Before you accept an injury settlement, talk to the bicycle accident injury attorneys at ELO

In Wisconsin, bicycling provides exercise and open-air enjoyment for thousands of people every year. Unfortunately, a bicycle also provides much less protection than a vehicle. If you encounter a careless driver, you might find yourself in danger. Still, you have as much right to be out on a bicycle as anyone else has to be in a car. When a driver or someone else causes an accident with you on your bicycle, you should contact an experienced attorney to get compensation for that driver’s negligence or recklessness.

Bicycle Accident Statistics in Wisconsin

In 2016, on average, a bicyclist in Wisconsin was killed or injured every 10.2 hours. This included 849 riders injured and 11 killed that year, most of which came because someone failed to yield the right of way on a turn or a traffic signal.

You can protect yourself in some ways by making sure you obey the traffic rules and avoid bicycling while intoxicated. Drivers have a duty to watch where they are going and avoid driving too close, but the more you can do to keep yourself out of harm’s way, the better your chances of riding safely and without incident. Wear your bike helmet and focus on what you are doing at all times.

Protecting Your Rights

Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, you cannot prevent every accident. Drivers make mistakes or lose focus, and there may be nothing you can do to keep yourself safe in those circumstances. If someone else causes your accident and you suffer injuries as a result, you have the right to be compensated for your injuries. Your losses include not only your medical care and property damage, but also any other economic losses you suffer because of the accident.

The driver’s insurance company will usually try to either dispute its duty to pay or offer a quick settlement to avoid paying as much as your injury is worth. Before you accept a settlement, talk to an experienced attorney in Wisconsin. This will help you protect your right to get the recovery you deserve.