Missoula Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycles are excellent for keeping in shape and low-cost forms of transportation. Unfortunately, with the high rate of distracted or careless drivers, riding also makes you highly vulnerable to suffering severe harm in a crash. Accidents involving automobiles may leave you with severe injuries that could be detrimental to your physical, emotional, and financial health. However, a skilled personal injury attorney could help you monetarily recover from the driver who hit you.

When you suffer damages because of another person’s negligence, you can take action to hold that person financially accountable. Speak with a hard-working Missoula bicycle accident lawyer today if you need help with a case. Do not talk with an insurance company adjuster by yourself. Bicycle accident law is a specialized field, and you need a specialized legal advocate on your side as soon as possible.

Bike Accident Injuries

People on bikes are exposed and more likely to receive severe and life-threatening injuries than drivers. These wrecks can often require extensive medical care and time off work, leaving the injured biker vulnerable to additional costs. Some common bike accident injuries include:

• Deep cuts, bruising, and lacerations
• Serious knee injuries
• Broken and fractured legs and arms
• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Facial injuries and dental fractures
• Chest injuries and other bodily trauma
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Severe head, skull, and brain injuries
• Back injuries, including herniated disks and spinal cord damage
• Paralysis
• Traumatic amputations

The award for damages depends on the severity of bodily harm and how it will continue to affect the individual throughout life. An attorney in Missoula could further explain the correlation between bike crash damages and injuries.

The Award for Damages

Cyclists often sustain severe and catastrophic injuries, requiring expensive medical care and time off work. After establishing fault, the award for damages may include:

• Medical costs, including the emergency room, doctor visits, surgical procedures, and ongoing care related to the accident
• Prescriptions, medical devices and equipment, and physical therapy
• Lost salary, earning potential, and benefits
• Emotional and psychological injuries and trauma, such as post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorder treatment
• Permanent disfigurement, scarring, and disabilities
• Pain and suffering
• Losing the enjoyment of life and participating in activities the plaintiff enjoyed before the accident
• The loss of companionship and the relationship they shared with a spouse and the guidance and support they provided children

A Missoula lawyer could help ensure you collect the maximum potential settlement necessary to reimburse you for all your current and future losses from the bike accident.

Road Rules for Cyclists

Cyclists have the same legal rights and duties to the roadways as other drivers. Per the guidance of the Montana Department of Transportation, bike riders must travel on the right side of lanes, except for when they prepare to turn left or are passing cars heading in the same direction. The regulations also prohibit cyclists from sharing lanes with another bicycle, except when passing. Unless traffic signs restrict them, they may ride on sidewalks if necessary. Those wishing to ride during nighttime must have a working headline and red taillight.

Safety Tips for Cyclists

Safety tips for cyclists to keep themselves safe while riding include the following:

• Adhere to all traffic signs and signals
• Remain aware of traffic beside, ahead, and behind them
• Travel in the same direction as traffic at all times
• Remain cautious, alert, and prepared to stop at all times
• Know and use hand signals when stopping or turning
• Keep bicycles in good working condition

An attorney in Missoula could review all the applicable personal injury, traffic rules, and statutes and answer specific questions after reviewing the bike crash case.

Reach Out to a Missoula Attorney About Bike Wreck Damages Today

Reckless motorists can leave you with severe injuries leading to chronic pain, requiring ongoing medical treatment, and missing extended periods from work. You must hold the liable party responsible for the damage their thoughtless actions cause.

An award for damages could cover all your financial losses and living expenses, and take financial stresses off your shoulders. Schedule a consultation to review your case with one of our Missoula bicycle accident lawyers today. We could answers your questions and help to navigate the process to collect damages.