A bicycle accident lawyer in Eagan is here for you when you have suffered the trauma of a cycling crash. As you begin processing the event and navigating your physical recovery, a lawyer can ease your burden by handling the logistics of your case and communicating with insurance companies on your behalf. Legal representation can also help you secure a more favorable outcome.
Postman Law aggressively fights for you when you’ve been injured and delivers results. No matter what challenges you’re facing, an Eagan personal injury lawyer can identify and implement effective strategies and solutions. Our team has extensive knowledge and experience both inside and outside the courtroom.
Evidence You Need to Demonstrate That You Were in a Bicycle Accident in Eagan
When you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you can submit a claim with your own insurance company to recover certain losses allowed under Minnesota’s no-fault laws.
This type of claim doesn’t require you to show fault, but it does require you to demonstrate that you were injured in an accident. To show that your injuries were caused by an accident and not another cause, you need evidence.
Documentation can streamline your case by clearly showing what occurred so there’s minimal pushback from insurance companies. You can start documenting your losses after an accident by filing a police report and submitting a records request for a copy. Photos, videos, and witness statements can also confirm what occurred. You should also keep all of your medical records to show the extent of your care.
Postman Law can help further strengthen your case by gaining access to local video surveillance footage. We also work with reconstructionists to digitally recreate the event to understand the factors involved and the extent of your damage.
Similarly, we consult with your doctors as we calculate the value of your case and seek to understand your losses, your required care, and your potential future costs.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer serving Eagan, call 844-767-8626
Understanding the Dangers of Bicycle Accidents and the Factors that Contribute to Them
Bicyclists have very little protection from their environment, which means that they’re susceptible to severe injury in an accident with a motor vehicle. Cyclists not only absorb the full impact of a collision, but they can also be thrown airborne and/or suffer a second impact when they hit the ground. This can do significant damage to the body, causing catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), fatality facts on bicyclists show that 1,075 cyclists were killed in the U.S. during the most recent year of data collected. Sadly, these numbers have continued to rise over the years. Some common factors in fatal bike accidents include lack of a helmet, intoxication, riding at night, urban areas, intersections, and highways.
Both bicycle riders and motorists should remain alert at all times, and both parties should follow the rules of the road to ensure maximum safety. Bicyclists should take care to ride with the flow of traffic and ensure maximum visibility. Motorists should avoid distraction and check their surroundings before opening car doors. These and other cautious actions can help minimize the risk of an accident.
Eagan Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 844-767-8626
Bicycle Accidents And the Role Fault Plays in Resolving a Claim
While fault is an important factor in bicycle accidents, it is handled differently in no-fault states like Minnesota. Bicyclists do not have to show that another party is at fault when they file their initial claim through their personal injury protection (PIP) insurance.
However, if they’re eligible to file for additional compensation, then they must navigate a personal injury case in Minnesota and establish fault.
Regardless of whether you file a no-fault or at-fault claim, fault must still be determined to understand how the accident occurred and how parties should be compensated.
For example, if a motorist and bicyclist share fault for an accident, then a cyclist’s compensation can be reduced by their fault percentage regardless of the type of claim they file (Minnesota Statute § 604.01).
To understand the role liability plays in your claim, consult your Eagan bicycle accident attorney. They can walk you through fault determinations, the implications for your case, and how to optimize your claim for success. They can also help you build a strong case against the motorist who injured you if you end up filing a personal injury claim to recover additional compensation.
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Consult an Eagan Bicycle Accident Lawyer About Claim Types and the Value of Your Case
Your insurance company is your first avenue of recovery after a bike accident since Minnesota is a no-fault state. If you suffered severe injuries that exceeded the value of your PIP coverage, then you may also be able to file a personal injury claim.
The compensation you’re allowed to recover varies by claim type, so it’s important to talk to your lawyer about which of the following losses you can recover:
- Cost of medical care and ongoing treatment
- Loss of wages or earning capacity
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Property damage repair costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost quality of life and enjoyment
- Emotional and mental trauma
- Loss of consortium or companionship
Every case is different, and no-fault claims provide limited compensation compared to a personal injury claim. To understand what you are allowed to pursue and recover, it’s important to consult a lawyer so you understand your rights.
A lawyer also ensures that you don’t leave any money behind that you have a right to receive under state law, and prepares you for how long it takes to get a settlement check.
Discuss Your Legal Options in Eagan With Postman Law Today
Hiring a bicycle accident attorney in Eagan to represent you after an accident can take the stress off of you and ensure that insurance companies take your claim seriously.
Postman Law comes alongside you so you don’t have to deal with the aftermath of your accident on your own. When you schedule a free consultation with our team, we answer your questions, provide insights, and discuss your options.