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Wrongful Death Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Losing a loved one in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence is devastating. Our lawyers are here to guide you through your legal options and fight for justice.
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Meet Our Wrongful Death Cycling Accident Lawyers
Our team of experienced legal experts in bicycle wrongful death cases is dedicated to helping families who have tragically lost a loved one in a cycling accident. We understand the emotional and financial toll such a loss can take, and we are here to provide compassionate legal support throughout the process.
From investigating the cause of the accident to fighting for fair compensation, we work tirelessly to protect your family’s rights. If you’ve lost a cyclist in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, our experts are here to help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Wrongful Death in Bicycle Accidents?
Bicycle accidents that end in tragedy often occur because of risky choices made by drivers on the road. Here are the most common causes of wrongful deaths:
- Distracted driving. When drivers check phones, eat, or take their eyes off the road, they fail to notice a cyclist. Even a tiny bit of distraction can have deadly consequences.
- Speeding and reckless. When people drive fast, they have less time to see a cyclist and react appropriately.
- Failure to share the road. Some drivers don’t give a bicyclist enough room or try to pass them in a dangerous way. This can often lead to a sideswipe accident or push a cyclist off the road entirely.
- Drunk or impaired driving. Many fatal bike accidents occur at night or early in the morning, when drunk drivers are more likely to be on the road.
- Dangerous road conditions. The blame for the death of a cyclist isn’t always on the driver. Poor road design or maintenance can also lead to fatal accidents, making cities and construction companies potentially at fault.
Bicycle Wrongful Death US Statistics
Statistics paint a worrisome picture of bike safety on U.S. roads. Each year, numerous families suffer the loss of loved ones in an avoidable bike accident. Let’s see what fresh data reveals.
Bicycle crash deaths increased by 10% in just one year, hitting 1,360 in 2022. That’s almost four riders every single day. What’s even worse is that these deaths have surged by 47% since 2013.
In 2022, summer and fall were the riskiest times for bicyclists. August was the standout month for fatalities, with 156 deaths reported. Winter was a bit better. January recorded the fewest fatalities—73.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in a Bicycle Crash?
When someone dies in a bicycle crash, certain family members and representatives have the legal right to seek justice. These include:
- Surviving spouse. The partner of the cyclist who passed away is first in line to file a wrongful death claim. They can go after compensation for the loss of companionship, support, and the financial help that their spouse used to provide.
- Children of the deceased. Biological kids and legally adopted ones can file a claim for losing their parents. They might get compensation for the guidance, emotional support, and financial assistance they would have received over the years.
- Parents of the victim. If the bicyclist was unmarried or underage, their parents can file a claim.
- Financial dependents. Those who can prove they relied on the financial support of a cyclist can file a claim. This could be elderly parents, stepkids, or anyone who depended on regular help from the deceased.
Who Parties Can Be Held Accountable for a Fatal Accident?
Liability for a wrongful death in bicycle accidents typically falls on the party whose negligence or actions caused the fatal crash involving a cyclist. This could be a motor vehicle driver, especially if the accident was the result of distracted, impaired, or reckless driving. In some cases, government entities may be held responsible if poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to the accident. Likewise, construction companies can be liable if unsafe construction zones or hazards caused the death of a cyclist.
- Motor Vehicle Driver
- Another Cyclist
- Government
- Construction Company
Determining liability depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the accident and the actions of those involved.
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What Damages Can Be Recovered in the Wrongful Death Case?
While no legal action can bring back your loved one, understanding what compensation you can seek helps protect your family’s future. Let’s look at what damages you can be entitled to receive:
If the death wasn’t immediate, there were probably vast bills for medical treatment in a person’s final days or weeks. We help recover these expenses, including ambulance rides, ER visits, surgeries, ICU stays, and any treatments the doctors tried.
Losing someone who supported the family financially poses concerns about the future. We assess how much a cyclist could have earned over their lifetime, and this includes not just their salary but also raises they might have received, benefits from their job, retirement funds, and more.
You can totally get money for both the pain your family member dealt with after the crash and the grief your family is going through. Even though nothing can replace the loss, this acknowledges the physical suffering they went through and the emotional loss your family is experiencing.
It might seem small compared to everything else, but you can receive compensation for items that were damaged in the accident. This includes a bicycle, safety gear, mobile phone, clothing, or any other belongings that were broken.
Funeral costs can be high. Your claim can include all the costs involved in honoring your loved one: the funeral service, burial or cremation, memorial service, and more.
What to Expect When Working with a Bicycle Wrongful Death Lawyer
A wrongful death lawyer steps up as your ally when you lose a relative or a friend in a bike crash. They handle the legal matters so you can grieve and support your family. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer is well-versed in these cases.
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Gather Evidence
They promptly gather critical evidence, including photographs from the accident scene, surveillance videos, and statements from witnesses. They may also enlist experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to clarify the circumstances and determine who was responsible.
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Deal with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies tend to pressure grieving families into accepting a quick, low payout. A lawyer protects your rights and handles all communications with insurance companies. They know the true value of wrongful death claims and won’t let insurance companies take advantage of your family’s vulnerability.
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Maximize Claim Value
Furthermore, wrongful death lawyers understand the full financial impact of losing a family member. They also work with financial experts to calculate all your losses, both current and long-term.
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We fight to get you what you deserve. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
How to Choose a Lawyer
Not every attorney is familiar with the challenges associated with bicycle fatalities. Some law firms mostly deal with motor vehicle accident cases and may not have knowledge regarding cycling rules. So, here are some key factors to consider when selecting your bicycle accident lawyer.
Look for a lawyer with specialized experience in relevant cases to ensure they understand cycling laws and specific challenges.
Your bicycle accident attorney should also understand your city’s specific bicycle infrastructure and laws and how local courts typically handle bicycle cases.
Ask about their trial experience with bicycle cases and when they began specializing in bicycle law, beyond just settlements.
Review their specific results in their cases. A reputable bicycle accident attorney will eagerly share concrete examples.
Contact Our Wrongful Death Bicycle Lawyers for a Free Consultation!
Get in touch with our lawyer for a free consultation today! We understand the pain of losing a loved one in a cycling accident, and our experienced team is here to provide the support you need.
We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and work to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us now for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward justice.
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Get a FREE case evaluation today
If you’re a cyclist who has been in an accident, call today for a free initial consult about your legal claim. We’re here to help with your legal questions. Contact our law firm for coast-to-coast bike accident and personal injury representation.
We will do our best to reach you out as soon as possible