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When we think of accidents that can cause severe injuries and have a life-long impact, we often think of things like car or truck accidents. But the reality is that bike accidents can be just as devastating. DC cyclists are at particular risk, given the density of the area and the number of cyclists and drivers passing through the streets daily. The average number of bike accidents in DC between 2017 and 2021 increased 141% from the average during the 2012 to 2016 period.
If you’ve been seriously injured in a bike accident, you may be wondering whether you need a lawyer and, if so, how to choose the right one for you. Here, we’ll walk you through some factors to consider when choosing a bike accident attorney in the DC area and how your attorney can advocate for you and protect your interests.
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Not all areas of personal injury law are created equal. Each one requires unique skills and resources, so when you’re picking an attorney, you want to select one with a successful track record that specifically includes bike accident cases. The right attorney will be well-versed in navigating these cases and have expertise in the DC area. Every city has its own set of rules and regulations surrounding cyclists, so it’s essential to work with an attorney who knows the law in your state and city. Especially with the advent of bike-sharing services, these cases can be highly complex, so be sure to ask your lawyer about their experience securing successful settlements for bike accident victims.
Other qualities you should look for when choosing a bicycle accident lawyer include:
Of course, you want and deserve an attorney who has the skills and resources to secure you fair compensation, but your attorney will also be a significant presence during a deeply traumatic period of your life. Your bike accident lawyer will support you as you seek damages for an event that likely had a physical and emotional impact, so it’s essential to choose a lawyer you genuinely feel you can rely on and who truly cares about you and the outcome of your case. You should feel that your lawyer actively listens when you speak and offers support as you move through an incredibly intense and overwhelming legal process.
A lawyer’s reputation can tell you a lot about whether they’ll be a good fit. To understand how a lawyer is received within the community, you can read testimonials and speak to past clients. Internet reviews can also be a helpful tool. If they’ve been recognized locally or nationally for their excellent work by an esteemed institution, this is a good sign that they’re a law firm you can rely on.
Your lawyer needs to have strong communication skills. For one, communicating well means you can feel confident that your questions will be answered as they arise and that you’re kept in the loop as your case progresses. Moreover, how a lawyer communicates with you can reflect how they speak more broadly. When a lawyer has good communication skills, it typically means they’ll work more efficiently and reach an agreeable outcome more quickly.
A bike accident case can involve many steps, from the moment of impact to the final verdict. As you navigate finding the right DC bike accident lawyer, it can also be helpful to understand the process of how a bike accident claim works:
To break down the medical costs you may face following a bike accident, we need to start with the potential injuries one can suffer. Bike accident injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Brain damage, disfigurement, and paralysis are all possible outcomes.
Depending on the severity of the injury, the bicycle accident victim may need several days or weeks in a hospital, rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, and possible long-term care.
Most people do not put money away in case they are injured in a horrific bike accident. When something like this happens, not many people are financially prepared. This is precisely why you need a Regan Zambri Long bicycle accident attorney. Your accident lawyer will build a rock-solid case so the medical expenses from your injuries will not send you and your family into financial ruin.
Your Regan Zambri Long bike accident lawyer will pursue the following damages:
As discussed, the medical consequences of a bike accident can be grave. You or your loved one may need extensive care to recover fully. Be sure to keep all your medical records, including x-rays, scans, ER visits, prescriptions, and medical bills. Your bike accident lawyer will use these to secure financial compensation to reimburse you for all expenses.
Your bike will most likely be damaged, if not totaled, following a crash with a motor vehicle. You can claim compensation for your bike, safety equipment, gear, and any other property that was damaged as a result of the crash.
If your injuries take you out of work for a period of time, your Regan Zambri Long bike accident lawyer will factor that into the compensation you seek from the party at fault. If your injuries are severe enough to take you out of work for an extended period, your lawyer will seek compensation to reimburse you for the future wages you will lose from being unable to return to work.
If your injuries leave you permanently disabled, there is a possibility you will need long-term care. You can seek damages for the estimated amount you or your loved one will need for permanent care moving forward.
If you experience constant pain (perhaps back pain, neck pain, etc.) after your accident, you may pursue compensation for pain and suffering. Pain and suffering costs can help provide for chiropractor appointments, pain management medication, and other tools to help you alleviate the pain caused by the bike accident.
Punitive damages are awarded when the party who caused the bike accident was careless. Your Regan Zambri Long bike accident lawyer will be able to determine if your case warrants seeking punitive damages.
In the worst cases, loved ones are left to cope with the grief of a lost loved one. In these situations, the victim’s family may seek compensation for funeral costs, medical expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and loss of parental guidance.
Our Washington, DC, personal injury lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. Backed by more than 100 years of combined experience, Regan Zambri Long PLLC has an established reputation for pursuing legal excellence. As our client, you will experience peace of mind in knowing that your rights will be protected from start to finish. We will do everything in our power to secure the maximum compensation you need to pay for injury-related expenses, such as medical care and lost income, as well as compensation for all of the physical and emotional consequences of your injuries.
