Brooklyn Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries because you were struck by a car while cycling, a Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyer can help you obtain the financial compensation required by your recovery.
From commercial trucks to passenger cars, getting hit by a motor vehicle while riding a bike can leave anyone with devastating—sometimes fatal—injuries. The resulting medical care is never inexpensive, and it’s the rare bike-car accident that doesn’t inflict a number of other damages and losses.
Getting compensated for what you’ve been through will likely require dealing with the insurance company of the at-fault driver, and they’ll do everything they can to settle your claim for the absolute minimum. By working with a Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyer from Greenstein & Milbauer, you can be certain that the settlement you receive is fair and comprehensive.
Who Was at Fault for Your Bike-Car Accident?
The first thing we’ll need to do is analyze the bike accident and determine who was at fault for what happened. This establishes the foundation for your case and is necessary for you to receive compensation.
Depending on who hit you, more than one party could be to blame. For example, if you were hit by a delivery truck, we will need to analyze the relationship between the driver and the company. Was the driver an employee, an independent contractor, or working for a third party? The answer will determine who is financially liable for covering the cost of your injuries.
Comparative Negligence Can Hurt You
One reason to hire a Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyer is to have an experienced legal advocate in your corner. The other party is likely to have an attorney representing them, and they will try to point blame in your direction—even if you were innocent. With New York’s comparative negligence laws, if you are found partially to blame, you will get less money at settlement time.
For example, if you were not following the rules of the road by cycling outside of the bike lane, your percentage of fault could be increased. Similarly, if you were not wearing a helmet and suffered a brain injury, you might be judged partially responsible for not protecting yourself. In either case, our job will be to limit the percentage of negligence assigned to you so that you can get as much money as possible.
Evidence for a Bicycle Crash
The more evidence your Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyer can gather, the more likely it is that your case will settle out of court through negotiations according to your terms. The necessary evidence might include any of the following:
- Accident reports
- Witness testimony
- Medical records from your doctor
- Pictures and videos
Dealing with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
You never want to settle a bicycle-car accident claim too quickly. If the insurance company or opposing attorney thinks that they can get away with it, they are likely to make a lowball settlement offer. If you accept, you cannot go back and ask for more money later, which makes it important to fully assess the value of your personal injury claim ahead of time.
Your Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyer can help you get the most money possible using several different tactics. We will work with your doctor to fully understand the nature and impact of your injuries, along with whether you are likely to make a full recovery or suffer a permanent disability.
Compensation for a Cycling Accident
We will need to examine all of the ways your life has been impacted and then place a financial value on your losses. For example, if you can no longer go for walks, exercise, or play with your kids without suffering pain, you could be compensated for this loss.
Additional compensation may be given for any of the following items that apply to your case:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages, income, and earning ability
- Medication and mobility equipment
- Cost to retrofit your home due to your injury
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
Negotiating a Bicycle Accident Settlement
Once a value has been placed on your personal injury claim, we can create a demand letter that will be sent to the other party. After reviewing our terms, they may be willing to settle the case outside of court. If so, negotiations will begin until a fair amount is arrived at.
If you are satisfied with the offer, you can take it and avoid the need to go to court.
This strategy doesn’t always work, however, especially if the other party denies responsibility. In this case, your attorney can take your case to trial and argue for a settlement before a jury.
Speak with a Brooklyn Bicycle-Car Accident Lawyer
Greenstein & Milbauer can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive as much money as possible for your injuries. To begin the legal process, call 1-800-VICTIM2 (842-8462) or complete the form below. A Brooklyn bicycle accident lawyer from our firm can answer your questions and provide legal advice regarding the best way to proceed with your case.
