Bicycling is a great way to stay active and reduce your carbon footprint, but it also comes with risks—especially when motorists fail to share the road responsibly. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of losses. As our Raleigh, NC bicycle accident lawyer can attest, understanding the types of compensation available can help you make informed decisions and ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Below are the primary categories of compensation (also known as “damages”) that you can recover in a bicycle accident claim.
Medical Expenses
Medical costs are often the most immediate and overwhelming consequence of a bicycle accident. You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospital stays
- Surgery
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Medical devices (braces, crutches, wheelchairs)
- Ongoing or future medical care
Even if you have health insurance, it may not cover all of your expenses. A claim can help recover these out-of-pocket costs.
Lost Wages
If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you can seek compensation for lost income. This includes:
- Wages lost during recovery
- Missed opportunities for bonuses or commissions
- Loss of paid time off
- Future earning capacity (if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term)
Our lawyer may work with financial experts to calculate these losses, especially when your career is impacted by the injury.
Pain And Suffering
Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the physical and emotional distress you experience due to the accident. This includes:
- Physical pain
- Emotional trauma
- Depression or anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
While this category is less tangible than medical bills, it often forms a significant portion of a personal injury settlement.
Property Damage
If your bicycle, helmet, phone, or other personal property was damaged or destroyed in the accident, you can claim the cost of repairs or replacement. This also includes any gear or equipment damaged in the crash.
Loss Of Consortium
In some cases, spouses or family members can seek compensation for the loss of companionship, intimacy, or support caused by the injured person’s condition. This is known as loss of consortium and usually applies in more severe or long-term injury cases.
Punitive Damages
Although rare, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party’s behavior was especially reckless or malicious—such as a driver who was intoxicated or intentionally aggressive toward a cyclist. These damages are meant to punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct in the future.
How A Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help
Calculating the full value of your claim involves more than adding up medical bills. Our experienced bicycle accident lawyer will evaluate all areas of your loss, gather supporting evidence, consult experts, and negotiate with insurance companies to pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you have the legal right to recover damages for both your financial and emotional losses. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim. Speak with our attorney to protect your rights and get the compensation you need to move forward. At Burton Law Firm, we are here to help you.