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There is no average bicycle accident settlement. In fact, looking for an average settlement value could leave you with less than your case may be worth. Instead, your bicycle accident settlement should cover a combination of medical bills, income loss, and possibly more. No one can assess the value of your case without creating a detailed list of your recoverable damages and the value of each item. One way to understand how much you can recover from an accident is to let a Rutherfordton bicycle accident lawyer evaluate your case.
Personal injury law firms will usually offer a free evaluation of your case that will give you the opportunity to explore your options for financial recovery. You will also have the chance to learn more about the law firm and the legal team who will fight on your behalf.
Factors That Impact the Monetary Value of Your Bicycle Accident Settlement
Every injury case will have a unique value depending on multiple factors. Your evidence collection will play a significant role in defining what your case is worth. The value of the average personal injury settlement is based on the following:
- The strength of the accumulated evidence
- Objective lay and expert witness statements
- The extent of your injuries and their toll on your life
- Your current and future treatment protocol and costs
- The mental and emotional toll of your injuries
- The limitations of the at-fault party’s insurance policy
Additionally, fault for an accidental injury can be attributed to more than one party. For example, if the driver who struck your bike alleges you contributed to the accident’s cause, the degree of fault attributed to your actions could affect your financial recovery. How fault is apportioned, according to the negligence laws in your state, could reduce or eliminate your financial award.
However, personal injury lawyers understand these tactics and could protect you from taking greater blame than is warranted.
Recover the Cost of Treating and Recovering From Bicycle Accident Injuries
Because bicyclists do not have the same protection a vehicle occupant has in a collision, they are more likely to suffer serious to catastrophic injuries. Some commonly reported injuries include:
- Broken limbs
- Spine injuries
- Facial damage
- Head injuries
- Neck injuries
- Road rash
- Dental damage
- Concussion
- Whiplash
Treating these injuries can involve lengthy hospitalizations, rehab, therapy, and surgery. It can also mean in-home medical care, assistive medical devices, and modifications to your home and vehicle for permanent disabilities.
The burden of proving the cause and costs of your accident is one your legal team will perform for you. Your lawyer will collect your medical bills and consult relevant specialists to assess your long-term care treatment needs and expenses.
Additional Economic Damages Attorneys Will Request on Your Behalf
Your ongoing medical expenses are only one form of the economic damages your lawyer will request. You can also recover the value of your lost wages from all income sources. Your bicycle accident attorney will clarify how to document their value.
The costs of property damage, such as repairing or replacing your bike—or its diminished value—are also recoverable. This also includes the costs of your helmet, cell phone, and any other property damaged in the collision.
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Recover Compensation for Disabling Bicycle Accident Injuries
A bicycle accident can leave you with temporary or permanent impairments, including amputations and traumatic brain injuries. Injuries like these can mean you need long-term, even lifelong, care. Your lawyer will request compensation for the following:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Mental health care
- In-home medical support
The lawyer who handles your case will document these costs and include them in your bicycle accident claim.
Compensation for Additional Non-Economic Recoverable Damages
Non-economic damages can be hard to quantify a monetary value on your own. They typically include physical pain and suffering and mental and emotional distress. A lawyer’s familiarity with valuing cases like yours means they can clarify how pain and suffering are calculated.
Your lawyer will also request compensation for your loss of enjoyment of life. While it can be hard to do on your own, your legal team will provide proof of their monetary value.
A Bicycle Accident Attorney Can Fight for Your Financial Compensation
Assessing your recoverable damages can be more difficult than you might think. If a lawyer represents you, they will account for every type of damage you are entitled to recover. They will:
- Protect you from the temptation of a speedy settlement offer
- Advise you to get—and keep getting—necessary medical treatment
- Obtain your recent paychecks and other proof of income
- Recommend that you refrain from posting on social media
The personal injury claim your legal team builds for you will include proof of your tangible and intangible expenses and losses. It will also prove the at-fault driver’s negligence and your right to financial compensation.
Your Lawyer Can Help You Avoid a Potentially Costly Filing Delay
The filing deadline depends on the state where your accident occurred. North Carolina’s statute of limitations is generally three years for personal injury lawsuits (G.S. § 1-52) and two years for wrongful death lawsuits (G.S. § 1-53).
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations is generally three years for both personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits (S.C. Ann § 15-3-530).
Complying with the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is critical. No matter how well-prepared and documented your case is, if it is not filed on time, you will not be able to file it at all. Your lawyer will help you avoid the costly consequences of non-compliance.
Get a Free Evaluation of Your Bicycle Accident Case
If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident, you could demand a fair settlement from the at-fault driver for your injuries and related expenses. Our bicycle accident team will clarify your bicycle accident settlement and the compensation it includes. We will also describe the damages we fight to recover for you.
You are never alone in your fight for compensation. Contact our evaluation team at Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC today to learn more about your financial recovery options.
