With beautiful trails and a strong biking community, Arlington is a fantastic place to ride. But accidents can happen, and when they do, they can change your life in an instant. After an accident, dealing with the legal side of things is likely the last thing you want to tackle.
You’re hurt, you can’t work, and you’re struggling to care for your family. It’s frustrating when the accident wasn’t even your fault. Fortunately, an Arlington bicycle accident lawyer can help.
At Kitchel Law, our Arlington personal injury lawyers have over 28 years of combined experience advocating for injured accident victims. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and tell us what happened.
Do You Need an Attorney for a Bicycle Accident?
When you are injured, an insurance company may quickly offer a settlement, and you may think your troubles are over. However, contacting a lawyer after your accident is crucial and prevents you from making major mistakes.
Insurance companies often attempt to offer low settlements, hoping you don’t understand what your claim is worth. Accepting their offer could forfeit your right to seek compensation later, even if your condition deteriorates.
Our Arlington bicycle accident attorneys can give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re not facing this battle alone. We’ll work to make sure you get the compensation you truly deserve, not the lowest amount the insurance company thinks it can get away with.
How Our Lawyers Can Help
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers hired to protect their interests. You don’t want to take them on by yourself. A skilled lawyer can level the playing field and help you get the outcome you are entitled to. Here are some benefits of hiring our team:
Comprehensive Case Management
Our team will handle every detail of your case. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process, ensuring you’re never uncertain about your case. With our team, you have a partner who addresses the legal aspects and is sincerely committed to your recovery.
Accident Investigation
Our Arlington bicycle accident attorney will review evidence like security footage, witness statements, and dash cam recordings from surrounding vehicles. We look to uncover the facts needed to identify the liable party and make a solid case.
We Understand Cyclists
We understand Arlington’s streets firsthand. As cyclists, we know what it’s like to navigate tight lanes, share space with drivers who don’t always give enough room, and face the reality of how vulnerable cyclists are on the road.
Insurance Company Negotiations
We will deal with insurance companies to negotiate a settlement on your behalf. We will work to get fair compensation that covers your damages. If the insurance company won’t cooperate, we can help you file a civil lawsuit and take your case to court.
How Much is an Arlington Bicycle Accident Case Worth?
Injured cyclists have the right to seek compensation for their damages, including financial losses as well as the emotional pain and challenges they may experience. Some of the damages you can recover may include the following:
Medical Expenses
A bike crash can result in various injuries that impact every aspect of your life. Your medical costs may include:
- Emergency care
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Prescriptions
- Necessary medical equipment
Lost Income
Injuries leading to missed work can threaten your financial security. Compensation for lost wages should include pay for the days you missed, along with benefits, bonuses, and the possibility of lost future earnings if the injuries have long-term consequences.
Property Damage
When filing a bike crash claim, it’s important to include damages for the repair or replacement of your bike, helmet, and any personal items lost during the incident. As cyclists know, a bike, helmet, and other gear are more than just equipment—they’re valued investments.
Pain and Suffering
The effects of a crash extend beyond just visible injuries, imposing considerable physical and emotional strain. You could experience ongoing emotional distress and chronic pain that interferes with your daily life. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to alleviate these hardships.
What Does an Arlington Bicycle Accident Case Cost?
Our bicycle accident lawyers in Arlington understand that the last thing an accident victim should worry about is paying for the legal help needed to get fair compensation.
Here’s how Kitchel Law handles costs:
- No upfront costs: Working with us means you won’t need to worry about any upfront payments. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win.
- Percentage–based fee: We disclose our fee structure from the very beginning, ensuring there are no hidden costs or last-minute surprises.
- No financial risk: If we don’t win the case, you won’t owe anything at all. You can feel confident knowing there’s no risk of receiving a bill just for pursuing justice and standing up after an accident.
Some cases might incur extra costs, such as court fees or expert witness expenses, but Kitchel Law pays these upfront. You will only need to reimburse the firm if your case succeeds, and we will explain any possible costs before proceeding.
How Bicycle Accidents Happen
Understanding the causes of bicycle accidents is key to recognizing the risks and encouraging drivers to respect cyclists’ rights. Here are some of the common ways cyclists in Arlington may sustain injuries:
Driver Doors
Parked drivers who open their doors without looking can put an unexpected obstacle in a cyclist’s path, causing a collision. They can also force the cyclist to swerve, resulting in an accident.
Left Hook/Right Hook
Left hook turns occur when a vehicle coming from the opposite direction turns into the cyclist’s path, leaving no time for the cyclist to react. A right hook turn happens when a car moving in the same direction overtakes a cyclist and then turns ahead of them.
Lane Incursions
As a cyclist in Arlington, you have the right to travel in bike lanes, share the road with motorists, and even use the sidewalk in some instances. Some drivers are unaware of the laws and rules that govern bicycle riders, which can force them into bad situations.
Intersection Collisions
Intersections are common locations for bicycle accidents. When drivers disregard red lights or fail to stop at signs, they may hit cyclists traveling through the intersection, leading to T-bone or angle collisions.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries in Arlington
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the most severe injuries cyclists encounter, and sadly, they account for many bicycle-related fatalities. Brain injuries don’t always manifest immediately. Often, the full impact may not be apparent until days or even weeks later.
After a crash, it’s easy to dismiss the pain or skip that trip to the ER, but it’s important to see a doctor as soon after your accident as possible. Other common injuries cyclists face include:
- Head Injuries
- Spinal Injuries
- Fractures
- Soft Tissue Damage
- Internal Organ Injuries
These injuries can significantly impact your life and require both prompt medical attention and ongoing treatment. Kitchel Law is dedicated to ensuring you receive the necessary medical care and legal assistance for your recovery and rebuilding process.
Contact an Arlington Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you have been in a bicycle accident, you don’t need a reminder of how exposed cyclists are on the road. One crash can leave you injured and unable to work, with debts piling up. Even worse, it means you can’t be there for the people who depend on you.
Insurance companies are supposed to help during such difficult times, but they often have other priorities. Our Arlington bicycle accident lawyers can handle your case with both skill and heart, making sure you feel supported every step of the way.
At Kitchel Law, we’re here to stand by you, just as we’ve stood by others, because everyone deserves justice and the chance to move forward after an accident.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help.
