Cyclists have very minimal protection in the event of an accident. Because of this, the damages to bike riders in collisions with motor vehicles tend to be severe. If you were injured in a crash, you may be entitled to compensation. A Sunrise bicycle accident attorney can help you pursue the compensation you need and deserve after a collision.
At Winston Law, we have been helping accident victims recover compensation from those responsible for their damages for more than 30 years. Our team of dedicated Sunrise personal injury lawyers is ready and waiting to help you recover the compensation you need and deserve. Reach out to us today to schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our team.
Do I Need to Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Sunrise?
While you can technically pursue compensation on your own after a crash, your odds of recovering the money you need will increase significantly if you secure the services of an experienced attorney. Your lawyer will be aware of all the legal hoops you need to jump through and can help ensure you are prepared for what to expect.
Your lawyer will ensure that all required paperwork is prepared accurately and filed on time. They will work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf and leave you free to focus on your health.
The damages caused by a bicycle accident can be severe. On average, those who hire an attorney recover far more money than those who attempt to pursue compensation on their own.
Available Damages Following a Bicycle Accident
After getting injured in a bicycle accident, there are a variety of damages you will likely qualify to recover. Identifying the exact damages that apply to your case can be critical for recovering the full amount to which you are entitled.
Economic Damages
All damages that directly result in financial losses are considered economic damages. Some of the most commonly pursued economic damages in bicycle accident cases include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Lowered earning ability
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Every other loss resulting from your accident belongs in the vast category of non-economic damages. These losses vary significantly. However, most of these losses share the fact that they have a profound impact on the lives of accident victims. Some of the most commonly pursued non-economic damages in bicycle accident cases include:
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Decreased enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are very different from the compensatory damages reviewed above. Rather than being used as a replacement for losses suffered by the victim, punitive damages serve as a form of punishment for the at-fault party.
Only a small portion of cases qualify for punitive damages. For punitive damages to apply to your case, the liable party must have acted with the intention of causing harm or been grossly negligent.
Taking a Settlement Deal Vs. Going to Court
In the majority of cases, it will be in your best interest to pursue resolution to your case through a settlement. Most bicycle accident cases never go to trial because a settlement is beneficial for both parties.
For the injured cyclist, a settlement will result in a quicker resolution to your case, which means you will get the money you need far more quickly than if you go to trial. For the at-fault party, taking a settlement deal can help them avoid any unwanted public attention they could face.
Additionally, both parties retain partial control over the outcome of their case rather than putting their fate in the hands of an unpredictable jury. Even though you will likely end up settling, it is still important that you prepare for a trial. Doing so will give you more leverage in negotiations and can prove critical if a settlement deal can not be reached.
File Your Bicycle Accident Lawsuit Before Time Runs Out
You must pay attention to the applicable statute of limitations when filing a bicycle accident lawsuit. In Florida, the personal injury statute of limitations grants accident victims two years to file a lawsuit against those responsible for their injuries. If you fail to file on time, you could lose your right to pursue compensation.
However, in some cases, exceptions apply that alter the amount of time you have to take legal action. Depending on the details of your case, you could be permitted to file a lawsuit long after the standard deadline. Because of this, it is critical that you contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney serving Sunrise, even if you believe you have missed your chance to file.
Alternatively, the details of your case could significantly decrease the amount of time you have to take legal action. The best way to ensure you don’t miss your chance to claim compensation due to an unexpected deadline is by reaching out to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after your crash.
Get Started With an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney Serving Sunrise Today
When pursuing damages after a bicycle accident, securing the services of an experienced lawyer will significantly improve your odds of recovering the money you need. At Winston Law, our team has been helping accident victims pursue damages for over three decades. We have a proven track record of success both in settlement negotiations and in court.
As a small personal injury firm, we are able to give each case we handle the personal touch it needs. Contact us today by giving us a call or using our online contact form, and schedule your free case consultation.
