Bicycle Accidents

Do you really need an attorney specifically for a bicycle accident case? If you have been injured in a bicycle accident and you worry about who is going to pay your medical bills and lost wages while you are off from work the answer is yes. If you are in Kentucky, your first choice should be Michael A. Schafer in Louisville, Kentucky.

Not only has Mike been practicing law for over twenty (20) years he is also a bicyclist himself. Most of his friends would call him a bicycle enthusiast. This means that he understands not only the intricate laws involved in an accident case, but he also understands the issues specific to bike riders that can arise in such cases.

Why would you need an attorney who concentrates in bicycle accidents? Because accidents that involve bicycles are different from those that involve cars or 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. It does not take very much knowledge to realize that in a car vs bike accident, the bike almost always loses.

What this means is that the injuries that bike riders suffer in accidents tends to be much more extensive and very serious and often they are fatal. You are generally off work longer, you have more medical bills and you have many other problems that arise. 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. There are different issues that arise when dealing with insurance companies. Other legal issues are present, such as:

· Which insurance company will pay the medical bills?

· Will loss wages be paid?

· Will pain and suffering be compensated?

· Will the damaged bike be replaced?

In most bicycle vs 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 to close too a cyclist while trying to pass him on the road.

There are many other ways that this can occur. It is very important for motor vehicle operators to be very attentive of bicycle riders on the road. They both have the same rights although, they operate in different manors. Both must also obey the same laws.

So the answer is “YES” you will definitely want a lawyer that is very familiar with all issues having to do with bicycle accidents. And you may ask, why Mike Schafer? That is an easy question. As it has already been stated, Mike understands bicycles and all of the issues involved in bicycle accidents. He understands the riders and he has represented them successfully for many years.

If you are badly injured after a crash, maybe in the hospital, maybe suffering from a serious brain injury or broken bones that could leave you unable to work for a very long time you want someone who is completely committed to helping you. The Schafer Law Office is committed! And again, you will 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 will want someone who knows insurance companies and their policies inside out; Mike does. In fact, he used to work for an insurance company until he switched sides.

While bicycle accidents are not as frequent as automobile accidents, they are becoming more and more so as people use their bikes for transportation due to the rising cost of gas prices. It is a lot more common for people to ride to work, to the grocery and just ride for pleasure. 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 and is crucial that your lawyer be familiar with the law. They range from less visibility on the road to violation of right of ways by cars and trucks. Unfortunately, Louisville 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.

As of October, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky there have been 122 collisions between cars and bicycles; 92 of these involved injuries. In 2007 there were 153 collisions with injuries including one fatality according to Louisville Metro Police records. in 2006 there were 158 accidents involving bicycles.There have been initiatives to have bicycle lanes placed. It is downright dangerous out there. Once you are injured, however, and you are a relative or family member of someone who has 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 that will help you with your case can still be gathered and you will especially want to insure that it will not be destroyed.

You will want a lawyer who understands your issues, cares about you and you will find that in Mike Schafer and The Schafer Law Office.

If you are in Kentucky whether in the Louisville area, LaGrange, Shepherdsville, Taylorsville, Shelbyville, Brandenburg, St. Matthews, Prospect, Middletown, Douglas Hills, Newburg or even in Bullitt County, Oldham County, Hardin County, Spencer County or Meade County Kentucky please give Mike a call at (502) 584-9511 and let him help you.

Bicycle accidents can turn your life upside down. Once Mike is your attorney you can quit worrying about the dealing with the insurance companies and focus on recovering from your bicycle accident. Mike will take care of all of the phone calls, paperwork and all the negotiations so that you can get on with your life. With Mike as your attorney you will be assured of his personal attention. Other attorneys may pass their clients off to their staff and legal assistants, but not Mike. Those other attorneys may make you feel like another number, but not Mike. He will personally meet with you, he will personally return your calls, listen to you and he will answer all of your questions. Mike cares about you and your well being. When you hire Mike you will have an attorney who cares enough to personally speak with and advise you throughout your case.

Worried about costs, don’t be. Your initial consultation is free and after that Mike won’t get paid until he has won you the compensation you deserve. He works on a contingency fee basis. If you live in Louisville, Kentucky or any other parts of Kentucky including Bullitt County, Oldham County, Hardin County, Spencer County or Meade County don’t hesitate for another minute. Contact Mike and he will tell you what he can do for you. It isn’t bad enough you got hurt once call Mike so that you don’t get hurt twice.

The Kentucky Accident Attorney

Blog for Bicycle Accidents

Library for Bicycle Accidents:

Classes on Bicycle Safety being Offered in Louisville, Kentucky
Description: Three bicycle safety courses are now being offered at no cost in Louisville, Kentucky to help improve safety on roads. Find out how you can become a safer motorist or cyclist.
Are Bicycle Accidents Covered In Kentucky? [PDF]
Description: Do you Have Insurance in Kentucky If A Car Hits Me While I Am Riding A Bike, Walking Or Even Standing On The Side Of The Road?

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