Bicycle Accidents

Kentucky Bicycle Accident Attorney

Do you really need a personal injury attorney specifically for a bicycle accident case? Has a car hit you while you were riding a bicycle? Have you been injured in a bicycle accident? Do you worry about who is going to pay your medical bills and lost wages while you are off from work? If so, the answer is yes. If you are in Kentucky, your first choice should be The Schafer Law Office in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Schafer Law Office was founded by Mike Schafer, who has been practicing law for over twenty (20) years. Mike is a bicyclist himself. Most of his friends call him a "bicycle enthusiast." This means that he understands not only the intricate laws involved in a Kentucky bicycle accident case, but he also understands the issues specific to bike riders that can arise in such cases. He is on the roads and knows that cars don’t respect bicyclist.

Bicycle Accidents Are Different Than Other Accidents

Accidents that involve bicycles are different from those that involve cars, trucks, or even motorcycles. Bicycle riders are only minimally protected as they sit on their bikes. They do have a helmet on but usually not much more to protect them from the road or a car that runs into them. In a car versus bike accident, the bike almost always loses.

What this means is that the injuries that bike riders suffer in Kentucky accidents and collisions tends to be much more extensive and very serious. You are generally off work longer, you have more medical bills and you have many other problems that can arise. Unfortunately, they often are fatal.

Also, the way bicycle accidents happen are very different. The mechanics of bicycle accidents are different. You need to be a bicyclist to truly understand what happens on the road and in these accidents that often have serious injuries.

There are different questions and problems that arise when dealing and talking with insurance companies after you have been a victim of a Kentucky bicycle accident, such as:

•Which insurance company will pay the medical bills?

•Will loss wages be paid?

•Can I collect for my pain and suffering?

•Will my damaged bike be replaced?

What Causes Bicycle Accidents?

In most Kentucky bicycle versus motor vehicle accidents a negligent or inattentive automobile driver is at fault. This can take many forms.

•A driver can turn directly in front of a bicyclist causing him or her to run into the car.

•A driver can enter the street from a driveway or parking spot and pull into traffic right in front of a bicyclist when he or she doesn’t look first.

•A driver can run a stop sign or a red light.

•A driver can pass too close to a cyclist while trying to pass on the road.

There are many other ways bicycle injury accidents can occur. It is important for motor vehicle operators to be very attentive of bicycle riders on the road. They both have the same rights, even though cars and bicycles are operated in different manors. Both must obey the same laws.

Do You Need A Bicycle Accident Attorney?

The short answer is "YES." You will definitely want a personal injury lawyer that is very familiar with all the issues and Kentucky laws having to do with bicycle accidents. You may ask, why The Schafer Law Office? That's easy. Mike understands bicycles and all of the issues involved in bicycle accidents. He understands the riders because he is one. He has represented them successfully for over 20 years.

If you are badly injured after a crash, in the hospital, or suffering from a serious brain injury or broken bones that could leave you unable to work, you want someone who is completely committed to helping you. The Schafer Law Office is committed! You want someone who has the experience and know-how to successfully help you get compensation for your pain and injuries, your medical expenses, your lost wages and your loss of quality of life. You are the victim of a bicycle accident you want someone who knows insurance companies and their policies inside out. Mike not only has the experience, he has the in-depth knowledge of the insurance companies and their policies. In fact, he used to work for an insurance company until he switched sides. He knows their tactics and how to fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Bicycle Accident Frequency

While bicycle accidents do not happen as frequently as automobile accidents, they are occurring more and more often as people use their bikes for transportation due to rising gas prices. Whether you are in Louisville, Shelbyville or Lexington it is a lot more common for people to ride to work, to the grocery and just ride for pleasure. Another disturbing statistic is that riding a bike is more likely to result in death or injury than riding in a car.

There are a variety of reasons why riding a bicycle is so dangerous. It is crucial that your lawyer be familiar with Kentucky law. The reasons range from less visibility on the road to violation of right of ways by cars and trucks. Unfortunately, Louisville, Kentucky is not as bicycle friendly as other cities. Portland, Oregon is one city that makes it easy and safe for bicyclists to get around. There are bicycle lanes on almost every major road. Louisville is moving in this direction thanks to the efforts of the mayor and other city officials.

Bicycle Accidents in Louisville

As of October, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky there were 122 collisions between cars and bicycles; 92 of these involved injuries. In 2007 there were 153 collisions with injuries including one fatality. This is according to Louisville Metro Police records. In 2006 there were 158 accidents involving bicycles. There have been initiatives to have bicycle lanes placed. It can be downright dangerous out there.

Last year we all were stunned by the tragic death of a bicyclist during the iron man competition on Highway 42 in Oldham County. Later a bicyclist was killed in a fatal accident in an iron man competition at E.P. Sawyer State Park. Even when the drivers of motor vehicles know bicycles are on the road they still don’t pay attention.

After Your Bicycle Accident

Once you are injured or you are a relative or family member of someone who ha s died or been hurt in a bicycle accident you need to get legal advice as quickly as possible. You will want to make sure that any evidence related to the bicycle accident that will help you with your case can still be gathered. You will especially want to ensure that the evidence will not be destroyed.

You need a personal injury lawyer who understands your issues and Kentucky laws and cares about you. You will find that in Mike Schafer and The Schafer Law Office.

If you have been in an accident or if someone you love has been killed in a bicycle accident and you live anywhere in Kentucky, give The Schafer Law Office a call. It doesn't matter if you're in Louisville, LaGrange, Shepherdsville, Taylorsville, Shelbyville, Brandenburg, St. Matthews, Prospect, Middletown, Douglas Hills, Newburg, Elizabethtown, Frankfort, Carrolton, Bardstown, Munfordville, New Castle, Richmond, Bowling Green, Shively, Fairdale, Valley Station, Pleasure Ridge Park, Jefferson County, Fayette County, Franklin County, Carrol County, Bullitt County, Oldham County, Shelby County, Hardin County, Spencer County, Henry County, Madison County, Nelson County, Anderson County, Trimble County, Hart County, LaRue County, or Meade County, contact The Schafer Law Office. They are here to help you in any way that they can.

A Bicycle accident can turn your life upside down. Once The Schafer Law Office is your attorney you can quit worrying about the headache of dealing with the insurance companies and focus on recovering from the injuries you suffered in your bicycle accident. The Schafer Law Office will take care of all of the phone calls, paperwork and all the negotiations so that you can get on with your life.

Attention From A Real Lawyer, Based Locally

Maybe you’re concerned about getting lost in an anonymous lawyer’s office. You’re afraid you’ll be just a number. As a client of The Schafer Law Office, you won’t have to worry about that!

Mike Schafer is involved in every case; Mike is a lawyer who will personally make sure everything is taken care of. Mike, your Case Manager and the rest of your legal team will personally return your phone calls when you have questions. The Schafer Law Office is committed to giving your case the best possible chance at winning you the compensation you deserve. The Schafer Law Office will work to get you the settlement you deserve.

If you're worried about costs, don’t be. Your initial consultation is free and after that, The Schafer Law Office won’t get paid until they have won you the compensation you deserve. They work on a contingency fee basis. You are responsible for court costs and case fees, though.