Slater Personal Injury Attorneys

Accidents and injuries can unexpectedly alter lives. During these difficult times, personal injury lawyers are indispensable. They represent individuals harmed by others' negligence, ensuring they receive fair compensation. This article explores the important role personal injury lawyers play in navigating claims and helping people rebuild their lives.

Proving Liability for a Car in a Right Turn Bicycle Accident

When a car turning right strikes a bicyclist, it's often referred to as a "right hook" accident. This type of accident commonly occurs when a cyclist is riding on the right shoulder of the road or in the bike lane alongside a car. In these situations, the driver is usually at fault. However, to prove their liability, you must present proper evidence of their negligence.

How Right Turn Bicycle Accidents Occur

The most common scenarios for right turn bicycle accidents include:

1. Approaching an Intersection: A car and a bicyclist approach an intersection, and the car turns right without noticing the bicyclist until it's too late.
2. Overtaking on the Right: A bicyclist overtakes a slower-moving car on the right, putting themselves in danger when the car turns right.
3. Stopped at a Light: Both a bike and a car are waiting at a light, and when the signal changes, the car turns right, cutting off or hitting the cyclist.

Proving Liability

To prove that the driver was primarily at fault for the accident, you will need several types of evidence:

- Police Report: This report will detail the accident scene and events as described by the responding officer, including any citations issued.
- Eyewitness Accounts: These can reveal what the bike and the car were doing prior to the collision, providing crucial support for your claim.
- Video or Pictures: Traffic cameras or surveillance cameras from nearby businesses may have captured the incident.

A driver can be proven negligent if they were:

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

Conversely, if witnesses report that the bicyclist was:

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

These behaviors can be used as a defense by the driver.

Avoiding Right Turn Bicycle Accidents

- Keep a safe distance behind vehicles to anticipate turns or lane changes.
- Avoid passing a car on the right unless necessary, ensuring there is enough space to swerve if needed.
- Check mirrors for nearby vehicles when approaching intersections.

Road Bike Safety Tips for New Cyclists

Over 46 million people ride bicycles each year in America for sport, fitness, fun, and commuting. While bicycling is beneficial for health and the environment, it can be dangerous, especially for new cyclists who are not familiar with the rules of the road.

Safety Tips for Cyclists

- Learn Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with the bicycling rules of the road in your area.
- Practice Safely: Start in areas without cars to learn safe maneuvering, such as clipping in and out of pedals and braking properly.
- Safety Courses: Consider taking a bicycle safety course.
- Ride with Traffic: Always ride with traffic, not against it.
- Stay to the Right: If no bike path is available, stay as far to the right of cars as practicable.
- Wear a Helmet: Always wear a helmet for every trip.
- Be Visible: Use reflectors, lights, and wear bright clothing.
- Stay Alert: Do not wear earbuds; stay aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid Blind Spots: Do not ride in drivers' blind spots.
- Leave Room: Keep a distance from parked cars to avoid being doored.
- Do Not Speed: Ride at a safe speed to allow ample reaction time.
- Check Your Bike: Ensure your bike is in good repair before riding.

Common Tactics and Defenses Insurance Adjusters Use in Personal Injury Cases

Insurance Adjuster Tactics

Insurance adjusters may use various tactics to deny, discredit, or delay your personal injury claim. Awareness of these tactics can help you protect yourself.

Common Tactics

- Accessing Medical Records: Insurers may seek access to your entire medical history to find ways to minimize your claim.
- Low-Ball Offers: Adjusters may offer a small settlement quickly, asking you to sign a full release that prevents additional compensation if your condition worsens.
- Surveillance: Insurers may place you under surveillance to gather evidence that could undermine your claim.
- Discouraging Legal Counsel: Adjusters may try to persuade you not to hire a lawyer, promising fairness to avoid legal intervention.

Protecting Yourself

- Know Your Rights: Understand your insurance policy and rights.
- Medical Records: Refuse to authorize the release of your full medical records; only provide those related to the accident.
- Assume Surveillance: Always act as if you are being observed.
- Reject Low Offers: Do not accept quick, low settlements without consulting a lawyer.

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.