Catastrophic injuries are common in bicycle accidents due to the fact that aside from a helmet, riders typically don’t have anything else to protect them in the event of a crash. Between medical expenses and missed time from work, the costs of an accident can add up quickly. Fortunately, an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Bridgeport can help you recover money.
At Claggett, Sykes & Garza, we have been helping accident victims recover the money they need from those liable for their damages for years. Our team of experienced Bridgeport personal injury lawyers will work around the clock to ensure you recover fair compensation. Reach out to us today to set up a free case evaluation with a member of our legal staff.
Bicycle Accident Cases Usually End With Out-of-Court Settlements
Before you get started with your case, it is important to know what you can expect. There is a strong chance that your case will not go to trial, as the majority of bicycle accident cases are concluded through out-of-court settlements. The reason for this is that settling is usually the best option for both parties.
A settlement means you will recover money far more quickly than would be possible with a trial. Meanwhile, the liable party can avoid any unwanted attention that may accompany a trial. While your case is likely to settle, that does not mean you should rush into a settlement. You need to have an experienced lawyer review any settlement offer before you accept a deal.
The fact that your case will likely settle does not mean you don’t have to prepare for trial. There is always the possibility that you will be unable to reach a settlement agreement. Furthermore, by showing a willingness to take your case to court, you will put pressure on the opposition to offer you better settlement terms so they can avoid going to trial.
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The Four Elements of Negligence
When pursuing compensation after suffering damages in a bicycle accident, you may have to prove that the at-fault party was negligent. To prove negligence, you must demonstrate the presence of four elements in your case:
- Duty of care
- Breached duty of care
- Damages
- Causation
Duty of Care
The first element of negligence that you must establish to recover compensatory damages is the existence of a duty of care. The liable party owing you a duty of care means they are responsible for behaving in a reasonable manner with the purpose of helping to ensure your safety.
Most of the time, proving that a duty of care existed is pretty straightforward in bicycle accident cases. For example, if you are trying to recover compensation from the driver of the vehicle that hit you, their duty of care is evident.
All drivers on the road owe a duty of care to everyone around them to ensure they take all reasonable precautions while operating their vehicles to help ensure the safety of everyone around them.
Breached Duty of Care
The next step in proving negligence is establishing how the at-fault party breached their duty of care. With a driver who struck you, there are a variety of ways you can prove that they violated their duty of care while driving their vehicle, including showing that they were:
- Speeding
- Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting
- Damages
After proving that the liable party breached their duty of care, the next step is to show that you sustained damages. Your medical records from after your accident and the associated medical bills will serve as sufficient proof of the damages you incurred.
Causation
The final step in proving negligence is showing how all the pieces tie together. When you hire an experienced Bridgeport bicycle accident attorney from Claggett, Sykes & Garza, they will help demonstrate to the court how your damages were the direct result of the at-fault party breaching their duty of care.
Proving negligence is a critical step in recovering compensation from those liable for your damages in most bicycle accident cases. If you lost a loved one as a result of a bicycle accident, an experienced Bridgeport wrongful death lawyer can help you file a wrongful death claim and prove the negligence of the at-fault party so you can recover the money you deserve.
Secure the Services of an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney in Bridgeport Soon After Your Accident
When attempting to recover damages following a bicycle accident, you need to familiarize yourself with the Connecticut personal injury statute of limitations deadline. Failing to file your lawsuit on time can result in the loss of your options for recovering compensation. Of course, exceptions exist that can shift the filing deadline in either direction if they apply to your case.
The best way to determine if any exceptions apply is by hiring an experienced bicycle accident lawyer serving Bridgeport shortly after your accident. Once your lawyer has identified the precise deadline for your case, they will complete and submit all the necessary documents correctly and on time.
Hiring an attorney shortly after your accident will have the added benefit of putting them in the best position to build a strong case on your behalf. Delays can result in evidence being lost or corrupted. In addition, any witness testimony you depend on will be less credible as time passes after your accident.
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Get Help From an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer Serving Bridgeport Today
Following a bicycle accident in which you suffered damages, recovering compensation from the party responsible for your damages will likely be critical for getting your life back on track. Hiring an experienced bicycle accident attorney serving Bridgeport is the best way to improve your chances of getting the money you deserve.
At Claggett, Sykes & Garza, our team of experienced legal professionals is ready to take your case to court if that is what is needed to ensure a favorable outcome for your case. Contact us today by giving us a call, completing our contact form, or using our online chat tool to set up a free, no-obligation case consultation.
