Nearly One Third of Bicycle Accidents Involve Cars
At Goodman Acker PC, we understand a bicycle accident’s devastating impact on your life. As your trusted Detroit bicycle accident lawyer, we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on your recovery and get your life back on track.
Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys has a proven track record of successfully handling bicycle accident cases. We have the knowledge, resources, and determination to navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Whether a negligent driver struck you, encountered a hazardous road condition, or suffered injuries due to a defective bicycle component, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Bicycle accidents can be particularly devastating due to cyclists’ inherent vulnerability. Unlike motorists, cyclists lack the protection of a metal frame, airbags, and other safety features that can mitigate the impact of a collision.
As a result, bicycle accidents often lead to serious injuries, such as:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Road rash
Internal bleeding
Amputations
These injuries can have long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences, so hire an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.
Your Legal Rights After a Bicycle Accident
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, you have important legal rights that must be protected. These include the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
However, insurance companies make navigating the legal system complex and overwhelming, especially while you are focused on your physical recovery.
That’s where the bicycle accident lawyers at Goodman Acker PC come in. We are well-versed in the intricacies of bicycle accident claims and will work tirelessly to ensure your rights are upheld and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
At Goodman Acker, we make this connection as easy as possible. We have professional relationships with many doctors who focus on injury-related conditions.
The goal of a bicycle accident claim is to hold the responsible party (such as a negligent driver or a manufacturer of a defective bicycle component) accountable and to help you recover both financially and physically.
The Core Legal Elements of a Bicycle Accident Claim
To successfully pursue a bicycle accident claim, you must establish several key legal elements:
Duty of Care: The responsible party (e.g., a driver or a manufacturer) had a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm to cyclists.
Breach of Duty: The responsible party failed to uphold their duty of care, leading to the accident.
Causation: The breach of duty was the direct cause of the accident and your resulting injuries.
Damages: Due to the accident, you suffered measurable damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The bicycle accident lawyers at Goodman Acker PC are well-versed in these legal elements and will work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf.
Why Choose the Detroit Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Goodman Acker PC
Bicycle accident claims require experience and legal resources. At Goodman Acker PC, we have a proven track record of successfully handling these cases.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Deep Legal Knowledge: Our team of bicycle accident lawyers has in-depth knowledge of the unique challenges and legal considerations involved in these types of cases. We understand the intricacies of bicycle safety regulations, accident reconstruction, and the complex medical and financial impacts of bicycle accidents.
Personalized Attention: We treat every client as an individual, taking the time to understand the unique circumstances of your case and your specific needs. We aim to give you the personalized attention and support you deserve during this difficult time.
Aggressive Representation: Insurance companies and other responsible parties don’t scare us. We will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation available to you, using our negotiation skills and, if necessary, our trial experience to protect your rights.
No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t owe us anything unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of legal fees.
Common Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries and Their Impact
Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, each with its own set of physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
Some of the most common injuries include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): These can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage. TBIs can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and changes in personality and behavior.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, loss of sensation, and other debilitating effects.
Broken Bones: Fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, or other bones can require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, and a lengthy recovery period.
Road Rash: This abrasive skin injury can hurt terribly and increase the risk of infection if not properly treated.
Internal Injuries: Bicycle accidents can also cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and other life-threatening conditions that may not immediately manifest.
These types of injuries can have a profound impact on your quality of life, your ability to work, and your financial stability. With the support of the experienced bicycle accident lawyers at Goodman Acker PC, you can focus on your recovery while we fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can occur due to negligence or reckless behavior of drivers, road conditions, or even the bicycle manufacturer.
Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
Distracted Driving: Drivers who text, talk on the phone, or are otherwise distracted can fail to see cyclists on the road, leading to devastating collisions.
Impaired Driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a serious threat to cyclists, as their judgment and reaction times are impaired.
Unsafe Passing: When drivers attempt to pass cyclists in an unsafe manner, they can easily sideswipe or cut off the cyclist, causing a collision.
Dooring Incidents: Drivers or passengers who open their car doors without checking for cyclists can knock the cyclist off their bike, leading to serious injuries.
Hazardous Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and other road hazards can cause cyclists to lose control of their bikes, leading to falls and collisions.
Defective Bicycle Components: Malfunctioning brakes, faulty frames, or other defective bicycle parts can also contribute to accidents.
Regardless of the cause, the bicycle accident lawyers at Goodman Acker PC have the tools to investigate the details of your case and hold the responsible parties accountable.
The Process of Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim With Us
When you choose Goodman Acker PC to represent you in your bicycle accident claim, you can expect the following steps:
Initial Consultation: We will meet with you to discuss the details of your accident, understand your injuries and damages, and evaluate the merits of your case.
Investigation: Our team will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts as needed.
Claim Preparation: We will prepare a comprehensive claim package, including detailed documentation of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Negotiation: We will negotiate with the insurance companies and other responsible parties to secure the maximum possible settlement for your case.
Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and present a strong argument on your behalf.
Throughout the process, you can count on us to provide regular updates, answer your questions, and advocate for your best interests every step of the way.
Tricks and Deceptions to Expect from the Insurance Company
Insurance companies are often more concerned with their bottom line than your well-being. They may use a variety of tactics to minimize the value of your claim or even deny it outright.
Some of the common tricks and deceptions to watch out for include:
Lowball Offers: The insurance company may make an initial settlement offer that is far below the true value of your claim, hoping you’ll accept it out of desperation.
Recorded Statements: They may ask you to provide a recorded statement about the accident, which they can then use against you.
Surveillance: Insurance companies may conduct surveillance to catch you engaging in activities that contradict your claimed injuries.
Delayed Response: They may intentionally drag out the claims process, hoping you’ll become frustrated and accept a lower settlement.
The experienced bicycle accident lawyers at Goodman Acker PC are well-versed in these tactics and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
Our Strategy for Building a Strong Claim with Concrete Evidence
At Goodman Acker PC, we understand that building a strong bicycle accident claim requires a comprehensive and strategic approach.
Our team will work diligently to gather and present the following types of evidence to support your case:
Medical Records: We will obtain detailed documentation of your injuries, treatments, and prognosis from your healthcare providers.
Witness Statements: We will interview any eyewitnesses to the accident and gather their written statements to corroborate your account of events.
Accident Reconstruction: We may consult with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the scene and determine the cause of the accident.
Expert Testimony: We may seek testimony from medical experts, vocational specialists, and other professionals to support the full extent of your damages.
Photographic and Video Evidence: We will gather any available photographs, surveillance footage, or other visual documentation that can help demonstrate the circumstances of the accident and the severity of your injuries.
By building a comprehensive case with concrete evidence, we can effectively counter any insurance company’s attempts to undermine or devalue your claim.
We’ll Call on Outside Experts to Reinforce Your Claim
In addition to our own extensive knowledge and experience, the bicycle accident lawyers at Goodman Acker PC work closely with a network of trusted outside experts who can provide valuable insight and support for your claim.
These may include:
Medical Experts: Doctors, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals who can testify to the extent and impact of your injuries.
Accident Reconstruction Specialists: Engineers and other experts who can analyze the accident scene and reconstruct the events to determine liability.
Vocational Experts: Professionals who can assess the impact of your injuries on your ability to work and earn a living.
Life Care Planners: Experts who can provide a comprehensive analysis of your future medical and rehabilitation needs, as well as the associated costs.
By incorporating the knowledge of these outside professionals, we can build an even stronger case and ensure that the full scope of your damages is accurately represented.
We’re Not Afraid to Go to Court
While we always strive to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf, the bicycle accident lawyers at Goodman Acker PC are not afraid to take your case to court if necessary. We have extensive trial experience and are prepared to advocate for your rights in the courtroom aggressively.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we will not hesitate to file a lawsuit and present your case before a judge and jury. We aim to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible, regardless of the challenges we may face.
Start Your Free Case Evaluation
Don’t wait to take action if you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident. Contact the experienced Detroit personal injury lawyers at Goodman Acker PC today for a free case evaluation.
We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on your recovery.
Goodman Acker P.C. – Headquarters
17000 W 10 Mile Rd 2nd Floor Southfield, MI 48075 (248) 831-1507
LEGALLY REVIEWED BY BARRY J. GOODMAN
Barry J. Goodman has devoted his professional life to keeping courthouse doors open for victims seeking justice. Always a tireless advocate for his own clients, Goodman sees his responsibility as a Detroit personal injury attorney in a broader sense as well. [ Attorney Bio ]