Bicycle Accidents

At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we understand the profound and life-altering effects that a bicycle accident can have on you and your family. As dedicated bicycle accident lawyers, we specialize in representing injured cyclists who have been involved in collisions with motor vehicles, pedestrians, or unsafe road conditions. Our attorneys are experts in personal injury law with a strong focus on bicycle-related accidents. We work relentlessly to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure that you are fully compensated for your physical, emotional, and financial suffering.

We know that after a bicycle accident, you may face long recovery periods, substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and psychological trauma. Our team is here to provide compassionate, experienced legal counsel that protects your rights while helping you regain control of your life. Whether you are dealing with insurance companies, pursuing legal claims, or recovering from your injuries, Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa is committed to securing justice and fair compensation for your losses.

 

Bicycle Accidents and Their Impact

Bicycle accidents are not only common but can also lead to severe, life-altering injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of cyclists are injured every year due to crashes with vehicles, unsafe roads, and other cyclists. When an accident occurs, cyclists are highly vulnerable due to the lack of protection that bicycles provide compared to cars. Helmets, while critical, cannot fully prevent head trauma or other serious injuries.

The potential impacts of a bicycle accident include:

Physical Injuries
These can range from minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening head injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and more.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Many bicycle accident victims suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after an accident, especially when dealing with long recovery periods or permanent disability.

Financial Hardship
Medical bills, lost wages, and costs for rehabilitation and recovery can quickly add up, leaving you with overwhelming debt.

At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we are committed to helping you recover from the financial burden of your accident, whether that means negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

While every accident is unique, the causes of bicycle accidents often fall into common categories. Understanding these causes is critical for establishing liability and determining the best course of action for your legal case.

Motor Vehicle Collisions
The majority of serious bicycle accidents involve motor vehicles. Drivers who fail to yield, drive distracted, or make illegal turns pose a major risk to cyclists, particularly in urban environments where roads are congested and visibility can be limited.

Unsafe Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads, potholes, debris, and inadequate signage can all contribute to accidents. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to road hazards because they have less control over their vehicle compared to drivers of cars or trucks.

Negligent or Distracted Drivers
Texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise being distracted while driving can lead to devastating consequences for cyclists. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are also a major cause of bicycle accidents.

Cyclist Error
While many accidents are caused by others, some may result from cyclists’ mistakes, such as failing to signal, running a red light, or riding in unsafe conditions without appropriate lighting or protective gear.

Defective Equipment
In some cases, a bicycle accident might be caused by faulty equipment. If a bicycle part, such as brakes or tires, fails, the manufacturer or retailer may be held liable for your injuries.

In any case, our attorneys will thoroughly investigate the cause of your accident, whether it’s due to a negligent driver, dangerous road conditions, or defective equipment. This comprehensive approach ensures that we can hold the right parties accountable and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

 

Injuries Resulting from Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents often result in serious injuries that can require long-term treatment and rehabilitation. Many of these injuries are life-changing and can prevent you from working, enjoying hobbies, or living a normal life. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we specialize in cases involving severe injuries, and we work closely with medical experts to assess the full extent of your damages.

Common bicycle accident injuries include:

Head Trauma and Concussions
Even with a helmet, cyclists are at risk for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can cause long-term cognitive issues, memory problems, and personality changes. Concussions, if untreated, can also lead to post-concussive syndrome, affecting your ability to work and enjoy daily activities.

Broken Bones and Fractures
Collisions often result in broken bones, including fractured arms, collarbones, ribs, and legs. These injuries often require surgery, physical therapy, and a long recovery period.

Shoulder Injuries
Falling off a bicycle or being hit by a car often results in shoulder injuries, such as dislocations, rotator cuff tears, or fractures, which can severely limit mobility and require extensive rehabilitation or surgery.

Spinal Cord Injuries
One of the most serious outcomes of a bicycle accident, spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifelong care and assistance.

Road Rash and Soft Tissue Damage
Cyclists who are thrown off their bikes or dragged on the pavement often suffer from road rash, severe cuts, and soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains. These injuries can lead to long-term pain and mobility issues.

Our legal team ensures that your injuries are well-documented and that you receive the necessary medical treatment. We factor in both immediate and long-term medical needs when seeking compensation to ensure your financial future is protected.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, your immediate actions can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Here are the most important steps to take after a bicycle accident:

Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, might not present symptoms immediately but can worsen over time. A medical evaluation will also provide vital documentation for your injury claim.

Document the Scene
If you’re able, take photos of the accident scene, including damage to your bicycle, the vehicle involved, any visible injuries, and road conditions that may have contributed to the crash.

Get Witness Information
If there are witnesses to your accident, make sure to gather their contact information. Witness testimony can play a crucial role in supporting your case.

File a Police Report
Always report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor at the time. A police report will provide an objective record of the incident and can be used as evidence in your claim.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney
The legal process following a bicycle accident can be complicated, especially if you’re dealing with serious injuries. An attorney from Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa can immediately begin investigating your case, dealing with insurance companies, and advising you on the next steps to take.

Following these steps ensures that your rights are protected and that you have the evidence needed to build a strong claim for compensation.

 

Legal Representation for Bicycle Accident Claims

Navigating the legal landscape after a bicycle accident can be challenging, particularly when you’re dealing with medical bills, injuries, and insurance companies. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, our experienced attorneys handle every aspect of your claim, from the initial investigation to final settlement or litigation.

We provide comprehensive legal services, including:

Investigating Liability
We conduct thorough investigations to determine all responsible parties, whether it’s a negligent driver, defective product manufacturer, or government entity responsible for road maintenance.

Filing Insurance Claims
Dealing with insurance companies can be daunting, especially when they try to minimize your claim. We work with both health insurance and vehicle insurance companies to ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to.

Negotiating Settlements
Many bicycle accident cases are settled out of court, but without skilled negotiation, you risk accepting a settlement that doesn’t cover the full extent of your injuries. Our attorneys fight to ensure you receive maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Litigation and Trial Representation
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to take your case to court. Our trial lawyers are experienced litigators with a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients.

 

Compensation for Bicycle Accident Victims

Bicycle accident victims are often entitled to significant compensation to cover the physical, emotional, and financial burdens caused by their injuries. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we fight to ensure you are fully compensated for all aspects of your losses, including:

Medical Bills
Compensation for past, current, and future medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing rehabilitation.

Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working, we will pursue compensation for lost wages, as well as lost future earning capacity if your ability to work is permanently affected.

Pain and Suffering
In addition to the physical injuries you’ve endured, we seek compensation for your emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and overall pain and suffering.

Property Damage
We can help you recover the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.

Our goal is to ensure that you are not left with any out-of-pocket expenses and that you receive fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

Why Choose Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa?

Choosing the right legal team after a bicycle accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we pride ourselves on our commitment to client satisfaction and our proven ability to secure the best possible results for injured cyclists.

Why cyclists choose us:

Extensive Experience
Our attorneys have decades of experience handling personal injury and bicycle accident cases, giving us the insight and expertise needed to tackle even the most complex claims.

Proven Results
We have a strong track record of recovering millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, ensuring they can focus on healing while we handle the legal process.

Personalized Attention
We understand that every case is unique. Our team takes the time to understand the specific details of your accident and injuries to provide personalized legal representation tailored to your needs.

No Upfront Fees
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. This ensures that our interests are fully aligned with yours — securing maximum compensation.

 

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our attorneys are ready to discuss your case, answer your questions, and explain the next steps in pursuing compensation for your injuries.