A bicycle can be a healthy and inexpensive mode of transportation for Fayetteville residents. The city has been lauded for being a green city with a commitment to sustainability, and bicycling is a component of that. However, when drivers fail to pay attention to cyclists, accidents may ensue. If this happens to you, it may be time to hire a Fayetteville, AR bicycle accident lawyer.
You deserve an experienced lawyer who provides professional, personalized service. Geoffrey D. Kearney is a lawyer who offers this and has experience in both civil, criminal, and personal injury litigation. With his impressive educational background as a Harvard graduate and his experience as a clerk for several judges, he has a deep understanding of the law and can effectively apply his knowledge and authority to your case.
Fayetteville has been recognized as a gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community, but bicycle accidents are still an issue. In 2021, there were 693 traffic-related fatalities in Fayetteville, and 89 of them were either pedestrian or bicycle accident cases.
Bicycle accidents can occur whether or not another vehicle is involved. However, when a bicycle is struck by another vehicle, the resulting injuries may be more severe. Many accidents in Fayetteville occur in high-traffic and high-speed areas, such as College Ave and the intersection of Maple St. and Garland, and they occur for a number of reasons.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include, but are not limited to:
If you are in a bicycle accident, the first thing you should do is get to safety and check for serious injuries. Next, you should contact the police, who will contact emergency medical services to determine if you should go to the hospital. Your health and safety are the priority, so if you need to seek medical treatment, do it immediately.
After receiving medical treatment, it is wise to contact a bike accident attorney who can help you navigate the claims process. They will investigate how the accident happened, the extent of your injuries, your pain levels, and who was at fault. This is why it is important to gather all evidence that can help your case, including medical bills, reports, documentation, photographs, and eyewitness testimony, if possible.
Pursuing a Fayetteville bicycle accident claim consists of several moving parts. To start, you must file a claim with the insurance company. You have three years to file a claim in Arkansas per their statute of limitations laws for personal injuries. Once you make a claim, the insurance company has 45 days to investigate your case.
You can recover both economic and non-economic damages if you are in a bicycle accident.
Specifically, you can expect to receive compensation that covers:
Arkansas operates under a modified comparative fault or negligence system. This means it is presumed that both parties assume at least some fault for their accidents, and they should be compensated at an amount proportional to their level of fault. Generally, if you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover some damages, but if you are 50% or more at fault, you may not recover anything at all.
A strong, experienced, and skilled bike accident attorney can advocate for you when it comes to determining fault, as well as negotiate for a maximized settlement. Moreover, if your insurance company denies your claim, they can represent you in civil court to help you recover damages. While no amount of money can compensate for the suffering you may endure from your accident, it can help you with expenses related to your accident and help you obtain a better quality of life.
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a scary experience. If you sustain serious injuries, miss work, or experience pain and suffering, your stress may be amplified. The legal team at The Law Office of Geoffrey D. Kearney, PLLC, is available to assist you with your case and help you reach a reasonable settlement. Do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation.