For some people riding a bicycle is a form of exercise. For some, it is recreation, and for others, it is a way to commute to work. Whatever the reason, riding a bicycle is a popular and a great way to see the city’s beautiful scenery. Nonetheless, sharing the road with motor vehicles can be dangerous. If you were involved in a bicycle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may face serious injuries and mounting expenses. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
At NMAF, we are proud to be a locally owned law firm rooted in the community. We understand the challenges our neighbors face and are committed to providing compassionate, experienced legal representation. With deep ties to New Mexico, our Albuquerque bicycle accident lawyers are dedicated to supporting local residents and helping them rebuild their lives after serious accidents.
Bicycle accidents are most common due to motorist negligence, but cyclist behavior can contribute to injuries and complicate the amount of compensation a cyclist can collect. Specific common causes include:
Bicyclists should always be vigilant, wear protective gear and reflective clothing, and ensure their lights function. Speak with an Albuquerque bicycle crash attorney if you are injured by a negligent motorist.
Unfortunately, bike crashes happen for various different reasons, including the negligence of drivers on the road. However, unlike car accidents, cyclists have little protection against the force of a vehicle, making these accidents far more dangerous and the injuries far more severe. Cyclists are particularly vulnerable in accidents because they lack the protective features found in motor vehicles, such as seat belts, airbags, and the car itself.
When a cyclist is involved in an accident, it typically involves a direct impact to their body. Consequently, even at low speeds, an accident between a vehicle and a bicycle can result in severe injuries. These injuries can include broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and internal damage. The combination of a cyclist’s exposure and the sheer force of a vehicle often leads to life-altering consequences, making these accidents especially dangerous. This heightened risk underscores the importance of drivers staying alert and sharing the road responsibly. An attorney in Albuquerque could help a cyclist secure the compensation they need after a collision.
Wearing bike helmets is the best way to prevent head trauma and a lifetime of rehabilitation because helmets reduce fatalities, concussions and other head trauma, and traumatic brain injuries.
Under the Child Helmet Safety Act, codified as New Mexico Statute § 32A-24-3, persons younger than 18 must wear federally approved helmets to ride their bicycles, skate, ride a scooter, or use a skateboard. However, adults 18 and older can make the choice whether to wear one. Choosing not to wear a helmet gives insurers a toehold into badgering an injured cyclist to take a reduced settlement for being partially to blame for the totality of their injuries, but an NMAF attorney refutes that premise since the state and City of Albuquerque do not require adults to wear helmets.
Insurance companies are large corporations beholden to shareholders for profits, not to bicyclists injured by their insured customers. Adjusters notoriously lowball settlement offers, hoping the injured bicyclist will be desperate for a payout, especially if they cannot work while recuperating and need money for monthly expenses. Our attorneys are well-versed in how insurers operate, including downplaying the severity of injuries or claiming injuries would not have been so severe if the bicyclist had worn a helmet, accusing the bicyclist of shared negligence, whichever narrative works for them to offer less settlement money.
Our attorneys go into these negotiations armed with knowledge of your losses and what is acceptable compensation based on the severity of your injuries and the facts surrounding your claim. We will go to court for a just award if settlement talks break down. For example, because New Mexico has no adult helmet requirement, a bicyclist cannot be found partially at fault for an accident because they did not wear one. But if an adjuster is pressuring a bicyclist to settle because of that assertion, the bicyclist may relent. Do not. Call us first. We are proud to offer compassionate and knowledgeable representation and will not back down in getting our injured neighbors the most compensation possible.
You might be wondering what you should do if you are hit while riding your bike. After a collision, taking the right steps is crucial to protect your health and legal rights. If you are able, you should take the following steps:
We are proud to serve our community by providing compassionate, skilled legal representation. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, contact our office today to learn how we could help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Dealing with insurance companies after a bike crash can be overwhelming. They may try to downplay your injuries or deny your claim altogether. Having a knowledgeable Albuquerque bicycle accident lawyer on your side could make all the difference in the amount of compensation you receive.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, do not face the legal process alone. New Mexico Accident Firm could help you pursue fair compensation and navigate the complexities of your case. We bring decades of legal experience and a deep understanding of state laws. We handle every case with care and determination, fighting for the compensation our clients deserve. Our local roots and commitment to the community drive us to provide personalized legal service to every client we represent. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn how we could support you through this difficult time.
