Bicycle Accident Attorney in Des Moines, IA

Bicycle riders suffer a staggering number of serious injuries and fatalities in accidents involving motor vehicles. Many of these accidents are caused by car and truck drivers who do not pay attention to their surroundings and do not look for cyclists before making moves that could endanger their lives.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Des Moines

Bicycle accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of their experience or skill level. However, by understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents in Des Moines, IA, cyclists and drivers can take steps to prevent them and stay safe on the road. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, knowing the cause can also help support your claim for compensation.

Driver Error

One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents is driver error. Distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone, can lead to accidents when drivers fail to notice cyclists or yield to them. Failure to check for cyclists before turning or changing lanes can also result in accidents, as can speeding or reckless driving. Drunk or impaired driving is another major contributor to bicycle accidents, as it can significantly impair a driver’s ability to react to cyclists. For example, a driver who is texting may not notice a cyclist in their path, or a driver who is speeding may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision.

Road Hazards

Road hazards are another common cause of bicycle accidents in Des Moines, IA. Potholes and uneven road surfaces can cause cyclists to lose control or crash, while debris or obstacles in the road can force cyclists into traffic. Poorly designed or maintained bicycle lanes can also contribute to accidents, as can construction zones or roadwork. For instance, a cyclist may be forced to swerve into traffic to avoid a pothole, or a bicycle lane may be poorly marked, leading to confusion and accidents.

Other Factors

Other factors can also contribute to bicycle accidents, including weather conditions, cyclist error, and vehicle defects or malfunctions. Weather conditions such as rain, snow, or darkness can make roads more hazardous for cyclists, while cyclist error, such as failure to follow traffic laws, can also lead to accidents. Vehicle defects or malfunctions, such as faulty brakes or tires, can also cause accidents. It’s worth noting that even if a cyclist contributes to an accident, they may still be entitled to compensation if another party was also at fault.

By understanding the common causes of bicycle accidents in Des Moines, IA, cyclists and drivers can take steps to prevent them and stay safe on the road. If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, it’s essential to seek legal help to determine the cause and support your claim for compensation. Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys can help you navigate the complex process and fight for the justice you deserve.

What To Do Following A Bicycle Accident

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it can be a traumatic and stressful event. You may feel a rush of adrenaline and – especially if it is your first time in this situation – you might not know exactly what steps to take. To help, here are a few things to do immediately following your bicycle accident:

1. Contact emergency services: Start by calling 911. You need to speak with emergency medical responders, and you may need to get a check-up at the hospital. Not only is this critical from a health and safety perspective, but it also provides documentation of your injuries if you decide to seek compensation from the driver who hit you.
2. Talk to the police: Similarly, you want to talk to the police officers who respond after you make the call. You can tell them what happened, and you can also get the case number and contact information for the officers. The police report that they compile can be helpful in your case, and this contact information makes it easier to get a copy when filing an insurance claim or starting a personal injury lawsuit.
3. Exchange information: Next, try to get contact information and insurance details from the driver who hit you. You can write this down or take pictures of the documentation with your phone.
4. Take pictures and document the crash: While you have your phone out, take pictures of the crash scene. This can help demonstrate why the other driver hit you, what mistake they made or how they were negligent. Photos can also help prove that you were in an accident and that your injuries resulted from that crash. At this time, it’s also helpful to write down everything that happened to preserve the details while they’re still fresh. Voice notes on your phone can make this fast and easy.
5. Gather any other evidence: Collect any other evidence from the scene. If your bike was damaged or your clothing was torn, don’t discard or repair these items immediately. You may also want to check if the accident was captured on nearby surveillance cameras – like a video doorbell – or gather witness statements from anyone who saw the crash.

After taking these steps, it can help to work with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to explore your legal options. Remember, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Building A Strong Case On Your Behalf

The Des Moines bike accident attorneys of Jeff Carter Law Offices, P.C., have 30 years of experience helping individuals injured in bike accidents get the justice and compensation they deserve. When you hire our firm, we will work with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to thoroughly investigate every aspect of your accident and to gather supporting documentation to substantiate the full extent of your injuries.

Our attorneys will work strategically and expeditiously to build a solid case to help you obtain full and fair compensation to pay for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our goal is to help you get the justice you deserve, so you can move forward in your life from the strongest possible position.

Contact Jeff Carter Law Offices, P.C.

If you or a loved one was injured or killed while riding a bike, call our office at 515-644-4871 or 402-979-8675, or contact us via email. We offer a free initial consultation, and in-home, weekend and evening appointments are available upon request.

Our Iowa bicycle injury lawyers represent clients throughout Iowa, and we are also equipped to handle cases in Nebraska, Minnesota and Georgia. Personal injury cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we win compensation for you.