Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Delaware

Fighting to Help Cyclists Recover Fair Compensation

There’s nothing like hopping on a bicycle and enjoying the beautiful surroundings in Delaware. Many people ride their bikes when they want to enjoy the outdoors, but others use this as their primary means of transportation. Fortunately for citizens of our state, Delaware consistently ranks high on the list of states with the best bicycle infrastructure. Sadly, this doesn’t mean accidents are uncommon. If you’ve been injured in such an incident, a Delaware bicycle accident lawyer may be able to help.

At Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys at Law, we too frequently see the devastating effects of Delaware bicycle accidents. Many of our clients contact us with life-altering and catastrophic injuries. In some cases, we hear from the families of deceased cyclists. In every situation, our goal is to help victims better understand their rights and how to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation. We can discuss your case and let you know if you’re entitled to compensation.

Is Delaware Safe for Bicycle Riders?

It’s difficult to answer whether a specific state is safe for cyclists — particularly in the case of Delaware. While our home is ranked as one of the best areas for cyclists, it also has one of the highest rates of fatal bicycle accidents in any state. Of course, this rate is no doubt affected by the fact that we have a higher rate of cyclists than many other states. To put it simply, Delaware does offer safety and infrastructure for bike lovers, but there are always inherent risks to this activity.

Unfortunately, it’s typically the negligence of others that causes such accidents. Many drivers simply don’t know how to share the road. Even scarier, a single moment of inattention can lead to a devastating collision. Such distractions are a major contributor to cyclist deaths Delaware sees on average every year. It’s no doubt difficult to reconcile how a state can be so attractive to bike riders yet so dangerous for some, but that’s just a reality Delawareans live with.

How Dangerous Are Bicycle Accidents?

Even wearing protective gear while riding in one of the most bicycle-friendly states in America isn’t always enough to prevent harm. In fact, cyclists often suffer catastrophic injuries even in accidents that would be relatively minor between two motor vehicles. All the enjoyment of the open air that bicyclists experience also means they have minimal protection when they collide with automobiles, pavement, or other objects.

After experiencing an accident, many injury victims are taken directly to the hospital. This is because several of the following injuries — some of the most common in bicycle collisions — can result in serious harm or even death if left untreated:

• Head injuries, including hemorrhage and traumatic brain injuries
• Lacerations, road burn, and open wounds
• Internal organ damage
• Fractures and broken bones
• Paralysis
• Ligament and tendon injuries to the hands, wrists, and knees
• Whiplash

Even some injuries that are considered common and minor can cause significant issues. For instance, whiplash can result in delayed symptoms that cause dizziness, visual difficulties, and other issues. Left untreated, it can also lead to depression and suicidal thoughts long after the accident. Regardless of the injury, you suffer, speaking with a bicycle accident lawyer in Delaware is often a wise decision.

Following severe injuries, you’re likely to face significant losses. These can come in the form of lost wages, property damage, and medical bills — or as non-economic losses such as disfigurement, emotional distress, and anxiety. Even an insurer who wants to help victims cover their economic losses — something that may be difficult to find in the industry — is not likely to offer compensation for non-economic losses without an attorney urging them to do so.

Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney for Bike Accidents?

Following a bicycle accident, you may think it’s fairly clear who was at fault. Liability is frequently clear in such cases. This leads many injury victims and their families to think they can pursue compensation on their own. While they certainly have the right to do this, it often doesn’t play out fairly or even how they expected. This is because insurance companies — even when there’s no question that their customer caused injuries — are focused on profit above all.

Because of this, they’ll often ask leading questions meant to elicit an admission of guilt from you. Even if they can’t get you to accept full responsibility, admitting any form of liability can reduce your eventual settlement or court award since Delaware is a modified comparative negligence state. This means courts will reduce any financial restitution you receive by the percentage of fault they believe you share.

You can also benefit from a Delaware bicycle accident lawyer if your case goes to trial. This is a common outcome when insurers don’t offer fair compensation. Whether you agree to a settlement or take your case to court, though, the biggest benefit of having an attorney is an increased likelihood of recovering maximum compensation. On average, injury victims receive more when they’re represented by attorneys. Whether this is fair or not matters little — it’s simply a reality. Don’t leave money on the table.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Delaware Today

No one expects to suffer a serious injury while enjoying a bike ride. Unfortunately, this can happen even in a state like Delaware that typically takes cyclist safety extremely seriously. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in such an accident, you could face lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, expensive medical bills, and many other difficulties. With a Delaware personal injury attorney on your side, though, it’s possible to secure maximum compensation.

At Schwartz & Schwartz, Attorneys at Law, our dedicated legal professionals work diligently for each of our clients. We strive to identify all potentially liable parties and hold them responsible for their negligence or reckless actions. Our attorneys cannot guarantee a specific outcome, but they are persistent when seeking financial recovery for our clients. Contact us today by calling (302) 678-8700 to secure a review of your case or claim. Our bicycle accident lawyers in Delaware can help you seek justice.