Bicycle Accident Attorney Albuquerque

Advocating for Bicycle Accident Victims Across New Mexico

Have you been injured in a bicycle accident that was not your fault? Did a negligent driver crash into you, causing you to suffer serious and debilitating injuries? You cannot hesitate to do what is right and seek compensation for your needless pain and suffering!

Albuquerque Personal Injury Attorney Michael J. Doyle knows just how important it is for you to be allowed to fully recover while also not losing everything in your bank account. With more than 10 years of legal and trial experience under our belts, our law office is ready to hear your case and back up your personal injury claim with solid legal advocacy.

Compensation is vital not only for covering medical expenses but also for supporting your overall recovery, including emotional and physical rehabilitation. Our dedication is not just about securing financial payouts; it’s about ensuring each client's road to recovery is comprehensively supported and stress-free.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Everyone needs to be willing to share the roadways of New Mexico. When they do not and act selfishly or recklessly, people are put in danger. Bicyclists, especially, can be severely injured if an automobile driver does not put in the effort to responsibly control their vehicle.

Beyond driver negligence, poor road conditions can also contribute significantly to bicycle accidents. Potholes, debris, and inadequately marked lanes create hazards for cyclists, demanding enhanced focus and adaptability to avoid collisions. Urban planners and municipal bodies must prioritize cyclist safety by maintaining clear, safe, and dedicated bicycle lanes.

Common causes of bicycle accidents include:

• Drivers failing to check blind spots.
• Cars turning suddenly into bicycle lanes.
• Car doors opening without warning.
• Jaywalking pedestrians.

Understanding Albuquerque Traffic Laws for Cyclists

In New Mexico, cyclists are required to adhere to the same traffic laws as motorists. This means obeying all traffic signals and signs, signaling turns, and riding in the same direction as traffic. Cyclists must use bike lanes when available, and when on roads, they should ride as far to the right as practical, except when turning left or avoiding hazards. Understanding these laws is crucial for cyclists to protect themselves and assert their rights on the road.

Albuquerque's efforts to become more bike-friendly have included implementing dedicated bike lanes and paths throughout the city. These lanes offer safer passage for cyclists and promote the use of bicycles as a viable mode of transportation. However, the responsibility for safety is shared. Drivers also need to be vigilant in respecting these lanes and yielding to cyclists when appropriate. Enhanced community awareness regarding cyclist rights and responsibilities can significantly reduce the number of accidents.

The Role of Insurance in Bicycle Accidents

In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, insurance can play a critical role in covering the costs associated with injuries and damages. If the accident is caused by a motorist, their auto insurance is typically responsible for covering the cyclist's medical expenses and damage to the bicycle. However, in situations where the motorist is uninsured or underinsured, cyclists might have to rely on their own health insurance or uninsured motorist coverage, if available. Understanding the intricacies of insurance claims is vital for accident victims to receive necessary compensation.

For cyclists, having adequate coverage through personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage, even though not mandatory, is highly beneficial. These coverages can help minimize out-of-pocket medical expenses following an accident. A thorough review of one's insurance policy can also clarify the available protections and potentially guide in augmenting insufficient coverage. Our firm assists in navigating these complex insurance issues to ensure clients maximize their entitlements and protect their financial health.

What to Do If You're Involved in a Bicycle Accident in Albuquerque

Being prepared and knowing the right steps to take after a bicycle accident can greatly impact the outcome of any legal or insurance processes. First and foremost, ensure your safety and that of others by moving out of traffic, if possible, and contacting emergency services. Even if injuries seem minor, it's crucial to seek a medical evaluation, as symptoms can sometimes present later.

Documenting the scene is another vital step. Take clear photographs of the accident location, any involved vehicles, your bicycle, and visible injuries. Gather contact information from witnesses and all parties involved. This evidence can prove invaluable during insurance claims and potential legal proceedings. Lastly, contact a qualified bicycle accident attorney in Albuquerque who can guide you through the complexities of the situation, ensuring you understand your rights and options.

Potential Damages You Can Recover After a Bicycle Accident

Even though a bicyclist's injuries could be dire compared to the harm done to a motorist in a bicycle accident, they are not guaranteed a greater recovery. To get compensation for your injuries, you will have to take matters to court through a civil lawsuit, even if it is found that criminal activity, such as drinking and driving, caused the driver to hit you. This is where our Valencia County law firm steps in and takes over, fighting for your rights while you get some much-needed rest and relaxation.

Potential damages include covering the costs of immediate medical treatment, but the long-term implications are equally critical. Future medical expenses, rehabilitation programs, and ongoing therapy sessions can be financially draining without appropriate compensation. Additionally, the psychological impact of such accidents can lead to claims for emotional distress.

We can pursue damages that will help you pay for:

• Bicycle repair and replacement
• Medical and hospital bills
• Rehabilitation programs
• Lost wages and earning potential

Contact Our Albuquerque Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Help

Nothing that is done alone will be easier than something that is done as a team. When it comes time for you to seek compensation after being hurt in a bicycle accident, be sure that you have our professionals in your corner. Our Albuquerque bicycle accident lawyer can guide you through this entire process with as little stress and extra work on your end as possible. We honestly want to see you comfortable, even if that means we need to deal with headaches and paperwork on your behalf.

Our team is dedicated to more than just legal advice; we provide emotional reassurance through every step of your legal journey. Our personalized approach ensures you understand each phase of the process and feel confident with the direction of your claim. Let us shoulder the burden of navigating the complexities, so you can focus on healing.

Related Reading on Bicycle Safety

• Bicycle Safety Tips for Fall
• What if My Bicycle Accident Was Caused by Road Conditions?