Who Might Be Liable for Damages in a Bicycle Accident Claim?
Bicycles aren’t just for kids. They offer a quick, easy and cost-effective way to commute. Operating on nothing more than pedal power, a bike is healthy for both the rider and the environment.
With so many benefits, you might be surprised to learn that only 1 percent of all trips taken in the United States are by bicycle, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Perhaps more shocking, in 2013, an estimated 494,000 people went to the hospital after being involved in crashes while riding a bike – and at least 900 died in accidents.
If you ride a bike regularly, it is vital that you practice safe habits – especially in high-traffic areas. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most bicycle accidents are the result of:
- Being struck by a motor vehicle;
- Tripping or falling due to rider error;
- Riding on uneven, cracked or poorly maintained sidewalks;
- Crashing into another bicycle, vehicle or stationary object;
- And being harassed by a dog or other pet.
If you were hurt in a bicycle crash in Nebraska, contact an Omaha personal-injury lawyer from Rensch & Rensch Law. With more than 45 years of combined legal experience, our accident attorneys know how to find success in court. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Read on to learn about the process of making a personal-injury claim after a bicycle wreck:
Recovering Damages after a Bicycle Accident in Nebraska
Riding a bicycle is fun, cheap – and risky. The reality is that bike riders are constantly in danger of being hit, and hurt, while travelling in or alongside traffic.
Sometimes you can be seriously injured even without being hit. Motorists are often unaware of the risk they pose to cyclists simply by driving too closely or recklessly. On a bike, you are not afforded the relative physical protection of a car’s body, and by taking pre-emptive evasive action, you run the risk of veering off the road or into objects.
No matter how safely you weave your way through traffic, you are always at risk of being struck by a negligent driver. You might also run into other complications such as faulty bike parts and even dangerously worn roads.
Depending on the facts surrounding an accident, the victim of a bicycle crash may be able to claim compensation from:
- Motor vehicle drivers if their negligence caused the accident;
- Manufacturers of the bicycle or its parts if the accident was caused by a defective product;
- The city, county or state responsible for the unreasonable state of the road or sidewalk;
- The office tasked with the design or maintenance of public property if the bicyclist was impeded unlawfully;
- Or private parties who breached their duty of care.
Were you injured in a crash while riding your bike? You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and non-economic damages.
Contact an accident attorney in Nebraska from Rensch & Rensch Law. An Omaha personal-injury lawyer will explain your legal options.
Our attorneys have litigated more than 100 jury trials. Call 1-800-471-4100 to schedule a free initial consultation.
