Bicycle accidents occur every day and may only cause scrapes and bruises. However, the consequences can be far more severe when cyclists collide with motor vehicles. Even a slow-moving car can cause injuries that change your life forever.
If you have been hurt in a bike crash, let an Austin bicycle accident lawyer help you pursue justice. At Maschka Personal Injury, our experienced personal injury attorneys can review the facts of your case and answer any questions you may have. Before accepting a settlement offer or handling a case on your own, understand your legal options.
Cyclists are at a serious risk of injury any time a car strikes them or knocks them off their bike. Riders absorb the full force of an impact with another vehicle because bicycles offer little protection. Without safety features such as seat belts or crumple zones, cyclists are especially vulnerable. Some of the injuries may include:
These injuries can affect nearly every part of your life. If you are concerned about how your condition will affect your ability to earn a living or care for yourself, our compassionate lawyers are here to help bring order to your life after an Austin bike crash.
Most bicycle accident cases never go to court. In many situations, both sides resolve the claim through negotiations long before the case goes to trial. These negotiations might continue throughout the life of the case, and some settlements occur moments before a trial begins.
Both sides have reasons for agreeing to a settlement. Insurance companies that want to avoid paying may settle if they worry about a jury verdict at trial. Our attorneys work to build the strongest case possible and get the compensation you deserve after an Austin bicycle wreck.
Some cases do proceed to trial. This can happen if the insurance company disputes who caused the crash or refuses to offer fair compensation for the injuries involved. If negotiations stall, filing a lawsuit and preparing for trial may become necessary to pursue the full value of the claim.
The state applies a legal rule called comparative negligence to determine compensation if more than one person shares fault for an accident. Under Minnesota Statutes § 604.01, you can still recover compensation for your injuries if you were not more at-fault for causing the crash than the other party.
If you are partially at fault, the court may reduce your compensation by the percentage of your assigned fault. For example, if you are 25 percent at fault on a $100,000 claim, you only recover $75,000. If the jury finds you are 51 percent at fault, you recover nothing. An Austin bike collision attorney from our team could help you understand these comparative negligence rules.
If you sustained injuries in a bike crash, now is the time to consider your legal options. Our attorneys, based in Mankato, help injured cyclists throughout the surrounding area pursue justice. If you need us, we are ready to help. Call an Austin bicycle accident lawyer today for a free private consultation.
