If you are recovering from bicycle accident injuries, you may be unable to pay your bills or even enjoy life the way you did before. You may be entitled to compensation, but unfortunately, getting what you deserve is often more difficult than it should be. A bicycle accident lawyer in Gainesville can help.
The Parrish Law Firm, PLLC dedicates its law practice to helping personal injury victims. If you or a loved one would benefit from a free analysis of your accident and injuries from our seasoned Virginia bicycle accident lawyer, call 571-229-1800 today.
How Do I Hold a Driver Liable for My Bicycle Accident Injuries?
Virginia offers a variety of traffic laws to which all motor vehicle operators are subject. Any violation of one of these specific laws may constitute negligence. In some cases, such as operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the violation is a serious crime.
Even in the absence of a citation or conviction, however, motor vehicle operators still owe a duty of care to other drivers. Unfortunately, text messages, social media alerts, GPS, and unhappy backseat passengers can all vie for a driver’s attention. Sometimes drivers are overtired, daydreaming, or simply do not feel that bicyclists should be on the road.
Negligence requires that a victim prove, based upon a preponderance of the evidence, that the motor vehicle operator was unreasonably unsafe. “Preponderance of the evidence” generally means that it is more likely than not that the other driver was negligent. This is the case whether the other vehicle involved was a passenger vehicle, commercial vehicle, or rideshare company (e.g., Uber or Lyft).
If negligent road maintenance created an unreasonable condition, then a municipality could also be liable. Sometimes brakes, personal protective gear, or other components fail a bicyclist. In this type of situation, a manufacturer or distributor could be liable.
Virginia allows accident victims to recover damages from multiple parties. Jim Parrish can help you determine the liable parties and build a case to prove their negligent behavior caused the accident.
What Can the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC Do to Help Me Get Paid?
While the particulars vary from case to case, the legal team at the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC systematically addresses each aspect of a bicycle accident case to maximize compensation for victims and their families. A general framework is to address liability, assess damages, provide creditor relief if needed, and to get the insurance company’s attention.
Address Liability
Although liability sometimes seems straightforward from the bicyclist’s perspective, a victim can expect pushback from an opposing insurance company. The legal team must be prepared to recreate the accident scene based upon available data to present to a court. An insurance company or opposing party may try to blame the victim for the accident or for the extent of the injuries.
Jim Parrish used to represent insurance companies so he knows how they think. He will be prepared for whatever argument the insurance company in your case throws up.
Assess Damages
Injuries for which a victim may seek compensation fall into the categories of medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earning potential, value of lost household services, and “pain and suffering” and inconvenience. If the wrongdoer’s acts were particularly reckless or egregious (e.g., drunk driving), a victim may seek punitive damages.
Quantifying damages can be a complex process and one that often falls outside the knowledge of the average person. To provide a scenario for an insurance company or jury as to the future impact of the accident, the legal team may rely upon the use of statements or testimony from experts. These experts could include doctors, forensic economists, and vocational specialists.
Bicycle accident injuries we commonly see include:
- Head injuries (e.g., intracranial hemorrhage, brain contusion, concussion, skull fracture)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial fractures
- Dental fractures
- Eye injuries
- Musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., fracture, dislocation)
- Punctured lung
- Internal injuries
- Road rash, cuts, or other skin injuries
“Run Interference” with Collectors
Receiving timely care for injuries can get expensive. Sometimes out-of-pocket costs can overwhelm an already burdened family. Medical bills continue to be a leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States.
To keep medical providers at bay, we can issue a letter of protection to providers. This can help ensure continuity of care as well as to help protect a victim’s credit score.
Get the Insurance Company’s Attention
Jim Parrish is a former insurance company defense attorney. He now uses his knowledge of the insurance industry for the benefit of his clients.
Insurance companies will do what they can to avoid paying you the compensation you deserve. This might include underhanded tactics like tricking you into admitting fault or persuading you against hiring a lawyer. A lawyer, especially one with experience on both sides of the table, can help protect your case.
Aggressive Negotiations
Negotiation is not simply a matter of passing numbers back and forth. Jim Parrish is a skilled negotiator who is not afraid to take your case to trial if it means getting you the compensation you deserve.
Gainesville Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 571-229-1800
Take Action Today: Call 571-229-1800
Whether you are just getting started with your claim or have not been happy with your results so far, call the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC.
We handle cases involving turn, door, driveway, and rear-end crashes, as well as wipeouts due to poor roadway conditions.
Attorney James Parrish has won awards from both Avvo and the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys for client service. Schedule your free evaluation today to see how he can help you: 571-229-1800.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form