Belle Fourche Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Pursue Maximum Compensation After a Bicycle Accident in Belle Fourche
Belle Fourche is a beautiful place to enjoy the fresh air while riding your bicycle. Nearby trails include Belle Fourche River Walk Trail, George S. Mickelson Trail, and Homestake Railroad Grade Trail.
Bicycle riders are extremely vulnerable to the careless actions of unsafe motorists. Contact Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., if you were injured in a bicycle accident. Firm founder Steven Titus can aggressively pursue the compensation you need to cover the cost of your medical bills and other expenses.
Call (307) 257-7800 to schedule a FREE consultation with our experienced Belle Fourche personal injury lawyer today.
Understanding Belle Fourche Bicycle Safety Laws
Drivers and cyclists in South Dakota must adhere to all traffic rules. This includes stopping at stop signs and red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and signaling turns. South Dakota’s Three-Foot Law requires motorists to ensure a minimum gap of three feet when overtaking a cyclist. This distance is measured from the outermost part of the vehicle, including mirrors, to the cyclist. This provides a buffer zone for cyclists, which can be crucial in avoiding accidents.
Bicycle laws are essential for ensuring the safety and protection of cyclists on the road. There is no statewide mandate requiring cyclists to wear helmets. But wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for all riders, regardless of age. Local jurisdictions may have their own rules, so it’s essential to check for any municipal or county regulations that could apply.
What Are Some Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents?
In Belle Fourche, careless drivers who don’t look out for bicycles and drivers who don’t follow the rules are major causes of accidents that injure cyclists. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a significant threat to the safety of bicyclists because alcohol and drugs impair key driving skills such as judgment, coordination, depth perception, and reflexes. Distracted driving is heavily penalized, whether due to texting, using a phone, or other distractions. Distracted drivers are less likely to notice bicyclists, increasing the risk of accidents.
Drivers who speed significantly increase the risk of bicycle accidents. When drivers exceed these limits, they compromise their ability to react to unexpected obstacles, such as a cyclist entering their path. This can result in catastrophic accidents, leading to severe injuries or fatalities for the bicyclist. Speeding also increases the impact force during a collision, making accidents more deadly.
Drivers who run red lights and stop signs pose a significant danger to bicyclists. These traffic violations disrupt the predictable flow of traffic and can lead to severe accidents at intersections, where many bicycle routes intersect with vehicle lanes. Such reckless behavior often results in high-impact crashes, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities for the bicyclist.
Bicyclists are vulnerable to hasty lane changes and unsafe turns made by careless drivers. South Dakota law requires drivers to signal their intentions and ensure it is safe before making a turn or changing lanes.
Determining Liability After a Belle Fourche Bicycle Accident
Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., can conduct a detailed investigation by collecting and analyzing evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and available video footage from traffic cameras or dashcams. Accident reconstruction experts may also be employed to piece together the sequence of events leading to the collision. When our investigation is complete, Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., can file a claim or a lawsuit against anyone whose negligent actions contributed to your injuries.
When it comes to bicycle accidents, South Dakota is an at-fault state. This means the person who causes an accident is liable for the injuries that result from the crash. This includes negligent drivers who perform unsafe maneuvers and disobey traffic laws. In cases involving commercial vehicles, trucking or delivery companies may also be held responsible, especially if negligent hiring practices are proven. Businesses have a responsibility to make sure their employees have a safe driving record and must check references when they hire new drivers. Liability in a bike accident can also extend to manufacturers of defective bicycle parts that contributed to the accident.
Compensation for bicycle accident injuries may cover a wide range of expenses, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and any necessary surgeries or long-term care. Victims may claim damages for lost wages if their injuries prevent them from working. Damages for pain and suffering address the non-economic impact of the accident on the victim’s life.
Common Types of Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents
Bone fractures are also common in bicycle accidents, with cyclists often suffering broken arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones due to the impact. These fractures often require surgery and prolonged recovery periods. Paralysis occurs when the spinal cord is damaged, potentially leading to permanent loss of mobility and sensation in parts of the body. This life-changing injury often requires extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are among the most severe consequences of bike accidents. These injuries often lead to long-term physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments. Victims may experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and even personality changes. Crush injuries occur when a part of the body is subjected to a high degree of pressure, leading to muscle and tissue destruction, fractures, and potential organ damage. One primary challenge of crush injuries is the complex medical treatment that’s required.
Amputation resulting from a bike accident is a life-altering event with profound physical, emotional, and financial repercussions. Amputees extensive medical treatment that may include surgery, prosthetics, and rehabilitation. Victims often face significant psychological trauma and a diminished quality of life, which should be factored into the compensation.
Whiplash occurs when the neck is suddenly and forcefully jerked back and forth, causing damage to the soft tissues, muscles, and ligaments in the neck. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness, which may not appear immediately after the accident. Recovery from whiplash may take months, often requiring physical therapy and medical treatment. Nerve damage may result from direct trauma to the nerves during an accident. In severe cases, this may cause chronic pain and permanent disability.
Speak with Our Experienced Bike Accident Attorney in Belle Fourche Today
At Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., we believe the person who caused your injuries should have to pay for it. That’s why we pursue justice for bicycle accident victims in South Dakota.
At Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., we take cases on a contingency basis—this means you won’t owe us anything unless we win you a settlement.
Speak with our Belle Fourche bicycle accident lawyer to learn more. Call our firm today at (307) 257-7800 for a free initial consultation.
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