Cycling can be fun, healthy, and an excellent form of transportation. But it can also be dangerous, especially when automobile drivers are not paying attention. In crowded areas like Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), cycling accidents happen more often than many realize, and too often, the cyclist suffers the most severe injuries.
So what happens to a driver when they’re responsible for a bike crash? That’s where DFW injury lawyers come in. They ensure that negligent drivers are held accountable and that injured cyclists receive the support and compensation necessary for recovery.
What Is “Negligent”?
Negligent’ is a legal term for a person who fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another. Drivers are said to be negligent when they:
- Text and drive
- Speed through a red light
- Fail to look for bicycles when turning
- Ride too close to a cyclist
- Opens their car door without checking for oncoming traffic or cyclists
If one of those things leads to a bike crash, the driver is likely at fault. But proving it takes lots of work, and injury lawyers are capable of doing it best.
Why Are Bike Crashes So Devastating?
Drivers in cars have steel to protect them, airbags, and seatbelts. Bikers are exposed, and even in a soft crash, they tend to have broken bones, head injuries, or worse.
Medical treatment, lost wages, physical rehabilitation, and assistance with daily activities are some potential consequences for cyclists involved in accidents.
These costs can be substantial and overwhelming. A DFW accident attorney ensures that the cyclist is not left paying medical and recovery expenses without fair compensation.
How Do DFW Injury Lawyers Help?
So, how do DFW lawyers hold negligent drivers accountable? Here is what they do step by step:
1. Investigating the Accident
They gather facts, photographs, police reports, and even surveillance tape if available. They interview witnesses and even bring in experts to figure out exactly how the wreck happened.
2. Determine Who Was at Fault
DFW Injury Lawyers must prove that the driver was at fault and that their actions caused the crash. This step is key to securing the case.
3. Estimate the Full Cost of the Accident
This includes medical bills, lost income, pain, and future care. DFW Injury Lawyers think of everything, not just the hospital bill, to make sure their client is well covered.
4. Negotiate With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies will generally try to blame the cyclist or offer a lower amount than they would have offered. DFW Lawyers know how to handle this and negotiate for a fair settlement.
5. File in Court If Necessary
If the driver or their insurance company refuses to pay a fair settlement, a DFW attorney will not hesitate to take the case to court. They want to get justice for the bicycle rider.
Final Thoughts
A bike crash can change a person’s life in an instant, and when the wreck is caused by a driver’s carelessness, they must be held accountable. That’s what DFW personal injury lawyers do every day:
- They advocate for cyclists.
- Ensure their voices are heard.
- Help them obtain the medical treatment necessary to recover and move forward.
