Question 1

What should I do right after a bicycle accident?

Accepted Answer

Prioritize your safety. Check for injuries and call 911 immediately. If you can, move out of traffic. Exchange information with the driver, including their name, contact, insurance, and license plate number. Get contact details from any witnesses. Document everything by taking photos of the scene, your bike, the vehicle, and your injuries. Avoid admitting fault. Seek medical attention right away, even for minor pain, as some injuries appear later. A medical record is critical for your claim. Finally, consult with a bicycle accident lawyer before speaking to insurance companies.

Question 2

How do I know if I have a bicycle accident case?

Accepted Answer

You likely have a case if you were injured due to another party's negligence. This means the driver or another entity was at fault for the crash. Key factors include proving the other party was careless (e.g., speeding, distracted driving, failed to yield), that this carelessness caused the accident, and that the accident resulted in your injuries and other damages (like medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your bike). Contacting us for a free case evaluation is the best way to know for sure.

Question 3

What types of compensation can I recover after a bicycle accident?

Accepted Answer

Bicycle accident victims can recover compensation for medical treatment including emergency care, surgery for fractures and road rash, physical therapy to regain mobility, and ongoing care for permanent injuries like traumatic brain injury or spinal damage. You can claim lost wages for time off work during recovery, and if injuries prevent you from returning to your profession, compensation for reduced future earning capacity. Property damage includes your bicycle, helmet, cycling gear, electronics, and clothing damaged in the crash. Non-economic damages cover physical pain from injuries, emotional trauma from the accident (many cyclists develop anxiety about riding again), scarring and disfigurement from road rash, and loss of enjoyment if you can no longer participate in cycling activities you loved.

Question 4

How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim?

Accepted Answer

Bicycle accident claims face strict filing deadlines that vary by state, typically between two to three years from the accident date. However, if a government entity is responsible—such as a city that failed to maintain a bike lane, remove debris, or fix a dangerous road defect that caused your crash—you may have as little as six months to file a notice of claim. Some states require this government claim notice within just 30-180 days. Additionally, if you were struck in a marked bike lane or on a path maintained by a municipality, different rules may apply. Because these deadlines are unforgiving and the type of defendant affects the timeline, contact a bicycle accident attorney within days of your crash to ensure no filing deadline passes.

Question 5

Will I have to go to court for my bicycle accident claim?

Accepted Answer

Most bicycle accident cases resolve through settlement negotiations without going to trial. Insurance companies recognize that juries are increasingly sympathetic to vulnerable cyclists struck by negligent drivers, especially in bike lanes or crosswalks. However, insurers often initially undervalue bicycle accident claims, assuming cyclists share fault or that injuries aren't severe. Attorneys counter these tactics by presenting helmet camera footage, witness statements, and medical evidence of serious injuries. If the insurance company refuses to acknowledge the driver's clear negligence—such as a right hook turn, dooring, or failure to yield—filing a lawsuit demonstrates you're serious about pursuing full compensation. Even after filing, most cases settle during mediation or before trial as insurers recognize the strength of your evidence and the risk of a larger jury verdict.

Question 6

Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault for the bicycle accident?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can still recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the accident. Most states apply comparative negligence rules to bicycle accidents. For example, if you were riding at night without proper lights, or if you were using headphones and didn't hear a car horn, the insurance company will argue you share fault. If a jury determines you were 20% at fault and the driver 80% at fault, your $100,000 claim would be reduced to $80,000. However, most states bar recovery if you're 50% or 51% or more at fault. Insurance companies routinely overstate cyclist fault, claiming you weren't visible, came out of nowhere, or violated traffic laws. Attorneys counter these arguments with evidence showing drivers have a duty to watch for cyclists, especially in bike lanes, and that minor cyclist behavior doesn't excuse a driver's negligence in checking mirrors or yielding right-of-way.

Question 7

What if I’m hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver?

Accepted Answer

If the driver who hit you has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages, you may be able to file a claim under your own auto insurance policy's Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. In some cases, this coverage extends to you even when you're on a bicycle. An attorney can help you explore all available options, including whether other parties might share liability for the accident.

Question 8

Do I need a lawyer for my bicycle accident claim?

Accepted Answer

While you can file a claim on your own, it is highly recommended to have a lawyer. Bicycle accident cases can be complex, and insurance companies aim to pay as little as possible. An experienced lawyer levels the playing field, handles all negotiations, gathers critical evidence, and calculates the full value of your claim, including future costs. Statistics show that victims with legal representation typically recover significantly more compensation than those without.

Question 9

How much does it cost to use Accident Group for your accident?

Accepted Answer

It costs nothing upfront to start a case with us. Reviewing your case details is no cost. And attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless they win your case and recover compensation for you.

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Cases we help with

Car vs. Bicycle Collisions

'Dooring' Accidents

Intersection Accidents

Child Bicycle Accidents

Poorly Maintained Roadways

Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents

Common types of bicycle accidents

Left-Cross Accidents

Right-Hook Accidents

Distracted Driving Accidents

Sideswipe Accidents

Rear-End Collisions

Failure to Yield Accidents

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