Taos Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Taos Bicycle Accident Attorney

Collisions involving bicyclists and motor vehicles can be particularly severe for bicyclists, and they can even be fatal. Non-fatal collisions can leave bicyclists severely injured or disabled. The long-lasting consequences of an accident can cause mental anguish and lost time at work. Anyone who has been hit by a negligent driver can rely on a Taos bicycle accident lawyer to hold the at-fault party accountable.

Drivers are financially responsible for any damage they cause to people or property. Often, it takes an experienced lawyer to protect the rights of clients and help them receive financial compensation.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Receive Compensation

Following a collision between a bicyclist and a motor vehicle, it may seem obvious who is at fault. Your Taos bicycle accident lawyer will still need to investigate the accident and identify the negligent parties who are at fault. A thorough understanding of how the accident transpired will strengthen your case and help prevent the at-fault party from claiming they are not responsible for causing the accident.

Your personal injury attorney can help identify the type of accident that occurred:

• Right cross bike accident: A right cross bike accident happens when a car pulls out from the right side and crosses a cyclist’s path. This is often due to the driver not seeing the cyclist or misjudging their speed.
• Left cross bike accident: A left cross bike accident occurs when a car turns left across the path of an oncoming cyclist.
• Right hook bike accident: A right hook bike accident happens when a car passes a cyclist on the left and then turns right. This cuts off the cyclist’s path and causes a collision.
• Door prize bike accident: A door prize bike accident occurs when a parked car’s door is suddenly opened into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This type of accident can easily be tied to driver negligence.
• Rear-end bike accident: When a car brakes too fast, it can cause a rear-end bike accident that often sends the bicyclist flying off their bicycle.
• Red light bike accident: Drivers running a red light can cause an accident that injures a bicyclist.
• Wrong-way bike accident: Anytime a driver goes the wrong way on a road, it can lead to an accident that severely injures a cyclist.

Enlisting a bicycle accident attorney in Taos, New Mexico, ensures that crucial evidence will be gathered so you can prove the driver’s liability in causing your injuries. If you are severely injured, your lawyer can begin collecting vital documents like medical bills, accident reports, and eyewitness statements as you recover.

Financial Compensation for Your Bicycle Accident Injuries

Whether you suffered broken bones or a traumatic brain injury (TBI), a Taos bicycle accident lawyer can accurately assess your needs.

You may be eligible to receive compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Physical pain and suffering
• Wrongful death
• Lost companionship and enjoyment of life

Keep all documentation, such as receipts and bills, for your case. Whether negotiating with the insurance company of the at-fault driver or filing a personal injury claim on your behalf, your lawyer will assess your injuries and future need for treatment when determining what a fair settlement would be.

Bicycle Accident Lawyer FAQs

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Receive for a Bicycle Accident?

A: The amount of compensation you can receive from a bicycle accident depends on the extent of your physical injuries, the financial harm you suffered as the result of the collision, and the level of negligence or misconduct on the part of the at-fault driver. During your initial consultation, your lawyer can discuss the potential settlement amount a case like yours may receive.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Claim?

A: The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is three years. You will have three years from the date of the injury or the death of a family member to file a claim. Missing this deadline means forfeiting your legal right to seek compensation following a bicycle accident. To ensure you don’t miss your opportunity for compensation, seek legal advice promptly from a bicycle accident lawyer experienced in representing individuals injured in Taos, New Mexico.

Q: What Happens If I Get Hit on My Bike?

A: If you are hit while on your bike, the first step is to prioritize your safety. Calling 911 and pulling yourself away from traffic are two important steps. If you are not seriously injured and can safely do so, take photos of the incident. If the vehicle that hit you stops, take photos and videos of the vehicle and driver. Gather driver’s license information and file a police report as soon as possible.

Q: What Is the Proper Procedure for Passing a Bicycle in New Mexico?

A: The proper procedures for passing a bicycle in New Mexico are as follows: When the lane to your left is clear, you can safely pass a cyclist. Make sure there is at least three feet of space between your car and the cyclist. If an oncoming vehicle is approaching while you are overtaking a bicycle, slow down and let the car pass before passing the bike. Always maintain a safe distance between you and the cyclist in front of you, and do not pass them unless it is safe to do so.

Q: Does Insurance Cover Bike Damage?

A: Most insurance does cover bike damage. Anyone who drives a motor vehicle is required to have liability insurance. The minimum levels of financial responsibility in Arizona are $25,000 for bodily injury liability of one person and $50,000 for two or more persons.

Bodily injury could occur to a passenger, someone in another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist. If you were riding a bicycle and were hit by someone who was driving a car or truck, the driver of the vehicle is responsible for paying for your injuries.

Schedule Your Taos Bicycle Accident Consultation Today

Following a bike accident, time is a critical element. Evidence must be gathered, and the details of the collision must be carefully reconstructed. One way you can avoid missing an important deadline is by hiring a Taos personal injury attorney who has a track record of helping injured bicyclists receive fair settlements from the at-fault party.

Berenson & Associates, PC, provides compassionate legal counsel for personal injury cases in Taos and nearby areas. The right attorney can be a crucial asset in your recovery. We listen to your story, help identify key concerns, and work to prove liability and secure fair compensation. To schedule your bike accident consultation, contact our office today.