Bicycle Collision
Have you been injured in a bicycle accident?
- In 2008, 52,000 pedalcyclists were injured in traffic crashes
- pedalcyclists under age 16 accounted for 13% of all bicyclists killed and 25% of those injured in traffic crashes in 2008.
- About 12% of the pedalcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2008 were between 5 and 15 years old.
* NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis
Bicyclists involved in a collision with a vehicle are typically more serious, mostly because bicyclists are unprotected. 
Bicyclists have a legal right to be on the streets. Failure to provide for their right of way can result in legal responsibility to the motorist. Even if you did not collide with a vehicle but sustained injuries while trying to avoid a collision, you may have a case due to the driver’s negligence or recklessness.
Although many accidents involve a vehicle, other bicycling accidents can occur from hazardous road conditions or defective products.
Immediately following a bicycle accident, the insurance company will begin their investigation by obtaining recorded statements, interviewing witnesses, photographing the scene, obtaining a copy of the police report – typically within the first week of the accident. The purpose of this investigation is to minimize your claim by reaching a quick settlement.
While an insurance adjuster may be friendly and appear helpful, remember that the adjuster works for the insurance company and does not have your best interest in mind. As soon as the insurance adjuster contacts you, they work to shift blame on to you and lessen your claim. The insurance company hopes to avoid future medical expenses, lost wages and other damages such as permanent disability or corrective surgery. Do NOT give a statement to the insurance adjuster. Establishing the appropriate value of your claim for personal injury involves evaluating the nature and extent of the injury, the losses that are recoverable and the liability issues related to the accident.
I will ensure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your damages.
As an accident victim myself, I know what you’re going through and that you may feel lost and unsure of whom to trust. I know it’s overwhelming -- where do you even start? Before I was an attorney, I was injured in an auto accident. My hand was broken and I had facial scarring and neck pain from the accident. It seemed natural to work with the insurance company. I thought they would keep my best interest at heart and help me. Unfortunately, I quickly learned that the insurance company just wanted to save money and I promptly hired an attorney to protect me.
Since becoming an attorney, it has been my goal to help others so they’re not taken advantage of and settle for less. I have been honored to help thousands of people just like you settle their personal injury case. From personal experience, I know that you are already concerned about lost wages, medical bills, transportation, etc. It can be devastating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. I will personally help you through this and I will NOT charge a fee until your case is settled.
Your recovery in a personal injury action can include compensation for your medical expenses, hospital bills, lost income, pain and suffering, future medical or physical therapy expenses and compensation for any lost wages resulting from the accident. You may be entitled to other compensation for special losses.
Call Merry Fountain today for a FREE personal injury consultation. I will ensure that you understand your rights, your options and the consequences of your decisions before proceeding with representation.
