Bicycle Accident Attorney
The most qualified bicycle accident attorney is one who familiar with the law and the life of a cyclist. Viewing an incident from the biker's perspective enables an astute bike injury lawyer to fairly assess a case and empathize with cyclists who have sustained serious injuries. Unless someone has actually maneuvered through busy city streets on two wheels, it is difficult to comprehend the perils of cycling. Metropolitan streets are a Mecca for cyclists, couriers, and commuters who regularly use a two-wheeled mode of transportation to save money on car fare or as part of the job. But some motorists are notorious for using unwary cyclists for target practice. While many accidents are just that, accidents; some drivers view cyclists as a public nuisance and may even resent the fact that bikers are allowed on the same roads and highways occupied by cars and trucks. Drivers may have a tendency to maneuver too closely to cyclists and are often unable to stop on short notice.
On the other hand, the diminutive stature of cyclists on a city street or interstate also makes them difficult to avoid in crowded traffic, especially when changing lanes. The smaller profile of a biker on a motorcycle or ten-speed prohibits even the most conscientious motor vehicle operator from seeing a cyclist before its too late. Motorcyclists often dart in and out of traffic, sometimes causing drivers of cars and trucks to sway or stop abruptly to avoid a collision. But whatever the reason for an accident, a good bicycle accident attorney can determine who is at fault and prepare a successful claim, in the case of an innocent cyclist. Sometimes individuals who are innocent are wrongfully blamed for crimes they did not commit. In the Bible, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, although he knew that the Lord was not guilty of any sin. "Then Judas, which had betrayed Him, when he saw that He was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that" (Matthew 27:3-4).
Because bicycles and motorcycles offer no protection from oncoming cars, cyclists can sustain some extremely life threatening injuries, particularly if not wearing a helmet and protective clothing, such as leather jackets and pants. Head injuries are most often fatal, even when cyclists wear helmets. The impact from a biker hitting the pavement, a brick wall, or another vehicle can cause instantaneous death, or injuries that are so debilitating that recovering is unlikely. Paralysis and brain damage can result from head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and severed or compressed nerves. Broken bones and lacerations are almost certain to occur. Unfortunately, bikers have no restraining device, such as a seatbelt, to keep from being propelled into the air upon impact; therefore, cyclists are more apt to suffer from catastrophic and life threatening injuries than automobile drivers and passengers. And because two-wheel drivers can sometimes act like road daredevils, a bike injury lawyer may have difficulty proving that the biker was not at fault.
Statistics also show that injured cyclists are usually awarded less money than victims of automobile or truck accidents. A bicycle accident attorney will have to work hard to dispel prejudices and preconceived notions about cyclists before attempting to win a case. Educating judge and jury about the life of a cyclist and the perils of bike riding on public highways and city streets should be a part of the injured client's defense. Those jurists who are riders themselves will empathize with the victim, while jurists who have negative feelings about cyclists in general would do well to be disqualified from duty. An astute bike injury lawyer will skillfully build a solid case which presents the facts of the case substantiated by eye witness testimony to sway jurists in favor of the client.
Because personal injury cases place the burden of proof on the plaintiff, or client, selecting a professional bicycle accident attorney is an important first step. Lawyers who are familiar with biking are most effective in presenting the case. Attorneys should have a good track record in winning settlements for injured cyclists. Victims of bicycle accidents can search the Internet to find competent attorneys, check with the local bar association for referrals, seek the advice of family, friends and coworkers, or browse a local business directory. A reputable bike injury lawyer should have references and a list of satisfied clients, hopefully those previously defended in similar cases. The Better Business Bureau will have information on law firms regarding prior customer complaints or arbitration. Victims should also log onto a law firm's website to study the kinds of services offered, information on partners of the firm, and suggested fee schedules. Most legal counselors waive fees for an initial consultation. Injured cyclists can expect to pay for legal assistance in several ways: on a retainer basis, a set price for a relatively unlimited number of services rendered during a specific time frame; at an hourly rate; or on a monthly payment plan.
Injured cyclists should seek not only damages for personal injuries sustained in a collision, but also repair or replacement of expensive bikes and motorcycles, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, and emotional pain and suffering due to the trauma of having a catastrophic collision. Above all, a good bicycle accident attorney will advise cyclists of legal rights to pursue litigation against those who are responsible for life threatening or debilitating personal injuries. Bikers, though relatively insignificant to the general public, have a right to fair due process of the law; and their relative insignificance does not excuse the legal system from ignoring claims for equal representation and justice under the law.
On the other hand, the diminutive stature of cyclists on a city street or interstate also makes them difficult to avoid in crowded traffic, especially when changing lanes. The smaller profile of a biker on a motorcycle or ten-speed prohibits even the most conscientious motor vehicle operator from seeing a cyclist before its too late. Motorcyclists often dart in and out of traffic, sometimes causing drivers of cars and trucks to sway or stop abruptly to avoid a collision. But whatever the reason for an accident, a good bicycle accident attorney can determine who is at fault and prepare a successful claim, in the case of an innocent cyclist. Sometimes individuals who are innocent are wrongfully blamed for crimes they did not commit. In the Bible, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, although he knew that the Lord was not guilty of any sin. "Then Judas, which had betrayed Him, when he saw that He was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that" (Matthew 27:3-4).
Because bicycles and motorcycles offer no protection from oncoming cars, cyclists can sustain some extremely life threatening injuries, particularly if not wearing a helmet and protective clothing, such as leather jackets and pants. Head injuries are most often fatal, even when cyclists wear helmets. The impact from a biker hitting the pavement, a brick wall, or another vehicle can cause instantaneous death, or injuries that are so debilitating that recovering is unlikely. Paralysis and brain damage can result from head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and severed or compressed nerves. Broken bones and lacerations are almost certain to occur. Unfortunately, bikers have no restraining device, such as a seatbelt, to keep from being propelled into the air upon impact; therefore, cyclists are more apt to suffer from catastrophic and life threatening injuries than automobile drivers and passengers. And because two-wheel drivers can sometimes act like road daredevils, a bike injury lawyer may have difficulty proving that the biker was not at fault.
Statistics also show that injured cyclists are usually awarded less money than victims of automobile or truck accidents. A bicycle accident attorney will have to work hard to dispel prejudices and preconceived notions about cyclists before attempting to win a case. Educating judge and jury about the life of a cyclist and the perils of bike riding on public highways and city streets should be a part of the injured client's defense. Those jurists who are riders themselves will empathize with the victim, while jurists who have negative feelings about cyclists in general would do well to be disqualified from duty. An astute bike injury lawyer will skillfully build a solid case which presents the facts of the case substantiated by eye witness testimony to sway jurists in favor of the client.
Because personal injury cases place the burden of proof on the plaintiff, or client, selecting a professional bicycle accident attorney is an important first step. Lawyers who are familiar with biking are most effective in presenting the case. Attorneys should have a good track record in winning settlements for injured cyclists. Victims of bicycle accidents can search the Internet to find competent attorneys, check with the local bar association for referrals, seek the advice of family, friends and coworkers, or browse a local business directory. A reputable bike injury lawyer should have references and a list of satisfied clients, hopefully those previously defended in similar cases. The Better Business Bureau will have information on law firms regarding prior customer complaints or arbitration. Victims should also log onto a law firm's website to study the kinds of services offered, information on partners of the firm, and suggested fee schedules. Most legal counselors waive fees for an initial consultation. Injured cyclists can expect to pay for legal assistance in several ways: on a retainer basis, a set price for a relatively unlimited number of services rendered during a specific time frame; at an hourly rate; or on a monthly payment plan.
Injured cyclists should seek not only damages for personal injuries sustained in a collision, but also repair or replacement of expensive bikes and motorcycles, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, and emotional pain and suffering due to the trauma of having a catastrophic collision. Above all, a good bicycle accident attorney will advise cyclists of legal rights to pursue litigation against those who are responsible for life threatening or debilitating personal injuries. Bikers, though relatively insignificant to the general public, have a right to fair due process of the law; and their relative insignificance does not excuse the legal system from ignoring claims for equal representation and justice under the law.
Bicycle Accident Attorney
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