Bicycle Accident Lawyers in Wisconsin
A woman-owned law firm with over 60 years of combined experience.
691 Cyclists Were Killed by Drivers in 2020
Americans are driving at faster speeds and logging more miles than ever before. We’re also distracted by phones and in-vehicle infotainment screens. Operator error, either by the cyclist, motorist, or pedestrian, is the cause of more than 90% of bicycle crashes. If the negligent party in the crash is a driver or pedestrian, a cyclist has a legal right to be compensated for his or her injuries.
In a collision with an automobile, you’ll be negotiating with the driver’s insurance company to compensate for injury and loss.
If the cyclist and the insurance company can agree on the question of negligence and amount of damages, the case can be settled. If not, it is necessary to prove the driver was negligent in a court of law to recover compensation damages for the injury and damages sustained.
What to do after a Collision with an Automobile or Pedestrian
Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a collision can make the difference in how well you protect your rights, or those of a companion that may be injured.
Wait for the police to arrive at the scene so they can file a police report. You may not realize you’ve been injured until hours after the accident. If you leave the scene, you may never be able to identify the driver.
Don’t attempt to negotiate with the driver even if they accept the blame
Provide your account of the events to the police so they’re included in the accident report.
Obtain driver and witness contact information – name, address, phone number, license plate number, insurance information. If you cannot do this yourself, see if a bystander can assist.
Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries, even if they are minor. Adrenaline after the accident can mask your injuries. The fact you sought medical attention serves as proof that you were injured.
Preserve evidence. Don’t try to repair damage to your bike, wash bloodstains or road debris from your clothing, don’t discard a cracked helmet.
Don’t communicate with an insurance company before consulting an attorney.
Seek advice from a professional. Dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle collision can be difficult, stressful, and costly. You may want to consult with an attorney experienced in bicycle collision cases who can advise you on how to proceed, negotiate with insurance companies, hire experts to investigate the incident and represent you in a lawsuit, if necessary.
Attorney Catherine La Fleur has been representing cyclists since 2004
An avid cyclist herself, she has participated in the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes in Death Valley, CA; Wisconsin’s Scenic Shore 150 Bike Tour supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and has toured in France, Italy, and Croatia. Contact us today for a complimentary initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve been in a collision with a car/pedestrian, now what?
- Get out of the road
- Assess your injuries
- Call for help
- Wait for the police to arrive and be sure they document your account of the incident in the accident report
- Do not negotiate with the driver
- Obtain driver and witness contact information
- Seek immediate medical treatment
- Take your bike to a shop for inspection
- Preserve evidence
- Do not communicate with the insurance company before consulting an attorney
What compensation might I be entitled to?
The amount of compensation will vary with each case based on who was at fault. Typical damages that may be considered:
- Medical expenses, past and future
- Lost wages, past and future
- Property damage
- Out of pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages
What if the driver is uninsured?
If you have an auto policy, you may be covered by your auto policy’s uninsured motorist coverage.
What about damage to my bike?
If your bike has been damaged, you may be entitled to the cost of repairs or replacement.
Additional Resources
- Travel Wisconsin – Multi-use bike trails
- Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin – advocates for a more bike-friendly WI
- League of American Bicyclists – representing cyclists in the movement to create safer roads, stronger communities, and a Bicycle Friendly America
- WI DOT Bike Bicycle Information – safety, education, rules of the road
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center – national leader in pedestrian and bicycle research and resources
- NHTSA Bicycle Safety Page – National Highway Traffic Safety Association Bicycle Safety tips and resources
- Road ID – premier line of safety identification tags and bracelets for emergency medical ID
What to Expect When You Contact La Fleur Law
Schedule
Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your options. Our team is flexible and can coordinate a time that best fits your schedule. We also offer telephone and video consultations.
Move Forward
We have extensive experience, and our commitment to providing transparent service is unwavering. We will keep you informed every step of the way.
Contact Our Experienced Civil Litigation Attorneys
The best way to get specific answers about legal action is to speak with one of our Wisconsin civil litigation attorneys through a complimentary consultation. We can help you understand your options and the best course of action.