El Paso Bicycle Accident Attorney | Michael J. GopinLaw Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC

El Paso Bicycle Accident Lawyer

When a careless driver hits a bicyclist, the victim and his or her family can be devastated. They may struggle to understand why the accident happened and what to do next. A seriously injured cyclist may face a lifetime of health issues. Medical bills can shoot through the roof. The impact of the injury can also affect the victim’s ability to work.

If you or a loved one was injured in a bicycle accident in El Paso, please contact our experienced personal injury attorney to learn about your legal right to compensation. The Texas bicycle accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, are committed to fighting for clients who have suffered serious injuries in preventable accidents.

Do You Have a Bicycle Accident Claim?

If you were hurt in a bike crash involving a motor vehicle, the following factors can help you determine whether you have a case.

Negligence: This is the concept that all personal injury cases rely on, and it means that someone acted in a careless or reckless manner. If someone else was negligent and caused the crash that resulted in your injuries, you likely have a claim.
Injuries: Personal injury claims are meant to compensate you for the injuries and losses you sustained as a result of an accident. If you have injuries, you need to learn more about your right to file a personal injury claim.
Medical expenses: After an accident, you will likely have a lot of medical costs associated with your injuries. When this is the case, a personal injury claim can help you seek to recover those costs.
Missing work: Your lost income is another factor that will be considered in a personal injury claim. Additionally, if you cannot return to the same line of work after the crash, a personal injury claim can help you seek compensation for your lost earning capacity.
Pain: You may find it difficult to place a value on the immense amount of pain that you’ll feel after a bicycle accident. An attorney can help you evaluate this pain and demand compensation for it.

These are just a few factors our El Paso bicycle accident attorney will take into consideration when determining whether you have a personal injury claim. If you have been in a bicycle accident, please do not hesitate to contact our law firm to discuss the specific details of your case in a free consultation.

How Our El Paso Bicycle Accident Attorneys Can Help You

Many people believe they can file their bicycle accident claim on their own. However, this is a mistake. Our knowledgeable attorneys can help with your claim every step of the way and have the experience necessary to:

Offer sound legal advice on your claim
Ensure all documents are filed on time
Level the playing field, as the other side will likely have a lawyer
Uncover all the facts of the case to determine who is liable
Afford the necessary resources, such as expert witnesses and private investigators
Help you document your pain and suffering
Aggressively negotiate with all parties involved
Help you navigate court procedures, if necessary
Help you demand the full amount of compensation you deserve

These are just a few of the ways our bicycle accident lawyers can help with your case. After a crash, your lawyer will serve as your ally and help ensure you are demanding the full amount of damages you deserve.

Don't give up hope. We can help.

1-915-333-3333

Compensation for a Bicycle Accident Injury

The compensation an accident victim can pursue in a bike accident settlement or court award is referred to as damages. This compensation is divided into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are the losses you have incurred that have an actual dollar value. These damages include medical expenses, lost income, transportation costs to and from your doctor’s appointment, and more.

Non-economic damages are not so easily calculated, but they are still losses that severely impact your life. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are not meant to compensate the accident victim but rather punish the defendant and deter them from similar behavior in the future. These damages are not always available but are awarded when the defendant has shown gross negligence or extreme carelessness.

What Should I Do After a Bicycle Accident?

The moments after a bike crash are traumatic. It’s natural to wonder what to do next. Below are the steps you should take after a bicycle accident to protect yourself and any future claim you may file.

Call for help: You should always call for help after an accident. Call 911 so the police will come to the scene and file an accident report. This will also trigger medical personnel to come and administer any immediate treatment you need.
Document the event: It’s amazing how quickly you will forget the details of events after a crash. If you can, while still at the scene, take pictures and write down the names and contact information of the driver who hit you and any eyewitnesses. Also obtain the insurance information from the driver, as your attorney will need that for your claim.
Get follow-up medical treatment: Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders and save any paperwork related to your treatment. You should also start a journal to document how you are feeling and how your injuries are affecting your daily life.
Get your bike examined: Your bike was probably severely damaged in the accident, and you can claim compensation for this, as well. To accurately estimate how much that will cost, you need to have a professional examine it. However, do not get it fixed just yet. You may have to prove those damages, and so, you shouldn’t have it repaired until a lawyer has documented all the evidence.
Speak to an attorney: It’s likely that a representative from the insurance company of the driver will contact you soon after the crash. Sometimes they will do this while you are still recovering in the hospital. You don’t want to speak to them. Instead, refer them to your attorney, as your lawyer will know how to best protect your interests.

Every bike accident is unique. A bicycle accident attorney from our firm will advise you on any additional steps you may have to take to protect your claim for full compensation.

Tips for Dealing with the Insurance Company After a Bike Crash

A representative for the driver’s insurance company will likely contact you soon after the crash. Following the steps below can help protect your claim when the insurance company calls.

Do not admit fault. Even saying that you’re sorry the crash happened can be misconstrued as accepting blame, and this will hurt your claim.
Do not provide a statement of any kind to the insurance company. It will be held against you in the future.
Even if you are providing answers to basic questions, such as your name, do not let the insurance adjuster record you. They may ask questions and then take your answers out of context to hurt your claim.
Do not sign a medical release. This allows the insurance company to comb through your medical records, and they will. They will look for pre-existing conditions they can link to your injuries to avoid paying a fair settlement.
Wait to settle your claim. The insurance adjuster will likely offer a settlement very quickly. It’s unlikely, however, that this settlement will fully compensate for your injuries. You should wait until your attorney can fully review your claim before accepting a bicycle accident settlement.

It is important to remember that an insurance adjuster will act very friendly and as though he or she is working in your best interests. That is not the case. The insurance adjuster is only looking out for the insurance company. Your attorney is the one looking out for you.

How they can be injured in a bicycle accident by a driver.

Turning right in front of a bicyclist traveling in the same direction (“right-hook” collisions)
Turning left into the path of an approaching bicyclist (“left-hook” collisions)
Following a bicyclist too closely (“tailgating”)
Pulling out of a driveway or parking spot without looking
Racing through a red light or stop sign at an intersection in a bicyclist’s path
Failing to give a bicyclist adequate space when passing
Intentionally “buzzing” a bicyclist while passing (a type of “road rage”)
Opening the door of a parked car as a bicyclist passes (“dooring”).

Don't give up hope. We can help.

1-915-333-3333

Statute of Limitations on Bike Accident Cases

After a bicycle accident, you have only two years from the date of your crash to file your claim for compensation. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you file your personal injury claim after this time has expired, you will likely be barred from receiving compensation.

Although there are some exceptions to this statute of limitations, the two-year time limit will apply to most cases. As such, it’s important that you speak to an attorney from our firm as soon as possible. Our bike accident lawyer in El Paso will need time to collect evidence, prove liability, and craft a strong case, and all of this must be done before your claim is filed.

Talk to an El Paso Bicycle Accident Attorney Now

Bicycle accidents can leave victims with severe injuries. If you’ve been hurt, you should not hesitate to speak to an El Paso bicycle accident lawyer. At the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, we have the experience and resources necessary to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.