Elmira Bicycle Accident Lawyers

More and more people are discovering the pleasures of bicycling for recreation, fitness, and even commuting to work. But with the increased number of bicyclists on the road, deaths and injuries from collisions of bicycles and cars are also increasing. Anyone who cycles regularly has encountered drivers who act as if they are the only ones who have the right to use the roads. They may try to pass too close and force a cyclist off the road, hit a bicycle from behind, fail to yield the right of way, or drive into the dedicated bike lane.

Every day bicyclists die or are seriously injured by drivers who are distracted, impaired, aggressive, speeding, careless, or who don’t know what the law requires of them when sharing the roads with cyclists. Three-quarters of cyclist fatalities are caused by head injuries. Brain trauma is among the most catastrophic of all injuries for those who survive. Others include spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, scarring, and more.

LAWYER FOR YOUR NEW YORK OR PENNSYLVANIA BICYCLE ACCIDENT CASE

When you’ve been injured riding your bike, you may have a claim to recover damages. You should consult a personal injury attorney to learn what your options are. These cases can become complicated and require an attorney who knows the laws of the state where the accident occurred.

Steve Proudfoot in Elmira is a personal injury attorney who handles many bicycle and other accident injury cases in both New York and Pennsylvania and understands the operation of insurance laws in both states. Whether your accident occurred north or south of the state line, Steve has the extensive experience and legal knowledge you need on your side when making a claim against the driver who injured you.

INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

Several possible sources of insurance may be available in a bike accident. Both New York and Pennsylvania have no-fault insurance, although it is optional in Pennsylvania. Steve will sort through the various possibilities to find insurance money to cover your medical expenses and lost earnings and will determine if your case meets the threshold, where applicable, for a lawsuit to recover your non-economic damages, including pain, suffering, emotional anguish, disability, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment if life, and so forth, along with economic losses not covered by no-fault.

WHY YOU NEED A BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER

In New York, if none of these options are available, you may be able to make an MVAIC claim in a New York bicycle accident. The rules governing MVAIC are often technical and confusing for the layman, and you need to obtain court approval to initiate an MVAIC claim, so it is important that you contact a New York personal injury lawyer for assistance.

To maximize your chances of getting a fair settlement in your bicycle accident case, regardless of whether no-fault, UM, or MVAIC is involved, you need to have an experienced bicycle accident attorney working on your behalf. Insurance companies are profit-oriented and want to pay the least they can get away with. The insurance adjuster is not on your side and is not concerned with what’s best for you. That’s your lawyer’s job—looking out for your best interests. Protect your rights by politely refusing to record a statement or sign any paperwork unless your lawyer tells you to.

Justice should be equally available to everyone, regardless of financial means, so Steve Proudfoot accepts accident cases on a contingency fee agreement. That means you pay nothing until you receive a recovery check. Call Proudfoot Law in Elmira today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.