Being involved in a bicycle accident can be stressful and confusing, especially if you believe you share some responsibility for what happened. At Burton Law Firm, our Raleigh, NC bicycle accident lawyer wants you to know that even if you were partially at fault, you may still have a right to pursue a claim for the injuries you suffered. We help our clients by researching, preparing, and gathering the appropriate expert witnesses so that they can have the strongest case possible. We know that the smallest details matter. Don’t hesitate any further to reach out to our team.
Partial Responsibility Doesn’t Mean No Compensation
Many people think that if they caused part of the accident, they won’t receive any compensation. This is not always true. In many states, laws allow for what’s called comparative fault or contributory negligence. This means your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you, but you can still recover damages.
For example, if a court finds you were 30% responsible for the accident and the other party was 70% responsible, you could still receive 70% of the total damages. This helps protect bicyclists who may share some blame but were still seriously hurt due to another’s actions.
What To Do After A Bicycle Accident
After an accident, it’s important to get medical treatment right away to document your injuries. Even if you feel okay, some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Medical records will also support your claim later.
You should also gather as much information as possible about the accident. This includes the other party’s contact and insurance details, photos of the scene and your bike, and names of witnesses. If the police were called, get a copy of the report.
How We Can Help With Your Claim
We understand that no accident is the same, and fault can be shared. We work with you to evaluate all the facts and build a case that reflects your situation. We handle communication with insurance companies and fight for compensation that covers your medical bills, lost income, and pain from the accident.
We also review your insurance policies and any settlement offers carefully. Insurance companies sometimes try to pay less when fault is shared. Our job is to make sure you are treated fairly and your rights are protected.
What Happens If You Are Found Partially At Fault
If you are assigned some fault in your case, the amount of money you can recover will usually be reduced according to the percentage of fault. This means your final settlement might be lower than the total damages you’ve suffered. Still, this compensation can be very important to help pay for your recovery and expenses.
It’s important not to admit fault or make statements that could be used against you. Let us handle communication with the insurance company and opposing parties. We will work to limit the impact of any shared fault on your claim.
Reach Out To Us For Help Today
If you’ve been hurt in a bicycle accident and you believe you may share some responsibility, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Burton Law Firm. We offer 24/7 live call answering and we can listen to your story and explain your options. We understand you are likely concerned about paying your medical bills and you don’t have to face the insurance companies or legal process alone. Contact us today to see how we can help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.