Bicycle Accident Lawyer Salt Lake City, UT

Choosing Rasmussen & Miner for Your Salt Lake City UT Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Whether you’ve been rear-ended, hooked, doored, or T-boned, a skilled bicycle accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT offers would like to hear your story. Bike riding should be an enjoyable time; however, with the rise in car traffic and shortage of bike lanes, accidents are increasing. Rasmussen & Miner are experienced lawyers who understand the complexities and details that surround personal injury and bike accidents.

As a bicycle accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT respects, we know how physically, emotionally, and financially debilitating an accident can be. Using our experience, skills, and determination, we stand with our clients and fight for justice.

Determining Whether Your Injury Requires a Lawyer’s Assistance

You are likely entitled to receive compensation if another person or entity’s negligence was either partially or totally responsible for the harm that was caused when your bicycle was hit. As there are many ways to go about receiving compensation, you might wonder whether your case requires the assistance of a Salt Lake City, Utah bicycle accident lawyer. The following are some factors that you may want to consider when determining whether or not to contact Rasmussen & Miner.

How Severe Is the Injury?

If you were hit by a car while riding your bike, but the car was going at turtle speed so you only received a few bumps and bruises, you may not have suffered injuries that are severe enough to warrant filing legal action, as your settlement is likely to be very, very minimal. Damages are meant to compensate you for the harm you’ve suffered, so if you’ve only received a few scrapes and bruises, the value of your settlement is likely to be very, very minor. However, most bicycle accidents result in more than scrapes and bruises. If you’ve received a significant injury in any sense, it’s worth exploring your legal options with the assistance of a Salt Lake City, UT bicycle accident lawyer.

What Is Your Outlook for Future Medical Treatment?

If your doctor is certain there will be no future medical treatment required, you may not have to involve an attorney because there will be no complicated future costs to consider. If your doctor is unsure, or if you have a condition that is now irreversible and requires future care, a Salt Lake City, UT bicycle accident lawyer can help you get compensation to support your future life as well as your present life.

Does the At-Fault Party Have Insurance?

Whether the answer to this question is “yes” or “no,” your situation may still require the assistance of an attorney. For example, if the at-fault party does not have insurance, you’ll probably find yourself filing a lawsuit against him or her to receive compensation. Our firm help you do that. If the other party does have insurance, the provider may try to downplay your injuries and offer a lower settlement than you deserve. A Salt Lake City, UT bicycle accident lawyer can help you fight to get what you actually deserve out of the insurance company.

Avoiding Bike Accidents 

For many people, bicycles serve as a primary form of transportation, especially in urban areas where traffic is heavy. Many people choose to ride a bike to work every day instead of driving a vehicle or taking public transportation. It’s easy to see why cycling is becoming increasingly popular. There are so many benefits associated with riding a bike. The physical effort is takes is good exercise. Cycling is cost-effective and doesn’t contribute to society’s carbon footprint. However, despite these benefits, there are some substantial dangers associated with bike riding as well. Even though bike riding makes up only one percent of the mode of travel for Americans, there is a disproportionately significant number of bike accident deaths and injuries annually as compared with the frequency of accidents stemming from other modes of transportation.

If you’ve recently suffered as a result of a bicycle accident, know that you’re not alone. Call an experienced Salt Lake City, Utah bicycle accident lawyer at Rasmussen & Miner to find out what your legal options are and to get the information you need to make an informed decision about which option is best for you and your family.

Bike Accident Stats

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 1,000 bike riders killed every year in this country in bike accidents. Another 450,000 riders sustain injuries. Many of these injuries are serious and even catastrophic because there is nothing that protects the cyclists from the impact of a large vehicle hitting them. It is estimated that in one year, the cost of medical care and loss of work hours for bike accident injuries costs approximately $10 billion, just in the United States. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to contact an experienced Salt Lake City, UT bicycle accident lawyer in the wake of an accident. Seeking compensation from the motorist who hit you and/or their insurance company can help you to manage some of the financial losses you’ve likely suffered and will continue to suffer in the wake of your crash.

What Can Cyclists Do?

If you are a cyclist, there are some precautions you can take to help minimize the risk of being injured in a crash. Safety advocates recommend that all cyclists wear their helmets, even if they are only traveling a short distance away. About half of all fatal bike accident victims were not wearing helmets when they were killed. Helmets do save lives.

Ideally, cyclists should not ride at night, however, there are times that it is necessary to do so. If you do need to travel on your bike at night, make sure that you are wearing brightly colored clothing. You also want to make sure to have reflectors on your bike, as well as a headlight to illuminate what is in front of you and a flashing rear light to alert vehicle drivers that you are traveling on the road with them. The more visible you are, the safer you are.

Just like vehicle drivers, bike riders are required to follow all traffic laws. Stop at all traffic lights and signs. Always signal when you are turning. Stay in your line and always driver with the flow of traffic, not against. It is also important to obey speed limit laws, even if you are physically capable of traveling faster.

Note that you do have legal options available to you even if you weren’t behaving very safely when you were hit. Our Salt Lake City, UT bicycle accident lawyer team will clarify whether any negligence on your part may impact a potential settlement, but you’ll still almost certainly be able to seek compensation as a motorist has a greater responsibility to drive responsibly than you did as a cyclist. Don’t wait; call our Salt Lake City, UT bicycle accident lawyer team today to explore your options.

Seeking Medical Treatment Following a Bicycle Accident

In the minutes following an accident, the pain or injuries you have suffered may not immediately show up. It’s completely normal to be in a state of shock, especially if you have just been hit by a car when riding your bicycle. When faced with an accident, the brain’s natural response is to release endorphins to the body that may make it difficult to identify pain. Although some situations may call for immediate medical attention, others may leave you thinking you are fine to resume your day. There are a number of key reasons to seek medical treatment following a bicycle accident:

Immediate Treatment for Injuries

Some cases may require an ambulance to arrive at the scene, this often occurs when injuries are apparent following the accident. In some cases, you may choose to go to the hospital for care on your own. Seeking immediate treatment is important in making sure that you receive the proper medical attention for your injuries. In some cases, you may not even be aware of an injury you have suffered.

Your Injuries May Not Show Up Immediately

Following an accident, your body responds by pumping you full of adrenaline. This can help to mask the pain you may be experiencing. As a result, many accident victims may find that they have been injured in the days following the accident. Even if you don’t think you have been injured after an accident, it’s always a good idea to seek a medical professional. If you did not go to the hospital after the accident, see your provider as soon as possible.

Rule Out Other Injuries

A medical professional can help to rule out other injuries and ensure that you get the most comprehensive care possible. Chances are you may not be aware of an underlying problem. When the internal organs have been injured, you may be completely unaware. A doctor can carefully assess your injuries, gather details regarding the accident, and determine if further testing and assessment are needed. A doctor may play a key role to ruling out injuries that have yet to present themselves.

For Evidence Purposes

Not only is medical treatment key to getting the help you need following a car accident, it can also help in proving your case should you pursue a personal injury claim. A medical professional can provide you with documentation that can help to prove your case. Generally, this comes in the form of documentation from the doctor, in addition to the medical bills your medical visits have generated. Your medical records can clearly outline the injuries you have sustained and the limitations you may experience as a result. This will be one of the first pieces of evidence your bicycle accident lawyer will look to gather when an accident has occurred.

If you have been in an accident, it’s important to not only seek medical treatment but also a bicycle accident lawyer. If you were hit by a motor vehicle, the driver may be at fault for the accident. Don’t let the ability to collect damages for your injuries and losses pass you by. Contact a bicycle accident lawyer for their guidance in moving forward with your case.

Can A Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Salt Lake City UT Help?

If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, you’ve probably got plenty of related issues to deal with, which may greatly exceed your physical pain. When you turn to a bicycle accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT cyclists trust, you can feel peace of mind in knowing that he or she may be able to assist in the following:

• Communicating with insurance companies
• Resolving medical bills
• Prove liability and/or negligence
• Resolving property damage claims
• Resolving liability disputes through negotiation
• Evaluating the value of the claim
• Negotiating to obtain the maximum settlement value
• Prevent or resolve bills that have gone into collections

Most Common Bike Accident Claims

A bicycle accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT may see a number of different claims, each with their own respective circumstances and factors. Although every case is unique, many of them stem from a motorist or manufacturer fault. Some examples of these may include:

• Motorist hitting a cyclist through a sideswipe or rear collision
• Motorist turning right or left in front of a cyclist
• Motorist opening their door and hitting an oncoming cyclist
• Motorist losing control of their car
• Bicycle equipment failure

The Five Step Process of Filing a Bicycle Claim

Should you have a legitimate claim, a top bicycle accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT can provide should follow a basic process to ensure your case is taken care of in a timely manner. Below is a general process of bike accident claims:

Step 1: Identifying Facts Your lawyer may asses the facts of your case including any evidence, medical records, police reports, and witness statements.

Step 2: Identifying the Negligent Party If not already done, your lawyer may try to determine who is at fault. This could include a split fault between you and a motorist, or the complete fault of another party.

Step 3: Analyzing All Potential Routes of Compensation In certain cases, a bicycle accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT respects may determine all possible routes of receiving damages. For instance, he or she may look to see if the motorist was driving on the behalf of an employer, or if the roads were inappropriately blocked by an object.

Step 4: Negotiations Once your case has been filed, there may be a point when your lawyer aims to negotiate with any involved insurance companies on your behalf.

Step 5: Reaching a Settlement Eventually, your lawyer will try to reach a fair settlement between all responsible parties including the insurance companies. If this is not possible, a lawsuit may be filed.

Salt Lake City, UT Bicycle Accident Infographic

 

 

Although a bicycle accident claim is a type of personal injury, it may require further knowledge of cycling traffic laws, prejudice against cyclists, and bike manufacturers. For this reason, you should entrust your case to a bike accident lawyer in Salt Lake City UT. The law firm of Rasmussen & Miner is equipped with the right skills, and we relentlessly defend our clients. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for the justice you deserve. To discuss your case with a bicycle accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT cyclists trust, call our office today.

The Risks of Cycling in Salt Lake City, UT

Drivers have many responsibilities including having to pay attention to other cars, road signs, traffic lights, and pedestrians. It is also common for drivers to be using a phone, changing the radio, applying makeup, eating, or engaging in another form of distraction. Watching out for cyclists may not be a priority. Furthermore, Salt Lake City, UT as a number of poorly maintained roads and reckless, often hostile, drivers. To add to all of the above, a limited number of bikelines, changing weather patterns, and problems with the area’s infrastructure are equally hazardous. These things can be a recipe for disaster and lead to injuries or death. Our Salt Lake City, UT bike accident lawyers have worked with a broad range of cycling victims who have suffered from injuries including:

• Traumatic head injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck or back injuries
• Lacerations
• Road rash
• Broken bones
• Paralysis
• Internal bleeding

If you have been injured in a bike accident, you should choose a bike accident lawyer who has experience in fighting these types of claims in Salt Lake City, Utah. Rasmussen & Miner has built a reputation as a successful law firm who specializes in personal injury claims including bike accidents. Our firm brings a passion to our work that is not found in many other law firms. This is partly because our lawyers and staff enjoy bike riding.

Our team of bike accident lawyers believes that every person in the Salt Lake City, UT community has the right to safe travel on the roads, whether riding in a car or on a bike. Fighting claims is not only about the desire to seek monetary compensation, but also holding the negligent party responsible for his or her actions, and furthermore, encouraging officials to implement better legislation that protects cyclists. When you choose our experienced Salt Lake City, UT bike accident lawyers, you can expect benefits such as:

• We know the laws related to cycling
• We are insightful, tenacious, and passionate
• We can guide you through the legal process
• We are skilled negotiators
• We work with expert witnesses, professionals, and police to get the facts right
• We are able to maximize the value of a case
• We will be ready to go to trial, if need be

If you have been suffered injury, due to an automobile/bike accident, talking to an experienced bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT is an important first step to take in putting your life back together again.  You have doubtless suffered severe injuries and are wondering: How do I pay for my medical expenses? How do I recover my lost wages? How can I be compensated for my pain and suffering and even permanent disability?

You Do Have Insurance!

While many people ride bikes to get in shape there is a significant percentage who ride them out of economic necessity.  Perhaps you are a student or someone trying to save money. What do you do if you don’t have health insurance? Surprise!  If you consult with a knowledgeable bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT, he will tell you that you are covered by the person operating the motor vehicle that hit you.  Utah statute requires that every driver carry a no-fault policy that covers everyone in his car and every pedestrian or person operating a self-propelled vehicle with medical coverage for the first $3,000.00 of medical expenses associated with the accident.  This is the minimum and many times drivers carry higher limits. If you are unfortunate enough to be hit by someone without automobile insurance then you can access coverage under your own auto policy.

Liability and Underinsured Claims

Automobile/bike accidents commonly involve serious injuries.  Getting justly compensated is often a dance between many different policies.  An experienced bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT will tell you that the minimum liability limits are $25,000.00 in the State of Utah.  This will usually not be enough to satisfy a bicyclist’s medical bills and injuries. Once the at fault party tenders his entire policy limits you will have the right to use your own automobile insurance’s uninsured or underinsured policy.  You shouldn’t feel bad bringing a claim against your own insurance company. Uninsured and underinsured motor vehicle coverage is a separate part of your policy for which you pay a separate premium. A seasoned bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT will want to look at your own auto policy to map out a strategy to maximize your settlement.

The Role of Medical Insurance

If you have to use your medical insurance after exhausting the applicable no-fault benefits your medical insurance will invariably expect to be paid back out of any settlement.  Medical insurance’s right to be paid back is called subrogation. It is important to note that the right of an insurer to be paid back is not limited to private insurance. If you are covered by government assistance in the form of Medicare or Medicaid and have received medical treatment paid for by one of those programs; arrangements must be made to satisfy their subrogation rights as well.  A knowledgeable bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT will work to minimize what has to be paid back to maximize your final settlement. Generally both private and governmental insurance will agree to reduce the amount they are owed by the same contingency fee percentage that you paid to hire your attorney. This has the practical effect of having the attorney’s fee you owe for your bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT subsidized by your medical insurance.

I was hit by a driver who was on the clock; now what?

Today many people have mobile jobs, or jobs that transition between an office and home. With these flexible schedules, there is an increase of freedom and that has led to difficulty in determining when a person is traveling for work or personal business.

In short, if a person is is traveling at the direction of their employer and you were injured while riding a bicycle at this time, yes, you may be able to recover compensation from the employer. The reality of this question is actually more complicated; therefore, before you assume that you can pursue the employer for liability, you should speak with a bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT has to offer.

How You Might Determine Fault

No two bike accident cases are exactly alike. That being said, if the driver of the car that hit your bike was on the clock, you can usually file a claim against the employer. The legal term for this is called the doctrine of respondeat superior. This means that the employer has a responsibility for the actions of all their employees who are working on the clock. In order for this doctrine to be true; thereby, enabling you to hold the employer responsible, you will typically need to prove at least one of the following:

• The employee was engaged in an action or conduct that was asked for or acceptable by the employer;
• The accident occurred during a time that was set by the employer;
• The employee was doing something to serve the employer;
• The employee was not using this time for personal needs;
• The employee was not intoxicated.

If the above does not apply, you may not be able to hold the employer responsible. Of course knowing which of these elements may or may not be true is another story. This is why you will likely want to retain a bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT bicyclists trust for further help.

Examples of Respondeat Superior Employer Liability

To help injured cyclists understand respondeat superior liability, please consider these examples that could suggest the employer will be responsible for what happened.

• The driver hit a cyclist while he or she was picking up supplies as requested by the employer
• The driver was delivering goods
• The driver was going from one point to another as part of their employee duties

What might not be grounds for respondeat superior liability include:

• The driving was making an errand for their own personal benefit
• The driver was on their way to work, but had not started working
• Another party stole the driver’s work car and they caused the bike accident

Regardless of whether or not respondeat superior is true for your case, if another person caused you to crash your bicycle, and you were injured, compensation may be available.

Before you assume you do or do not have a case, you should consult a bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT can rely on for further advice.

Many people enjoy bike riding, whether for transportation, exercise, recreation, or all three. Unfortunately, riding a bike on the streets of Utah brings with it high risks of being injured in a bike accident. In fact, according to national statistics, almost 1,000 people are killed in bike accidents each year and thousands more are injured. While all motorists and cyclists should be able to share the road, that is not always the case. If you have been injured in a bike accident, a bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City, UT clients trust can help you get the financial compensation you may be legally entitled to.

What To Do Immediately Following A Bike Accident

It should come as no surprise that a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle may call upon the experience of a bicyclist accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT recommends. The injuries and losses victims may be left to contend with can be extensive. In some cases, a victim’s entire life may have changed for the long term. If you believe your accident resulted from negligence, Rasmussen & Miner is prepared to fight for you. In the wake of a bicycle accident, tending to your injuries will be the top priority; however, the following are essential steps to take not only to protect yourself but your legal case:

Step #1: Get Yourself to Safety

In the wake of an accident, it will be critical to move to safety if you can do so. An accident scene in the middle of the road is undoubtedly a hazard and can pose a risk to other drivers. If you are not moved, there is a risk of another accident occurring that can only make matters worse.

Step #2: Contact Law Enforcement

Law enforcement should always be called to the scene of an accident. They will ensure that medical attention is received and will conduct an investigation of the accident. They will speak with witnesses and develop a police report of the accident. In some cases, they may even determine who was at fault. The police report can act as a critical piece of evidence should you seek legal action for your losses later on.

Step #3: Seek Medical Care

Our bike accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT, states that it’s imperative that victims immediately seek medical care. When a bicycle is involved in an accident, it may be evident that you are injured. However, when your adrenaline is pumping, the pain of injuries may be masked, and you may believe that you are not injured. However, getting medically assessed, diagnosed, and treated for injuries can make all the difference, especially if injuries are underlying. Your doctor will likely have treatment recommendations, and it’s critical to follow them to ensure the best possible recovery. In addition to taking care of your health, seeking medical care will help to prove the extent of your injuries when you pursue a bicycle accident case.

Step #4: Don’t Speak with Insurance Companies

In some cases, an insurance adjuster may call you with questions about your case. This may occur even before you have decided to file a claim. You must always proceed with caution when speaking with insurance companies. Keep in mind that they are not always on your side and will be looking to pay out as little as possible. It’s best to consult with a lawyer before having any conversations with the insurance company.

Step #5: Contact Our Firm

If you have suffered losses after a bicycle accident, it may be in your best interest to pursue a claim to retain the compensation that you deserve. However, in the wake of an accident, managing a legal case on your own can be overwhelming. Additionally, an insurance company may pay out as little as possible or deny your claim altogether. In some cases, they may even attempt to assign fault to you. Having the legal support of a professional will be critical.

When someone else is at fault for a bicycle accident, victims should not be left to face the expenses associated with the accident alone. Rasmussen & Miner can assist you in reviewing your case and will map out a course of action. Schedule a free case evaluation with our Salt Lake City, Utah, bicyclist accident lawyer before it’s too late.

Bike Accident Injuries

When a person is in a car that is crashed into by another car, while there is a high risk of injury, their vehicle does provide protection from the impact of the car that hits them. But a person who is riding a bicycle that gets hit by a car has not such protection. Instead, their 20-pound bike is slammed into by a vehicle weighing a few thousand pounds. With no protection, many bike accident victims suffer amputations, brain injuries, broken bones, facial injuries, neck injuries, spinal injuries, and more.

Many injuries that a cyclist suffers require long-term rehab and recovery. A good number of victims are left with permanent disabilities that severely impact their physical and emotional life, as well as their financial future. This is why Utah law says that any victim who has suffered an injury and damages because of the negligence or recklessness of another party can legally pursue for financial compensation for those losses. A Salt Lake City, UT bike accident attorney can help.

There are many factors that the courts deem are an act of negligence on the part of the vehicle driver that caused the bike accident and the victim’s injuries. These include:

• Engaging in distracted driving behaviors while behind the wheel
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Driving while fatigued
• Speeding
• Disobeying traffic laws, such as stop signs, traffic lights, and right of way rules

In the majority of cases, the victim will file a claim against the driver’s vehicle insurance policy, however, many insurance companies will offer only the minimal amount of financial compensation that does not even begin to cover the true losses the victim has suffered. When this happens, the next step for the victim is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver. In the majority of lawsuits, the insurance company is then willing to negotiate and fair and just settlement amount with the victim’s attorney, and most of these lawsuits do not even have to go to trial.

If you have been injured in a bike accident caused by another driver, you need a skilled and aggressive bike accident attorney in Salt Lake City advocating for you. Call Rasmussen & Miner to find out how we can help.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike crash, a bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT provides is available to listen to your story. In Utah, cycling is a popular leisure activity as well as a mode of transportation for many residents. Although posing little risk on its own, there are other uncertainties that might lead to harm. Motor vehicles and road obstacles are the two biggest threats to cyclists, and when these collisions occur, serious injury or death may follow.

Rasmussen & Miner: A Bike Accident Lawyer in Salt Lake City UT

The tenacious drive to protect the legal rights of injured clients is what enables Rasmussen & Miner to build strong cases. With years of litigation experience reaching settlements in negotiations or at trial, we remain dedicated to getting maximum compensation. To speak with a Salt Lake City bike accident lawyer offers, please call Rasmussen & Miner for a free consultation.

What are some of the reasons to seek a bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT depends on?

Bicycle collisions happen for a number of reasons, but they often involve negligence or carelessness. If any of the following examples occurred, you should contact a lawyer.

• You were hit by a motorist who failed to regard a traffic sign
• You were “doored” (i.e., hit when someone in a parked car opens their door)
• A driver failed to maintain a safe distance from the bike
• You encountered an obvious, known road obstacle
• Your bike, or a driver’s car, was defective

What happens if I don’t know how the accident occurred?

It may be the objective of a bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT respects to establish the leading cause of the collision. Every case will be unique. Details such as witness statements, police reports, injuries, and property damage may help reveal how the accident occurred. If negligence or wrongdoing is deemed to be a factor, particularly when another driver may be at fault, you may have a legally pursuable claim.

What kind of compensation might be available?

Bicycle claims generally fall under personal injury law, especially when negligence is a factor. The numerical net-worth of a claim may be dependent upon the extent of your injuries and the total accumulated losses. A bike accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT has to offer may set an ideal value and work with insurance companies to get what you deserve. Compensation may cover:

• Current and future medical costs
• Physical pain
• Emotional anguish
• Lost wages and family hardship
• Transport costs
• Property damage
• Wrongful death

Rasmussen & Miner: A Personal Injury Firm You Can Count On

By retaining a bicycle lawyer, you can feel confident in knowing your claim will be in good hands. Regardless of how your accident occurred, Rasmussen & Miner will listen to your story and help you to understand what legal options may be available.

Call Rasmussen & Miner for An Immediate Consultation

Whether you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident, it is important to get the help you need, and quickly. Our lawyers are ready to listen to your story and explain to you what your options might be. There is nothing to lose, except a small amount of time. For a consultation with a bike accident lawyer in Salt Lake City, call Rasmussen & Miner today.