What Is a ‘No-Contact’ Bicycle Accident, and Can You Still File a Claim?

A ‘no-contact’ bicycle accident refers to a situation where a cyclist gets injured without any actual contact with a vehicle or another person. This can occur when a cyclist swerves or falls to avoid a potential collision, leading to injuries.

If you have been involved in a no-contact bicycle accident, it is understandable that you may feel confused and unsure about your rights and legal options. However, you may still be eligible to file a claim and seek compensation for your injuries and damages. To understand the specifics of your case and determine the best course of action, consult with an experienced Tacoma bicycle accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process.

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What Is a ‘No-Contact’ Bicycle Accident?

A no-contact bicycle accident is a type of accident where a cyclist crashes or gets injured while trying to avoid a vehicle, even though there is no direct impact between the cyclist and the vehicle. These accidents can be just as serious as direct collisions, resulting in significant injuries and damages for the cyclist.

Common Causes of No-Contact Bicycle Accidents

No-contact bicycle accidents can occur due to various factors, including:

• A driver cutting off a cyclist or turning suddenly without checking for bikes.
• A vehicle stopping abruptly in front of a cyclist.
• A driver veering into a bike lane, forcing the cyclist off the road.
• Car doors opening (dooring accidents), causing the cyclist to swerve and crash.
• Aggressive or distracted driving, where a motorist forces a cyclist into a dangerous situation.

These are just a few examples of situations that can lead to a no-contact bicycle accident. Whether there is direct contact or not, these accidents can cause severe injuries and should be taken seriously.

No-Contact Accidents Can Be Just as Dangerous as Direct Collisions

Although there is no direct impact between cyclists and vehicles, no-contact accidents can still be just as dangerous as direct collisions. Here are a few reasons why:

• Cyclists may crash into a curb, pole, or other obstacle while trying to avoid the vehicle, leading to severe injuries.
• A cyclist may fall into traffic lanes, increasing the risk of a secondary collision with another vehicle.
• The sudden maneuver to avoid a collision can cause the cyclist to lose control and fall, resulting in injuries.
• No-contact accidents can cause psychological trauma, such as a fear of riding again or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Recognizing the seriousness of no-contact bicycle accidents and taking appropriate legal action to seek compensation for the injuries and damages suffered is essential.

Is the Driver Still Liable Even Without a Direct Impact?

Liability can still be established even without a direct impact between the cyclist and the vehicle. If the driver’s actions or negligence led to the cyclist’s injuries, they may be held responsible for the accident. Some key factors that determine liability include:

• Whether the driver violated traffic laws or was driving aggressively.
• Whether there are witnesses or surveillance footage that confirms the driver’s actions.
• If the driver left the accident scene, it can be a hit-and-run case.

Gathering as much evidence as possible to support your claim and establish the driver’s liability in a no-contact bicycle accident is important. Your bicycle accident attorney will know what evidence is relevant to your case and how to collect it.

Potential Injuries Caused by No-Contact Bicycle Accidents

No-contact bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries, even without a direct collision with a vehicle. When a cyclist is forced to swerve, brake suddenly, or lose control due to a driver’s reckless behavior, they may crash into curbs, guardrails, potholes, or other road hazards. These crashes can lead to serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries.

Common injuries include broken bones, fractures, and dislocations, particularly in the wrists, collarbone, and ribs, as cyclists instinctively brace for impact. Head injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are also prevalent, especially if the rider falls onto hard pavement. Road rash, deep lacerations, and soft tissue injuries can cause long-term pain and scarring. In more severe cases, cyclists may suffer spinal cord injuries (SCI) or internal organ damage, requiring extensive medical treatment.

If you’ve suffered injuries from a no-contact bicycle accident, a reputable bicycle accident lawyer can help explore your legal options and seek fair compensation on your behalf.

What Compensation Can You Seek After a No-Contact Bicycle Accident?

If you have been involved in a no-contact bicycle accident, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Here are some of the compensatory damages that you can potentially claim:

• Medical Expenses: This includes emergency treatment, hospital stays, rehabilitation costs, physical therapy, surgery, long-term medical care, prescription medications, and assistive devices such as crutches or wheelchairs.
• Lost Earnings and Reduced Earning Capacity: You may be entitled to compensation for missed workdays due to your injuries and future lost income if your injuries prevent you from performing your job.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from fractures, head injuries, and road rash, as well as emotional distress, PTSD, and fear of riding again can also be included in your compensation claim.
• Property Damage: If your bicycle was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for repair or replacement costs. Damaged helmets, gear, and personal belongings can also be accounted for.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the driver’s actions were particularly reckless or aggressive, you may be awarded additional punitive damages meant to punish the driver and deter similar behavior in the future.

You will want to consult with a bicycle accident attorney to accurately assess the damages you have incurred and ensure you seek the full compensation you deserve.

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Challenges in No-Contact Bicycle Accident Claims and How to Overcome Them

Filing a claim for a no-contact bicycle accident can present some challenges. Here are a few common challenges and ways to overcome them:

Proving Liability Without Direct Contact

Proving liability in a no-contact bicycle accident can be challenging due to the absence of direct impact. However, there are ways to establish liability with the help of:

• Witness Testimony: The accounts of witnesses who saw the accident can be invaluable in establishing the driver’s negligence and the circumstances of the accident.
• Video Footage: If there is any available surveillance footage or dashcam footage that captured the accident, it can serve as concrete evidence to support your claim.
• Accident Reconstruction: Accident reconstruction experts can analyze the evidence, such as skid marks or debris, to recreate the events leading up to the accident and determine liability.

By gathering as much evidence as possible, your bicycle accident attorney can strengthen your claim and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Insurance Companies Denying Claims

Insurance companies may try to deny or downplay your claim, arguing that the accident was unavoidable or that the cyclist was at fault. To navigate these challenges:

• Work with an Attorney: An experienced bicycle accident attorney can advocate for your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and help secure a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.
• Provide Strong Evidence: Provide comprehensive evidence, including witness statements, video footage, and expert opinions, to support your claim and counter any potential arguments from the insurance company.

Legal representation can significantly improve your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve despite the insurance company’s tactics to devalue or deny your claim.

Hit-and-Run Scenarios

If the driver leaves the accident scene, it can complicate the claims process. However, there are still options available to pursue compensation:

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your insurance policy, you can file a claim to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
• Alternate Legal Avenues: If other parties, such as a government entity responsible for road maintenance or a business owner who contributed to the accident, can be held liable, you can explore alternate legal avenues to seek compensation.

Consulting with a bicycle accident attorney is imperative in hit-and-run scenarios so you can explore all available options and protect your rights.

What to Do After a No-Contact Bicycle Accident

If you have been involved in a no-contact bicycle accident, taking specific steps to protect your rights and preserve evidence is essential. Here is a recommended course of action:

Seek Immediate and Ongoing Medical Treatment

It is best to get a medical evaluation after the accident, even if your injuries seem minor. It helps document your injuries and establishes a medical record for your claim.

Report the Accident to the Police

Contact the local authorities and file a police report. It creates an official record of the incident and strengthens your case. Your bicycle accident lawyer can obtain this report to use as supporting evidence in your case.

Gather Evidence

Take photos of your injuries, the accident scene (if possible), and any vehicle details involved. These photos will help prove the extent of your damages and injuries and substantiate your need for full and fair compensation.

Keep Track of Expenses and Losses

Maintain a record of all medical bills, bike repair costs, and other expenses incurred due to the accident. Additionally, keep track of any missed workdays and income loss. Your bicycle accident lawyer will use this information to help determine the value of your claim.

Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance companies may try to obtain statements from you that can be used against your claim. It is best to consult with an attorney before communicating with insurance adjusters.

Consult a Skilled Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Contact a skilled bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. They can investigate the accident, gather evidence, prove liability, and help through the legal process to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

Why You Should Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer

When it comes to no-contact bicycle accidents, consulting with a bicycle accident lawyer is essential for several reasons:

Experience Handling No-Contact Bicycle Accidents

Experienced bicycle accident lawyers understand the complexities of no-contact accidents and know how to prove driver negligence even without direct impact. They have the knowledge and experience to build a strong case on your behalf.

Maximizing Compensation for Victims

A bicycle accident lawyer will work diligently to ensure that all medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering damages, and other losses are included in your compensation claim. They fight for your rights and work towards securing the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies may try to offer unfair settlements or deny your claim altogether. A bicycle accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurers, advocating for your rights and fighting for a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.

No Upfront Fees – You Only Pay If You Win

Most bicycle accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid if they win your case. When seeking legal representation, you don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees or financial risks. They don’t get paid until and unless they secure compensation on your behalf.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

No-contact bicycle accidents can be legally complex and may leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure about your rights. While no-contact accidents may seem less severe than collisions with vehicles or other objects, they can still result in significant injuries and damages. You have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

By contacting a knowledgeable Tacoma personal injury lawyer near you, you can have a trusted advocate who will guide you through the legal process, protect your interests, and help you receive the full compensation you deserve. Call today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.

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