A cyclist riding through Layton’s Main Street may suddenly be struck by a driver making an illegal turn, leaving them with multiple fractures and weeks of painful recovery. Or maybe a bicyclist is hit by a distracted driver who swerves into a curb, suffering head trauma and costly medical bills. These types of situations are becoming far more common than they should be.
At Siegfried & Jensen, our Layton bicycle accident lawyers have served over 35,000 accident victims and injury survivors over the last 30+ years. We work to hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause.
Contact your reputable Layton personal injury lawyer to learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve and schedule your 100% free consultation.
You Have the Right to Be Made Whole
If you suffered an injury in a bicycle accident, you have the right to seek compensation for the losses you experienced. Damages can include physical, emotional, and financial hardships that disrupt your life.
Visit our “How do I get compensation for injuries” resource page to learn more about recovering damages after an accident, such as:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses include the costs of immediate and ongoing care required to treat your injuries. This may involve emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications. Long-term care, such as rehabilitation or assistive devices, may also be included in these damages.
For instance, if you sustained a spinal cord injury after a bicycle accident, medical expenses may include months of physical therapy and adaptive equipment. These costs can add up quickly, creating financial strain for you and your family. Under Utah Code § 78B-2-307, you typically have up to four years to pursue compensation to cover these medical expenses through a personal injury lawsuit.
Loss of Income
Loss of income refers to wages you were unable to earn while recovering from your injuries. If your condition prevents you from returning to work, you may also seek compensation for lost future earning capacity. Compensation for loss of income ensures you can cover your bills and basic living expenses during your recovery.
Emotional Trauma
Emotional trauma addresses the psychological impact of a bicycle accident, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These damages recognize the emotional toll that severe injuries can have on your daily life. Therapy, counseling, and mental health treatment often play a critical role in recovery.
Property Damage
Property damage covers the costs of repairing or replacing your damaged bicycle and any other personal property harmed in the accident. This includes helmets, cycling gear, and devices like phones or GPS systems that may have been destroyed. Receipts and repair estimates are often used to calculate the value of these losses.
For example, if a car crash destroyed your $2,000 road bike, you have the right to recover the full cost of repair or replacement. Compensation for property damage ensures that you are not left paying out of pocket for someone else’s negligence. These damages can be included as part of a larger claim for your overall losses.
Diminished Quality of Life
Diminished quality of life refers to the impact your injuries have on your ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, and relationships. Severe injuries may prevent you from participating in activities like cycling, exercising, or spending time with family. These damages recognize the profound effect an accident can have on your life and well-being.
For instance, if a leg injury prevents you from cycling or hiking, it can significantly reduce your physical and emotional fulfillment. Compensation for diminished quality of life helps address the ways the accident has disrupted your personal enjoyment. Your bicycle accident lawyer in Layton, UT, may use medical evaluations and personal testimony to establish the actual impact of your losses.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accident lawyer serving Layton, call (801) 266-0999
How Bicycle Accident Insurance Claims Unfold
Filing an insurance claim after a bicycle accident involves working with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Insurance typically covers damages like medical bills, lost wages, and the cost to repair or replace your bicycle. However, insurance adjusters may attempt to undervalue your claim or deny responsibility altogether.
Insurance companies often use tactics such as offering low settlements or questioning the extent of your injuries. Providing strong evidence, such as medical records, accident reports, and photos of the scene, can help challenge these tactics. Your Layton bicycle accident attorney with Siegfried & Jensen will help you document the full value of your claim and protect your rights.
Layton Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
Establishing Blame for Layton Bicycle Accidents
Establishing blame for a bicycle accident involves identifying the parties responsible for causing the crash. Liability often falls on negligent drivers, but other parties may also share fault. Some of the most common parties held accountable in bicycle accident claims include:
- Drivers who speed, fail to yield, or engage in distracted driving are frequently responsible for bicycle accidents.
- Businesses that overserve alcohol to intoxicated drivers can be held liable under Utah’s dram shop laws.
- Municipalities responsible for road maintenance can be liable for accidents caused by potholes, poor signage, or unsafe intersections.
Utah Comparative Negligence Laws
Under Utah Code § 78B-5-818, Utah follows a comparative negligence rule when determining fault in personal injury claims. If you are found partially responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault, your award will be reduced by 20%.
Insurance companies often use comparative negligence to reduce payouts by shifting blame onto you. We can present evidence, such as witness statements and accident reconstructions, to minimize your share of fault. This approach helps protect your right to recover full and fair compensation.
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Meet With a High-Powered Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Layton, UT for Help Today
Bicycle accidents can leave you struggling to recover physically and financially. However, with your bicycle accident attorney in Layton, UT, from Siegfried & Jensen, you have access to the legal experience and support you need to hold negligent parties accountable.
Contact our office to schedule your risk-free, no-cost consultation when you are ready to demand maximum compensation for your damages and suffering.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form