St George Utah Bicycle Accident Attorney

What next after a bike crash? Consult St. George Utah Bicycle Accident Attorney!

Have you ever dealt with the confusion and stress after being unjustly involved in a bike accident in beautiful St. George, Utah? An experienced St. George Utah Bicycle Accident Attorney is essential at such difficult times. Someone competent to preserve your rights and get you justice is crucial.

At Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions, we have extensive bicycle accident experience. Our lawyers understand Utah’s complex laws to win disputes. All of our successful resolutions demonstrate our focus and consistency, bolstering our practice area.

Navigate the legal maze with confidence. Echo your voice to the right ears by contacting Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions. Your justice is our mission.

What Is a Bicycle Accident?

Accidents involving bicycles are called bicycle accidents. Recent advances in bicycle technology have altered the nature and implications of such accidents. Electric bikes (e-bikes) are a major advancement. E-bikes with electric motors can reach speeds of over 30 mph, making them electric motorbikes.

Modern motorcycles, especially e-bikes, cost much more. Modern bicycles may cost more than the vehicles they collide with. In order to repair the damaged bike or compensate for injuries, fair remuneration claims have grown.

Given this dynamic bicycle accident scenario, an attorney who isn’t merely experienced and well-versed in local bicycle legislation, particularly e-bike laws, is crucial. Handling modern bicycle accident cases requires understanding these regulations.

Various Types of Bike Accidents

Bicycle accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, and they often involve motor vehicles. Here, we will discuss different types of bike accidents, their causes, and how to prevent them.

Dooring Accidents

Dooring accidents occur when a driver or passenger of a parked vehicle opens their door without checking for oncoming bicycles, causing a collision between the door and the cyclist. This type of accident can result in severe injuries to the cyclist, as they may fall onto the pavement or road due to the impact.

Left-Hand Turn Accidents

These accidents happen when a motorist turning left at an intersection fails to see an oncoming cyclist and collides with them. The cyclist often has limited time to react, resulting in significant injuries.

Right-Hand Turn Accidents

In right-hand turn accidents, a motor vehicle turns right into the path of a cyclist traveling in the same direction. This can happen when the driver fails to check the blind spot or misjudges the cyclist’s speed.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions involve a motor vehicle colliding with the back of a bicycle. The reasons for such accidents vary, including driver’s negligence, distracted driving, sudden braking by the cyclist, or poor visibility.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents are collisions where the motorist responsible for the accident leaves the scene without providing aid or identification. These incidents can be particularly challenging for cyclists, as they may be left with severe injuries and few resources to cover medical expenses.

Utah Bicycling Regulations

Utah has implemented a set of bicycling regulations to ensure the safety of cyclists and other road users. These regulations touch on lighting, helmets, where you can bike, and legal time limits for accident-related cases.

Bicycle Light Law

Utah Code § 41-6a-1114 requires bikers to have proper lighting when cycling between the time of sunset and sunrise, or in conditions with low visibility. Specifically, regulations require:

• A white headlight, visible from at least 500 feet away
• A rear red taillight or reflector, visible from at least 600 feet away.

Bike Helmet Laws

In Utah, there is no statewide mandate requiring cyclists to wear helmets. However, many local jurisdictions strongly recommend using helmets, especially for cyclists under a certain age.

Banned Bicycling Areas on the Sidewalk

Cycling regulations on sidewalks are not uniform across Utah. While biking on sidewalks is generally allowed, some local jurisdictions, such as specific districts in Salt Lake City, prohibit it. For accurate information on where biking is prohibited, it’s advisable to check the specific bylaws of the local jurisdiction.

Statute of Limitations and Exceptions

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including bicycle accidents, in Utah is typically four years from the date of the accident. Nonetheless, certain exceptions may influence this timeline, including the minor and mental disability of the victim at the incident time, and whether the liable party absconded the state after the accident but before a lawsuit is filed

What Are Some Common Causes of Utah Bicycle Accidents?

Bicycle accidents in Utah are regrettably common and can be attributed to many reasons. Among the most prevalent causes are:

• Distracted driving: According to the US Department of Transportation, distracted driving—any action that disrupts manual, visual, or cognitive focus on the road (like texting while driving)—has caused 3,142 road fatalities.
• Drowsy or fatigued driving: Drivers who are too tired to drive safely and attentively are breaching the law and endangering others. They may be liable for accidents.
• Drunk driving / Driving under influence: All alcohol- and drug-related accidents are preventable. Such victims can sue for damages.
• Speeding or aggressive driving: High-speed driving, denying other vehicles space, abrupt lane changes, and other aggressive behaviors sometimes cause accidents. Drivers who do so may be responsible.
• Vehicle or equipment malfunctions: Faulty bike parts, such as brakes, can cause accidents. The manufacturer of the defective product may be liable for damages.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents?

Bicycle accidents can result in a range of injuries with varying degrees of severity. Here, we delve into some of the most common injuries reported in these incidents:

Head Injuries

Bicycle accidents often cause severe head injuries. They can cause moderate concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and lasting cognitive or physical problems. Head injuries are greatly reduced by wearing a helmet.

Spinal Cord Injuries

These injuries are also serious in bicycle accidents. Spinal cord damage can cause partial or full paralysis, decreasing quality of life. Besides physical incapacity, a spinal cord injury can cost a lot in medical and rehabilitation bills.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Injuries from bicycle accidents often break bones. A collision can force a cyclist to fall and break their arms, legs, or clavicle. Rehabilitation typically requires a prolonged period of immobilization and surgery.

Lacerations

Bicycle accidents often cause cuts or lacerations, especially when cyclists fall into the road or nearby objects. Although not life-threatening, serious lacerations can cause significant blood loss and require stitches.

Internal Bleeding

Invisible internal bleeding can be a serious bicycle accident condition. The danger of organ damage or failure is high. This ailment generally requires quick and complex medical treatment.

Emotional and Mental Trauma

While physical injuries are the most obvious outcome of bicycle accidents, emotional stress matters too. Victims may suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or a phobia of cycling after the tragedy. These psychological impacts can be managed by mental health professionals.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured in a Bicycle Accident?

There’s no common bicycle accident template due to the multiplicity of events. Cyclists may fall unconscious or conscious but immobile.

Medical treatment is essential in all situations. Even if you feel fine, only a doctor can diagnose you. After medical treatment and release, you can gather evidence and pursue legal action.

If another party’s negligence caused the accident, your lawyer may propose suing them for damages. Medical bills and mental suffering can be covered by the compensation.

In terms of actions you must take post-accident:

• Begin accumulating evidence promptly to boost claim success likelihood.
• Capture photographs of the accident location as it may provide helpful clues.
• Request the official police report which documents the incident.
• Speak to any witnesses who may give more details about the event.
• Seek the guidance of an accomplished personal injury lawyer to navigate through the claim proceedings.

Accident Claim in St. George, UT

Bicycle accidents in St. George, Utah, may result in damages requiring reimbursement. Our experienced attorneys will prioritize identifying and obtaining your damages. 

Our attorneys can obtain you reimbursement for unexpected losses due to years of experience handling similar instances. After your case is was successful, you may earn these damages:

• Medical Bills: Bicycle accidents can cause serious wounds due to cyclists’ poor protection compared to other vehicles. Our lawyers can recover reimbursement for future treatment, prescriptions, and assistance devices.
• Lost Income: Recovery from a bicycle accident might take weeks or longer, leading to lost wages. You may need time off work and lose income. Our attorneys will seek reimbursement for missed paychecks during rehabilitation.
• Decreased Ability to Earn: Accident victims may experience long-term or permanent disabilities that limit their earning potential. In such circumstances, our attorneys will seek compensation to maintain the quality of your life.
• Property Damage: Accidents can significantly damage bikes. If your bicycle is damaged, property damage compensation might help you restore or replace it.
• Mental Distress: Bicycle accidents can cause psychological distress, including anxiety and PTSD. Our attorneys can help you get mental distress compensation to pay for therapy and other services.
• Punitive Damages: When the at-fault person disregarded others’ safety or conducted an illegal act, punitive damages may be granted to prevent future behavior. If a drunk or reckless driver caused your bicycle accident, your St. George attorney may seek punitive damages.

With a thorough understanding of your accident circumstances, our attorneys can work diligently to ensure you receive the most appropriate compensation for your situation.

How Does Utah’s No-Fault Insurance Policy Affect Claims for Bicycle Accidents?

Utah’s no-fault vehicle insurance policy requires drivers to submit claims with their insurers after an accident, regardless of fault. The insurance company then pays medical bills and lost wages.

Utah’s no-fault policy allows you to sue the at-fault driver. However, pain and suffering claims are allowed under certain conditions. You need a serious injury like a bone fracture, disfigurement, or limb amputation.

Cyclists should expect their motor insurance company to cover medical bills and other injury-related charges under the no-fault insurance system. However, your insurance carrier may deny such claims. Such situations may lead to bad-faith insurance claims. Medical coverage under a family member’s policy may be available to those without motor insurance.

What Happens in Utah Bicycle Accidents Involving Hit-and-Run Drivers?

Unfortunately, Utah has many hit and run accidents involving vehicles fleeing the scene and causing injury, death, or property damage. Despite the felony charge, some drivers flee after accidents. There are numerous ways to handle a hit and run cases:

• Remember to note down the car’s license plate number, even if it’s just a fragment.
• Immediately call the police to report the incident.
• Seek medical attention as soon as you can.
• Engage a seasoned personal injury attorney to explore your legal recourse.

In the quest to discover what happened, law enforcement, along with your injury attorney, will search for any possible evidence, which may include:

• Traffic cameras are situated at intersections.
• CCTV recordings from nearby businesses.
• Dash-camera footage from bystander vehicles.
• Eyewitness accounts from passersby.

If law enforcement finds the hit-and-run driver, they may face civil and criminal penalties. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) from a qualifying motor insurance policy may cover your injuries.

Your coverage may need a collision provision for property damage. Instead, your homeowner’s insurance may cover bike damage. An skilled attorney can help you comprehend all your alternatives.

What Can a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Do for You?

At Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions, our dedicated personal injury attorneys can offer significant support in several ways if you’re involved in a bicycle accident.

• Comprehensive Case Evaluation: Our lawyers conduct a thorough case evaluation, identifying potential claims and analyzing damages. They explain your legal rights and compensation options.
• Investigation and Evidence Collection: Our lawyers thoroughly research your case, uncovering crucial facts and gathering important proof. This may require reconstructing the accident, hiring or partnering with accident reconstruction experts, and documenting everything.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies:Insurance firms can be challenging to work with. We represent you in these negotiations to protect your rights and reach a fair settlement.
• Navigating Legal Procedures: Legal proceedings are complex and have deadlines. Our attorneys manage protocols, documentation, and timelines throughout.
• Representation in Court: Our lawyers will represent you in court and advocate for your interests. They use persuasive arguments and negotiation methods to maximize your remuneration.

Choosing a lawyer at Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions means you’re not alone in the aftermath of your accident. Our team works tirelessly, leaving no stone unturned, to help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call our St. George, Utah Bicycle Accident Attorney Now!

You may face many challenges in the aftermath of a bicycle accident, particularly a hit-and-run. Negotiating claims with insurance companies, gathering evidence, dealing with law enforcement, and addressing medical issues can be overwhelming. This is where Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions can assist.

Our team of dedicated attorneys brings a staunch understanding of Utah’s laws relating to bicycle accidents and a commitment to fruitfully guiding you through all associated legal complexities. Our qualifications and dedication make us a perfect partner to handle your case.

But our legal offerings extend beyond bicycle accidents. We cater to a broad spectrum of legal avenues, including:

• Estate Planning: Ensuring a secure future for your loved ones.
• Family Law: Addressing diverse challenges families may face.
• Criminal Defense: Vigorously protecting your rights in criminal cases.

We take pride in our well-rounded legal experience and are ready to provide the necessary service.

Our team at Boyack Christiansen Legal Solutions stands ready to unburden you. We aim to offer comprehensive support, easing the path to your rightful compensation. We focus on bespoke solutions to meet the unique needs of your case.

Remember, time is of the essence in bicycle accident cases. So, don’t wait. Reach out and call our St. George, Utah Bicycle Accident Attorney today! We are prepared to navigate the complexities with you. Partner with us and take the first crucial step towards addressing your legal concerns.