Defining fault in a car vs. bike accident can be tough. If you’re involved in an accident as a cyclist, make sure to call the police and wait for an officer to fill out a police report. You may not be given an opportunity to offer a statement as a cyclist, but if you’re able to do so, you should tell the officer what happened from your perspective. Don’t talk to any insurance adjusters who may contact you. These adjusters are only looking out for the driver in an attempt to lower their company’s settlement costs.

Also, make sure and get the medical care you need immediately following the accident. Many bicycle injuries don’t present themselves right away, especially during the chaotic aftermath of a collision. If you don’t go to the doctor or hospital as soon as possible, it can be challenging to file a lawsuit later on if your injuries appear in a delayed manner. Finally, take pictures of your bike and of the road conditions, and document everything you can about the accident.

Finding the Right Lexington, KY Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you’re a cyclist who was involved in an accident with a motorized vehicle and have done everything you can to protect your legal rights, you may still find yourself in a situation where you’re finding it difficult to pay for the medical care you need and/or provide for your loved ones. If this situation sounds familiar or if you know you weren’t at fault for the accident yet the insurance adjusters claim differently, you need help from a knowledgeable Kentucky personal injury attorney.

Todd W. Burris, Lexington, KY bicycle accident lawyer, is experienced in handling difficult cases like bike accident injury lawsuits and can help you get the financial compensation you need to get back on your feet again. Don’t let the insurance adjusters have their way. It’s time to fight for your rights. Contact our Lexington office to learn more or receive a no-obligation consultation.