Panama City Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Compassionate Legal Counsel for Injured Cyclists

When a bicycle accident occurs, the cyclist is usually the one who suffers the most severe injuries. As a cyclist, you have the same rights to the road as any other motorist. When a motorist fails to respect your right to share the road, they can be held liable for any injuries and damages that result.

At Perry & Young, we are ready to protect your rights and best interests from start to finish. Our Panama City bicycle accident attorneys can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for your entitled compensation.

Call (850) 215-7777 or online today to speak to a bicycle accident lawyer in Panama City. We offer free initial consultations.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Although bicycle accidents can happen for many different reasons, the vast majority are caused by some form of negligence. When a person or entity fails to exercise the appropriate level of care and that failure results in injury, they can be held legally responsible for the resulting damages.

Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Speeding
• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Failure to yield
• Improper lane changes
• Dooring
• Defective bicycles or bicycle parts
• Poorly designed or maintained roads

Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be life-threatening or even fatal. Because cyclists are not protected by a steel frame, airbags, and other safety features, they are at a much greater risk of suffering severe injuries in a collision with a motor vehicle.

Some of the most common injuries associated with bicycle accidents include:

• Broken/fractured bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Dislocated joints
• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations and crush injuries
• Burns and road rash

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, there are several steps you can take to protect your health and your right to recover compensation.

After a bicycle accident, make sure you do the following:

• Call 911: If you are able, call the police and request an ambulance immediately. You should also report the accident to law enforcement and request a copy of the police report for your records.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not think you were seriously injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a bicycle accident. Some injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries and whiplash, may not show symptoms for days or even weeks after the accident. A doctor can diagnose these injuries and help you get the treatment you need.
• Document the Accident Scene: If you are able, take pictures of the accident scene, including any skid marks, debris, or damage to your bicycle. If there were any witnesses, make sure to get their contact information as well.
• Do Not Admit Fault: Even if you think you may have contributed to the accident, it is important not to admit fault to anyone at the scene. This includes the other driver, the police, and the insurance company. Anything you say at the scene could be used against you to dispute your claim later.
• Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company: Most insurance policies require you to report any accident, including bicycle accidents, within a certain amount of time. To protect your right to file a claim, make sure to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. However, you should not provide a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer from the insurance company until you have spoken to a lawyer.
• Do Not Post on Social Media: After a bicycle accident, it is a good idea to avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media. Anything you post online could be used by the insurance company to dispute your claim. You should also make sure your social media accounts are set to private to avoid any potential issues.
• Keep a Journal: In the days, weeks, and months following the accident, keep a journal of your injuries, your treatment, and how your injuries are affecting your daily life. This can be an important piece of evidence when it comes time to calculate your damages.
• Call a Lawyer: An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight for the full, fair compensation you are owed.

Who is Liable for a Bicycle Accident?

In most bicycle accident cases, the at-fault driver is liable for the cyclist’s injuries and damages. However, other parties may be held liable as well, depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident.

For example, if the driver who hit you was working at the time of the accident, their employer may be held liable for your damages under the legal doctrine of vicarious liability. Similarly, if a defective bicycle part caused the accident or exacerbated your injuries, the manufacturer of the part may be held liable under a product liability claim.

Multiple parties may be held liable for a bicycle accident, and each party’s insurance company will likely try to shift the blame to another party to avoid paying your claim. This is why it is so important to have an experienced bicycle accident attorney on your side.

Why Choose Us?

If the at-fault driver’s insurance company agrees to pay your claim, they will likely offer you a settlement. However, it is important to remember that the insurance company is not on your side and their initial settlement offer is unlikely to be enough to cover all of your current and future damages. Before you accept any settlement offer or provide a recorded statement to the insurance company, you should speak to an experienced bicycle accident attorney.

At Perry & Young, we can help you understand the true value of your claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are not afraid to take your case to court.

Contact us today at (850) 215-7777 to schedule a free consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer in Panama City.