Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents Lawyers in Wisconsin

Pedestrians and bicyclists have a right to share the road with vehicles, and responsible drivers should take care to operate their vehicles safely to ensure that pedestrians and bicyclists like you are not in danger. However, when you have been injured by a negligent motorist, our Wisconsin bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers in Eau Claire, La Crosse, and River Falls can advocate for you.

We at Bye, Goff & Rohde know that far too many drivers are reckless, negligent, or unwilling to share the road. When a vehicle collides with a bicyclist or pedestrian, the results are usually catastrophic and expensive for those seriously injured. Our bicycle and pedestrian accidents lawyers in Wisconsin can help you seek justice against negligent drivers and secure compensation to help you recover from your extensive injuries.

Causes of Bike and Pedestrian Accidents

As a society, we are growing more aware of the dangers of distracted driving. Sadly, far too many people still operate their vehicles while talking or even texting on a mobile phone. Distracted driving goes beyond just phone usage, however. Eating while driving, looking up directions while the vehicle is in motion, or anything that may prevent the driver from giving appropriate attention to the road may lead to injury or death for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Speeding is also a leading cause of accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists. Drinking and driving still takes many lives too early. Drivers may also fail to yield to those walking or riding a bike, or fail to follow stop signs or other road signs. New drivers are also more prone to hitting a pedestrian or a bicycle due to their inexperience. To hold these parties accountable, you should hire our Wisconsin bike and pedestrian accidents attorneys.

Dangerous Areas for Pedestrians and Cyclists in Wisconsin

As a local firm, Bye, Goff & Rohde knows that certain roads can pose greater hazards to pedestrians and bicyclists. We use our knowledge of local road hazards, as well as the ordinances in different communities, to build strong cases and effective strategies to get results. Below is a closer look at data from the Wisconsin bike and pedestrian crash map detailing areas of danger.

Dangers to Bicyclists and Pedestrians in Eau Claire

In Eau Claire County, there are an average of 24 bike and pedestrian crashes per year. Over the last few years, the majority of these accidents have occurred in and around downtown Eau Claire. Other common areas where these types of accidents occur include Hastings Way, Highway 12, and several of the county highways. These populated areas and busy roads increase the risk of collisions between vehicles and bicyclists or pedestrians.

Dangers to Bicyclists and Pedestrians in River Falls

River Falls is located in Pierce and St. Croix counties near the Minnesota border. Overall, these two counties have an average of 16 pedestrian and bicycle crashes per year. This is one of the safer areas for cyclists and people on foot. However, the majority of the county’s accidents are concentrated in River Falls. Main Street and Cascade Avenue are the most dangerous roads for individuals on foot or riding a bike especially near the areas of higher traffic near the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Many of the intersections along both streets pose serious hazards and increase the likelihood of accidents throughout the city.

Dangers to Bicyclists and Pedestrians in La Crosse

La Crosse County is a particularly dangerous place for bicyclists and pedestrians alike. The area sees an average of 42 crashes annually, many of which result in injuries and some fatalities. These accidents are heavily concentrated in La Crosse’s downtown region and its surroundings. Looking at the data, many of these crashes occur at intersections. Additionally, thoroughfares such as State Highways 35 and 53 are also common routes where pedestrians and bicyclists are at a higher risk of being hit by local traffic.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents Have Tragic Consequences

When a vehicle hits a pedestrian or bicyclist at any speed, the force of impact can lead to severe and even life-threatening injuries. The consequences of such an accident can cause long-term and even permanent disability. The costs for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, or the loss of a loved one can lead to a challenging road for victims and their families. Common injuries resulting from a vehicle collision with a pedestrian or bicyclist include:

Chronic back, neck, or joint pain
Crushed bones
Soft tissue damage
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Neck injuries and back injuries
Internal injuries
Loss of limbs
Paralysis and damage to the spinal cord

Since pedestrians and bicyclists absorb the full impact of a collision with a vehicle, medical attention is critical afterward. There are likely to be many external injuries that need treatment, but a doctor needs to assess your internal condition as well. Prompt medical attention can mean the difference between life and death. Even if your injuries are minor, insurance companies will need to see your medical records. Failure to see a doctor could prevent you from recovering compensation for your losses.

You Have a Limited Time to Seek Legal Action in Wisconsin

To make sure that you can recover compensation for your extensive financial losses, you will need to file your claim before Wisconsin’s statute of limitations expires. You have three years to act before you are cut off from financial recovery.

Bike and pedestrian accident cases can take time to resolve and require lengthy negotiations. The sooner you hire the Wisconsin bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers at Bye, Goff & Rohde to initiate your claim, the better. Acting promptly also ensures that the evidence in your case is still viable and has not deteriorated beyond the point of use.

What to Know About Insurance Claims After a Bicycle or Pedestrian Collision

After a bicycle or pedestrian crash, you will need to initiate an insurance claim to recover compensation for what you have lost. You will need to submit documentation such as medical records, a copy of the police report, photos of the accident and your injuries, and the at-fault driver’s insurance information. You can also submit witness statements and other relevant information that shows what you have suffered. An insurance adjuster will be assigned to process your case and determine compensation.

You Need a Lawyer to Deal with Insurance Company Tactics

You should hire a lawyer before filing your claim so you have an advocate right from the outset. At Bye, Goff & Rohde, our Wisconsin pedestrian and bike accident attorneys understand insurance companies and the tactics they use to avoid paying you. Insurance companies are businesses that strive to protect their bottomline over all else. This means that they do not have your best interests in mind. When it comes to accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, they will try any method at their disposal to pay as little as possible.

Insurance companies often take advantage of fine print and technicalities in insurance policies to get out of payment. They may also try to blame you, distract you, or intentionally delay your claim in the hopes that you may settle for less. Any initial offer will likely be low, too. However, your lawyer can determine the true value of your case and submit a demand letter outlining your medical and financial needs. They will negotiate until a satisfactory settlement is reached.

While insurance companies are more likely to cooperate with you when you hire our pedestrian and bicycle accident attorneys, this may not always be the case. There are times when insurance companies refuse to cooperate, continuing their bad faith tactics without providing a fair settlement. When this happens, the lawyers at Bye, Goff & Rohde are prepared to go to court to seek legal damages for your injuries.

How Our Wisconsin Lawyers Hold Drivers Accountable for Their Negligence

Drivers who are not responsible behind the wheel can be held accountable for their actions. All motorists have an obligation not to cause harm to other human beings while operating a vehicle. This means that drivers are supposed to remain alert to their surroundings at all times and be on the lookout for bicyclists and pedestrians, especially in areas where a higher concentration of these individuals exists. Failure to take the necessary caution can have long-term repercussions for both parties.

To hold a negligent driver responsible for their actions during a personal injury claim, four elements must be demonstrated. The purpose of these components is to demonstrate the other party’s actions and the consequences beyond any doubt. Only once their negligence is established as a fact can a case be resolved. To fulfill the requirement, our Wisconsin bicycle accident and pedestrian accident lawyers must show:

Duty of Care: The driver was responsible for exercising the necessary caution to keep you safe.
Breach of Duty: The driver engaged in activities that disregarded their duty to you.
Causation: The consequences of the driver’s actions were an accident that resulted in your injuries and other losses.
Damages: The driver must pay for the damages they caused to make restitution.

This process requires considerable evidence and a thorough knowledge of the law and claim process. While the fault of the driver must be established in both insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits, each process has its own nuances. Our bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and River Falls know how to handle both situations; we can act strategically to secure the most favorable outcome in either situation.

Compensation Alleviates Expenses and Stress After a Bicycle or Pedestrian Crash

Bicycle or pedestrian crashes can leave you with staggering expenses. You will likely need extensive treatment, and may require long-term resources too. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Cost of Injury report, the average cost of medical care for a pedestrian is $9,671, and $29,519 for a cyclist. Sadly, these are not the only expenses you may deal with, so securing damages is essential for your overall well-being. Compensation may cover the following, as applicable:

Emergency medical expenses
Ongoing medical support, such as rehabilitation, equipment, home and vehicle accommodations, assistive technology, and medication
Lost wages and earning capacity
Damage to your bicycle and/or personal belongings
Funeral and burial expenses in the event of a fatal accident
Death benefits and lost inheritance
Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress
PTSD, depression, anxiety, and insomnia
Decreased enjoyment and quality of life
Loss of consortium or companionship
Disfigurement
Disability benefits
Punitive damages in certain situations

It is important to consult pedestrian accident attorneys in La Crosse, WI about your situation before moving forward. They can gather evidence and consult with medical experts to calculate your losses, determine how much your case is worth, and negotiate a fair settlement. They will also review all offers to make sure you do not accept a settlement from the insurance company that does not adequately cover your losses.

How Partial Fault Could Affect Your Accident Case

After an accident, the actions of all parties are evaluated when investigating how the accident occurred. If it is determined that both you and the driver shared fault for the collision, then you could recover less compensation than you otherwise would. According to Wisconsin’s modified comparative negligence law, parties who are less than 50% at fault may recover compensation reduced by their level of fault. Parties over 50% fault cannot recover compensation at all.

If you think you are partially at fault, you should talk with your bicycle accident attorney in River Falls, WI right away. They can review the evidence and fight to minimize your level of liability. They will also make sure that the insurance company is not trying to pin the blame on you so they can avoid paying you. A lawyer will advocate for you and help you recover maximum compensation in this situation.

Contact Our Wisconsin Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents Lawyers

The law office of Bye, Goff & Rohde has served Wisconsin since 1974. Our attorneys believe you deserve to be treated as an individual, a person with very real feelings and concerns, not just another case in the system. We are not afraid to take cases all the way to trial – a fact that insurance companies recognize. To set up a free consultation with our experienced bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyers in La Crosse, Eau Claire, and River Falls, WI, contact our law firm today.