Irresponsible driving behaviors, such as distracted or aggressive driving on the part of other motorists, put bicycle riders at risk of severe injuries, psychological trauma, and even death. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle accident in Ocala or the surrounding areas, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for your losses.
An attorney from Bogin, Munns & Munns may be able to represent you after a bicycle accident. If we take your case, our team will collect key forms of evidence to establish a liable party and hold them accountable for their behavior. We will also handle all necessary communications with the other parties involved, including eyewitnesses, law enforcement officers, and others related to your case.
Taking Legal Action After a Bicycle Accident
As with drivers and pedestrians, those who ride a bicycle also have rights on the roads. Even though other drivers may treat bicyclists as a separate group, they share many of the same rights as those behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
When you are involved in an accident while riding a bicycle, you also have the right to pursue justice and compensation for the following:
- Injuries
- Damaged property
- Psychological trauma
- Other forms of recoverable damages
Trying to recover damages on your own can prove to be a challenge. A lawyer with our firm can offer their assistance as you navigate the legal channels required to file a lawsuit and seek any compensation for which you may be eligible.
To consult with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer serving Ocala
855-780-9986
Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Ocala Take Cases on Contingency
At Bogin, Munns & Munns, we work for a contingency fee, meaning:
- One of our team members will provide you with a free consultation when you call.
- Upfront, hourly, and out-of-pocket fees are not charged when partnering with us.
- We only get paid if we secure a settlement or court award for you.
With this payment structure, you can save your money and not take any financial risks.
How a Lawyer with Our Firm Can Guide You Throughout the Legal Process
Dealing with your injuries and other repercussions after an accident can be overwhelming. Don’t make it worse by managing a legal case on your own. Instead, have one of our lawyers take your place.
They can:
Gather Evidence to Support Your Bicycle Accident Case
Your legal representation will usually begin by collecting crucial pieces of evidence. For example, they may reference photographic evidence that you, the driver, or an eyewitness was able to take at the scene.
As many bicycle accidents occur in crowded city streets or near intersections, your lawyer may also be able to collect video footage from a nearby surveillance camera. These forms of evidence can prove the negligent or reckless behaviors of the driver who caused your bicycle accident. Police reports, cell phone records, and other forms of evidence may also serve as valuable pieces of the puzzle in a bicycle accident.
Prove a Liable Party
On top of all the evidence we gather, we will apply the four elements of negligence to determine who was liable for the bicycle accident.
They are:
- Duty of care: The other entity was supposed to prioritize your safety and abide by all road rules.
- Breach of duty: They did not uphold this duty of care.
- Causation: This violation of their duty led to your bicycle accident.
- Damages: You have medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering as a result of your injuries.
On the surface, the other driver might be the one who is responsible for your damages. However, we might find that other parties might have contributed, as well. For example, the city government might have designed the road poorly or failed to clean up debris in the road, making the driver lose control of the car.
Handle All Emails, Phone Calls, and Other Communication
A lawyer with our firm will also communicate with other parties on your behalf. They can handle all correspondence with medical professionals, other drivers, their car insurance companies, and anyone else who may be related to your case.
Negotiate for a Settlement
Once we have all the information we need to submit your case, we will request a settlement amount from the other party’s insurance company. Usually, they will come back with a lower amount, so we will be ready with a counteroffer.
The American Bar Association (ABA) explains that most cases settle before trial. However, if we can’t find a middle ground with the insurance company, we will go to trial.
Ocala Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me
855-780-9986
The Aftermath of Bicycle Accidents Can Affect You Psychologically and Financially
Personal injuries from bicycle accidents are often serious, and you may be eligible to receive compensation for your damages. When you have a lawyer on our team working on your case, you can focus on resting and recovering from your injuries.
Injuries in a Bicycle Accident
There are many types of injuries that a bicycle rider may sustain in an accident. Traumatic brain injuries, for example, are among some of the most serious forms of personal injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traumatic brain injuries result from bumps to the head. They may lead to a range of cognitive deficits, disabilities, and other major health problems.
If not diagnosed and treated promptly, a traumatic brain injury can cause life-altering conditions that radically impair your basic day-to-day functions. You should seek medical attention if you hit your head in a bicycle accident, even if you think you were unharmed.
Common Forms of Damages in a Bicycle Accident
The damages from a single bicycle accident can be vast. As such, your lawyer will account for all of your losses as they seek to recover any financial compensation available to you. Your settlement or award may include coverage for the following damages:
- Past and future medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Psychological trauma
- Lost quality of life
If your loved one lost their life in a bicycle accident, you can recover damages like:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Final medical bills
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of inheritance
Time Limits on Bicycle Accident Cases
One important law that impacts your case is the Florida statute of limitations for civil actions. As Florida Statutes § 95.11 indicates, injury victims only have two years from the date of their bicycle accident to file a lawsuit. Surviving family who are filing a wrongful death suit also have a two-year window from the date of their loved one’s death to take action.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, we encourage you to contact our firm within this time, even if you are looking to settle out of court. Doing so will allow your lawyer to collect evidence, construct a case on your behalf, and negotiate your settlement while leaving time to file a lawsuit, if necessary.
In addition, the court might keep you from filing your lawsuit if you’re too late. Should that happen, you will be responsible for paying off any resulting damages.
Click to contact our Ocala Bicycle Accident Lawyers today
Contact Bogin, Munns & Munns Today for a Free Consultation
An attorney from Bogin, Munns & Munns can advocate for your rights after a bicycle accident in Ocala or nearby. Our team of lawyers may take your case if you suffered personal injuries and have reason to believe that another party caused you harm.
We will examine evidence to determine who was liable and hold them responsible for their actions. Connect with the staff in our office today for a free consultation.
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