A bicycle can be a great way to save gas and get exercise, but it can also leave you vulnerable to dangerous drivers. Unfortunately, bicycles are also harder to spot, and many bicyclists have found that other drivers do not always share the road fairly. That has led to dangerous and even deadly accidents for bicyclists.
The good news is that your Mesquite bicycle accident lawyer can make all the difference. If you are struggling to recover from the devastating effects of a bicycle accident, H&P Law is here to offer case-specific, thoughtful guidance through every step of your lawsuit. When you need help following a collision, turn to a reputable Mesquite personal injury lawyer at our firm for a free consultation.
Bicycle Injuries Can Be Especially Severe
While a helmet can help prevent injuries, it does not stop all injuries. If you have suffered any of these painful losses, do not hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer about your suffering. These injuries can lead to lifelong difficulties and disabilities, and if you do not seek treatment, you may suffer more from delayed injuries that can worsen and even become deadly.
Unlike motor vehicles, bicycles do not provide the same physical protection to the rider. While a bicycle helmet can make a difference, Nevada does not require riders to wear helmets under the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 484B.760-783. These laws cover the details of traffic laws that apply to bicyclists, but they do not require bicyclists to use a helmet, which can lead to more severe injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Friction burns or road rash
- Lacerations and severe bruising
- Internal bleeding
Insurance Coverage Does Not Always Help Bicyclists
If you are not a professional cyclist, you may not have bicycle insurance, but your homeowners or medical insurance may be a viable option, depending on your coverage. We can discuss your options and opportunities to file a claim under the at-fault party’s insurance policy, as Nevada is a fault state under NRS 485.185. However, insurance coverage is not always enough to cover your needs.
That is because insurance companies are for-profit businesses, meaning their profits are their priority, not your recovery. We strive to help clients maximize their claims, often including negotiating settlements with the insurance company. Unfortunately, these companies may be unwilling to provide fair settlement offers, leading to longer claims and even litigation.
The good news is that our firm does not shy away from helping clients get the compensation they are due for the suffering they have experienced. If the insurance company offers you a lowball settlement or engages in bad faith tactics, as defined in the Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 686A, we can pursue options for your claim. Your bicycle accident attorney in Mesquite is here to ensure you take the right steps for your case.
Compensation When You Are Hurt in a Mesquite Bicycle Accident
Getting compensated following a bicycle accident is a vital part of your recovery, but the at-fault party may already be doing everything in their power to avoid paying out for your injuries. Without the tools to uncover your claim’s worth, it can be easy to settle for less. If you have any doubts about your claim’s worth, contact a bicycle accident attorney in Mesquite for specific guidance about the following damages.
Economic Damages for Your Financial Suffering
As you pursue compensation for your bicycle accident, you may need to keep track of the many expenses you incur as you recover. Bike accidents can result in high medical bills, bicycle repairs, and time off work if your injuries prevent you from doing your job. That leaves many bicycle accident victims in dire financial straits.
Fortunately, we can make this process of gathering and estimating your losses easier. We can help you gather information about the many expenses you have already experienced. We can also pursue compensation for future damages, such as scheduled surgeries you have not yet paid for.
Non-Economic Damages Cover the Intangible
As you pursue compensation, your focus may be on your actual expenses, but do not forget the intangible damages you have suffered. These non-economic damages compensate for the emotional and mental suffering you have experienced. For example, you may have experienced severe pain, emotional trauma, or other types of suffering.
Calculating these damages can be difficult without guidance. For example, you may need our team to help you quantify the severity of your injuries and their impact on your quality of life. With the right tools, a bicycle accident lawyer in Mesquite can guide you to the answers you need.
You May Be Eligible for Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not compensatory, meaning they do not compensate for a specific damage you suffered. Instead, they punish the wrongdoer for acting in an overly negligent or intentionally harmful way. For example, if a driver experiencing road rage purposefully caused a car accident while you were on your bicycle, you may be eligible to seek punitive damages under NRS 42.005.
Keep in mind, however, that punitive damages are not offered in all cases. Because the circumstances of the accident must be so severe, judges are typically only willing to offer these damages in certain circumstances. However, if you believe that you are entitled to compensation for your punitive damages, your bicycle accident lawyer in Mesquite can provide a powerful argument in your favor.
Seek Out Legal Support from a Mesquite Bicycle Accident Attorney
Following a bicycle accident, you may be shocked, traumatized, and drowning in the expenses of your recovery. Worse, the other party may already be doing everything possible to avoid paying out for the suffering you have experienced. When this happens, you may need the guidance and strengths H&P Law can provide to your lawsuit.
As you pursue compensation for your injuries, your Mesquite bicycle accident lawyer can help guide you through this process. We offer free consultations and all the tools you need to seek compensation that meets your many needs following an accident. When you are ready to speak with us, reach out by calling our office or completing our online contact form.
