Following an accident involving a bicycle and a motor vehicle, the cyclist is likely to be facing severe injuries due to the lack of protection they have. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, recovering damages can be critical for rebuilding your life. A Weston bicycle accident attorney can help you file a claim against the responsible party so you can recover the money you need.
At Winston Law, we have been helping injury victims in Florida get the money they need for more than three decades. Our dedicated team will do everything in their power to ensure you recover the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today to schedule your free initial case review with one of our Weston personal injury lawyers.
Do I Need a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Weston?
If you suffered a serious injury in a bicycle accident, securing the services of an experienced lawyer can prove critical. While you can technically represent yourself, you are unlikely to get the favorable results you desire. Those who hire an attorney in these cases generally recover far more money than those who represent themselves.
An experienced lawyer will be aware of all the steps that need to be taken to give you the best chance of recovering the money you deserve. They will be able to navigate all the legal intricacies and ensure that all deadlines are met.
With a bicycle accident attorney handling your legal case, you can focus your attention on your health and general well-being with the confidence that your financial future is in good hands.
Ensure That You File Your Bicycle Accident Lawsuit Before the Deadline
When attempting to recover compensation following a bicycle accident, it is vital that you familiarize yourself with the filing deadline. In Florida, the personal injury statute of limitations gives accident victims two years to file a claim against the liable party. If you don’t file on time, you may be out of options for pursuing damages.
However, even if you think you have missed your filing window, you should still reach out to an experienced bicycle accident attorney serving Weston. Your lawyer can review the details of your case and determine whether an exception applies that allows you to file after the standard deadline.
Of course, you could also discover that an exception applies to your case, which further limits the amount of time you have to take legal action. That’s why it is critical that you reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. When you hire a lawyer, they will identify all applicable deadlines and ensure the required paperwork is prepared and filed on time.
Damages Your Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Weston Can Help You Pursue
Following a bicycle accident where you sustained severe injury, there are several types of damages you will likely be eligible to pursue. Determining all the damages that apply to your case is critical for recovering the full amount you are entitled to claim.
Economic Damages
Any damages you suffer that have a direct impact on your ability to recover compensation are labeled as economic damages. Among the most commonly claimed economic damages in bicycle accident cases, you will find:
- Property damage
- Medical costs
- Future medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Diminished earning ability
Non-Economic Damages
All other losses caused by your bicycle accident are sorted into the varied category of non-economic damages. While these losses can be quite diverse, they tend to share the common trait of having a profound impact on the accident victim. Among the most commonly claimed non-economic damages in bicycle accident cases, you will find:
- Permanent disability
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
- Decreased enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are quite different from the compensatory damages reviewed above. Instead of serving as a replacement for losses sustained by the accident victim, these damages are used as a means of punishing the liable party for the role they played.
Punitive damages don’t apply in the majority of bicycle accident cases. For your case to qualify, the at-fault party must have acted with the intention of causing harm or been criminally negligent.
The Advantages of Settling Out of Court
The vast majority of bicycle accident cases conclude with an out-of-court settlement. That’s because settling is usually in the best interest of all parties involved.
For the injury victim, taking a settlement will mean a far quicker recovery of the money they need than if their case was resolved through a trial. Meanwhile, the liable party is able to avoid any unwanted media attention that could accompany a trial.
Additionally, both parties maintain some say over how their case is resolved rather than leaving everything up to the whims of an unpredictable jury. Despite the fact that your case will likely end up settling, it is still crucial that you prepare as though you are going to court. This will give you more leverage in settlement negotiations and ensure you are ready if a deal can’t be made.
Get Help From an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney Serving Weston Today
When attempting to recover compensation following a bicycle accident, having an experienced attorney by your side will significantly raise your chances of collecting the money you need. At Winston Law, our team of Weston bicycle accident lawyers has been helping injury victims recover damages for more than 30 years.
We have a long list of favorable case results showing our success both in settlement negotiations and at trial. As a small personal injury firm, we can ensure your case gets the personal attention it needs. Contact us today by completing our online contact form or giving us a call, and schedule your free case evaluation.
