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Legally speaking, what happens after sustaining a head injury while cycling? As experienced attorneys, we encourage you to learn your legal options, understand the insurance process, and truly appreciate the long-term financial impact of traumatic brain injuries and Florence bicycle accidents. Call the talented bicycle accident attorneys at Busald Funk Zevely today for a free consultation.
Legal Issues With Bicycle Accidents
The law does not require cyclists to wear helmets. However, insurance adjusters often claim that not wearing a helmet means you were careless and partially to blame.
Additionally, many cities do not have adequate bike infrastructure. Cities build most roads only for cars, with no bike lanes and no barriers to protect cyclists. This makes it extremely dangerous for cyclists, especially on busy streets. When a driver hits a cyclist in an area with no proper bike lanes, determining liability often comes down to whether the driver was being careful and whether the cyclist had the right to be on that road or sidewalk.
We know that police officers often report these accidents the same way they document a collision between two cars. Local law enforcement does not use a separate report form for bicycle-related collisions. Instead, they typically file these in a manner that leads to the omission of crucial details, especially those specific to bike dynamics or road-sharing laws.
These flaws in local laws and procedures make it harder to prepare a strong claim for traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bike crash in Florence.
Understanding Lifetime Costs of a TBI
People do not realize how expensive a TBI actually is. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that TBI costs in the U.S. range from several hundred thousand dollars to millions over your lifetime. That includes medical bills, lost income, medical equipment, nursing care, and long-term help. It does not address the pain and suffering you experienced.
We generally see people with TBIs needing emergency care, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, follow-up neurological care, physical therapy, and sometimes speech or occupational therapy. Moderate to severe TBIs require long-term care, such as home modifications, mobility equipment, and daily in-home assistance.
Even comparatively mild TBIs can become extremely expensive over time. Conditions resulting from a brain injury can include memory problems, constant headaches, trouble sleeping, and personality changes. These conditions reduce your ability to work and enjoy life, sometimes permanently. The losses experienced are not only financial.
Families dealing with the aftermath of a bike crash need to know what a brain injury will really cost. Expect the insurance company to offer you the lowest possible payout, often well below what your lifetime costs will be. An experienced Florence bike collision lawyer can help you understand the level of compensation that is fair based on the severity of your traumatic head injury.
The Legal Process After a TBI Bicycle Crash
The legal process starts by filing an insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance. If an uninsured driver causes the crash or the driver leaves the scene, you file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage, if you have it. In some cases, a personal health insurance policy is also used to cover initial medical expenses while legal action is pending.
Your Florence cycle collision lawyer will review all available evidence relating to your TBI and gather diagnostic scans and long-term care projections from your neurologist. Once we know how much compensation to demand, Busald Funk Zevely will start negotiating with the insurance provider. Filing a lawsuit becomes necessary when the driver’s insurer refuses to accept liability, when your damages exceed the policy limits, or when settlement negotiations stall.
If You Sustained a TBI in a Bike Crash, Call a Florence Lawyer Today
Busald Funk Zevely understands the intersection between traumatic brain injuries and Florence bicycle accidents. To consult with one of our experienced lawyers, contact us today.
