Robins Personal Injury Attorneys

Sudden accidents and injuries can disrupt lives. During these tough moments, personal injury lawyers are essential. They focus on representing those harmed by others' negligence, helping them obtain proper compensation. This article highlights the significant role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and aiding in recovery.

Proving Liability in Right Turn Bicycle Accidents

When a car turning right strikes a bicyclist, it's often referred to as a "right hook" accident. This commonly happens when a cyclist is riding on the right shoulder of the road or in the bike lane alongside a car. In these types of accidents, it's usually the driver's fault. However, proving their liability requires proper evidence of their negligence.

How Right Turn Bicycle Accidents Occur

The most common scenarios for right turn bicycle accidents include:

- Approaching an Intersection: A car turns right, failing to see the bicyclist until it's too late.
- Overtaking a Car: A bicyclist passes a slower moving car on the right and is hit when the car turns right.
- At a Traffic Light: Both the car and bike are waiting at a light. When the signal changes, the car turns right, cutting off or hitting the cyclist.

Proving Liability for a Right Turn Bicycle Accident

To prove that the driver was at fault for the right turn accident and not the cyclist, several types of evidence are necessary:

- Police Report: Details the accident scene and the events as described by the responding officer, including any citations issued.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Provide insight into the actions of both the bike and car prior to the collision.
- Video or Photos: Traffic cameras or surveillance cameras from nearby businesses may have captured the incident.

Evidence of Driver Negligence

A driver can be proven negligent if they were:

- Speeding
- Failing to use a turn signal
- Abruptly changing lanes

Evidence of Cyclist Negligence

If witnesses report that the cyclist was:

- Swerving between lanes
- Riding too close to vehicles
- Ignoring a traffic control device

This could be used as a defense in a bike accident claim.

Avoiding Right Turn Bicycle Accidents

To reduce the risk of right turn bicycle accidents:

- Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance behind vehicles to anticipate turns or lane changes.
- Check Mirrors: Before approaching an intersection, check for nearby vehicles.
- Avoid Passing on the Right: Only pass on the right when necessary and ensure there's enough space to swerve if needed.

Do You Have to Accept The Insurance Companies Settlement?

In Iowa, you do not have to accept an insurance company settlement offer. Consider the following before deciding:

1. Severity of Injuries: If your injuries are minor, you may benefit from settling on your own to avoid attorney fees.
2. Subrogation: Understand if your health insurance or another insurer needs to be reimbursed from your settlement.
3. Statute of Limitations: Ensure you have enough time before the statute of limitations expires.

If you are uncertain about these factors, consult with a qualified Iowa injury attorney to avoid costly mistakes.

Settlement Negotiations

When negotiating with an insurance adjuster:

1. Be Careful with Your Words: Anything you say can be used against you. Be honest but cautious.
2. Stay Calm: Being polite can be more effective than being confrontational.
3. Know Your Facts: Understand how your injuries occurred, who treated you, and the diagnosed conditions.

Before agreeing to any settlement, consult with an injury attorney to ensure you are being treated fairly. While advice from family and friends can be helpful, professional guidance from someone experienced in handling similar cases is invaluable.

Evaluating the Value of a Claim

Factors to consider include:

- Severity and extent of injuries
- Nature of injuries (e.g., multiple body parts)
- Presence of objective injuries (e.g., broken bones)
- Hospitalization and surgeries required
- Time missed from work
- Location and circumstances of the injury
- Available insurance coverage
- Potential for underinsured motorist claims

Determining Fault in Vehicle Turns Left in Front of a Motorcycle

Determining fault in left-turn motorcycle accidents can be challenging. Generally, when a vehicle turns left in front of a motorcycle, the driver is likely at fault. Drivers must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic, and failure to do so can establish liability.

Exceptions to Fault

Exceptions include:

- Speeding Motorcyclist: If the motorcyclist was speeding, the driver's fault might be diminished.
- Traffic Violations: If the motorcyclist ran a red light, the driver's liability could be reduced or eliminated.

We Are Here To Help

Remember, you are not alone in recovering from your injuries. We have helped thousands of Iowans through their physical, emotional, and financial recoveries. If you have questions about what you are going through, feel free to call our office for your confidential injury conference. We will take the time to listen to you and give you our advice concerning your injury matter at no cost or risk to you.

Free Book at No Cost 

If you are not ready to speak with an attorney yet but would like to learn more about Iowa injury cases including tips about how you can avoid making common costly mistakes request a copy of our Iowa Personal Injury book which includes 14 myths about Iowa injury cases and 5 things to know before hiring an attorney.

If you have specific questions about your injury matter feel free to call our office to speak with our Injury team at 641-792-3595 or use our Chat feature by clicking here 24 hours a day/7 days per week. Your information will remain confidential and there is no cost or obligation.