Minnesota has some of the most picturesque scenery in the US, and traveling on a bicycle allows you to see much of its beauty. Whether you’re riding on a winding trail along the Mississippi river or checking out the industrial landscape along the Stone Arch bridge, you can visit a lot of amazing spots in Minnesota by bike. There’s also the crowd that wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions or get their exercise for the day by riding their bike too and from work. It’s easy to see why bicycles are such a popular mode of transportation in Minnesota, but they can also be a recipe for personal injury.
If you are injured while riding a bicycle and another party is partially or completely at fault for the accident, you are entitled to collect compensation. Below, we take a closer look at what factors influence a bicycle injury award and how you can maximize your compensation award.
Determining Fault In A Bicycle Accident
When it comes to riding your bike in Minnesota, it’s important to understand your rights as a cyclist. However, it’s also important to realize that just because you have the right of way, it doesn’t mean you should knowingly put yourself in a position to be involved in an accident. No amount of compensation can restore lost bodily function or truly make up for life-altering injuries, so while you should know your rights, you should also practice defensive cycling, because avoiding an accident is always preferred to being involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault.
For starters, cyclists are expected to follow the rules of the road, and with that, you have a right to the road. If a bicycle path does not exist, you are free to legally cycle in the road. If a motorist strikes you or passes too closely and causes an accident, you can be compensated. You’re also free to use crosswalks when you have the walk sign. If you’re struck by a driver turning at a stoplight, you’re free to pursue compensation. You’re also free to seek damages even if the driver didn’t see you. There’s a possibility that you might be deemed partially at fault for the accident, but the driver typically has a bigger onus to avoid pedestrians and cyclists, and not seeing someone in a reasonable location doesn’t absolve them of responsibility.
Speaking of partial responsibility, it is possible that both parties can be at fault for a cycling accident. For example, maybe the cyclist tried to avoid a pothole, and a distracted driver didn’t see them shift into their lane. Both parties contributed to the accident, and a fault rating may be assigned. If you are 20 percent to blame for the accident, your compensation award will be reduced by your fault rating. If you were seeking $10,000 in medical bills and damages, you may only be awarded $8,000. We work hard to limit your fault rating and ensure you get the biggest compensation award possible.
There are countless factors that contribute to your bicycle injury case, and most individuals find it much easier to pursue compensation with a lawyer by your side. Not only will this allow you to focus on your recovery, but it will ensure that no details are overlooked. We’ll review traffic footage, listen to your statement and the statement of witnesses, analyze evidence from the scene and put together a strong case to get you the award you so rightfully deserve.
If your accident involved an automobile, know that their insurance provider will have numerous lawyers on their side to minimize the driver’s fault and reduce their liability. Don’t let them walk all over you because of your inexperience and desire to reach a settlement. Don’t take a $10,000 settlement today when we can get you $100,000 for your troubles. Drivers that endanger and injure cyclists need to be held accountable. Let us do that for you and get you the compensation you deserve.
If you’re unsure if you qualify for an award or you are confused about where to begin, there’s no harm in picking up the phone and giving us a call. We’ll walk you through all your options, and if we feel like you have a legitimate case, we’d be happy to go to work for you. For more information, reach out to the experienced cyclist attorneys at Hey Workers today.
