Las Vegas, NM Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Las Vegas, NM Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle accidents in Las Vegas, New Mexico, can lead to severe injuries that significantly disrupt cyclists’ quality of life. Because cyclists are vulnerable on the road when compared to motor vehicles, even minor collisions can cause significant injuries like broken bones and head trauma. In these cases, having a knowledgeable Las Vegas, NM, bicycle accident lawyer can help provide the support and representation you need to hold the responsible party accountable.

At Berenson & Associates, PC, we are committed to fighting for the rights of cyclists who have been injured. As a team of experienced Las Vegas, NM, personal injury lawyers, we fully understand how intimidating a legal battle can feel. It’s why we gladly take on the bulk of the legal burden. We work to maximize your final settlement to help you recover from your car accident injuries and feel more at ease about the process.

How Are Victims of Bicycle Accidents Compensated?

The legal system in New Mexico exists to ensure that innocent victims of bike accidents are not forced to recover using their own finances. In these cases, there are many different types of compensation that can be awarded to cover the range of damages and losses a victim may have suffered. The most common include:

Medical Expenses

Compensation for bike accident medical expenses is comprehensive. This can cover all costs related to the healthcare that you incur due to your accident. This will include costs incurred immediately in the aftermath, like emergency medical services and surgeries. It also includes any ongoing therapies or medications you need to help reach a full recovery. If you continue to need treatment after a settlement is issued, these future costs will also be taken into consideration.

Lost Wages

Sometimes, recovering from bike accident injuries will cause you to miss work for a temporary period of time. During this time, you need to be earning money like you ordinarily would. This is why the state of New Mexico allows you to calculate and recoup all lost wages during your recovery. If your injuries have resulted in a long-term disability, you are also able to claim these future earnings as part of your final settlement.

Pain and Suffering

In addition to physical pain, the “pain and suffering” portion of your bike accident settlement will cover any emotional distress and physical pain you may be experiencing from the accident. Factors considered in this category include any mental anguish experienced from the accident and how the change in your emotional well-being might play a role in the quality of your daily life.

Property Damage

In addition to your bike, property damage compensation will cover any other repairs or replacements needed to replace your personal property impacted by the accident. This could include your helmet, cycling gear, or even electronic devices like your cell phone or GPS. The compensation for these items will be calculated based on their current market value. Both receipts and repair estimates will be needed to support your accident claim.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

This type of compensation was designed to recognize how the impact of a bicycle accident can negatively impact a victim’s ability to enjoy the pleasures in their life. The most common example in bike accident cases is when the accident prevents the victim from enjoying bicycling in the future. To prove the accident has caused a loss of enjoyment, testimonies from the victim’s family members and friends can help to substantiate the claim.

Punitive Damages

A bike accident victim in Las Vegas, NM, may be able to recoup punitive damages if the at-fault party’s behavior was reckless or egregious. These damages differ from compensatory damages, which are designed to reimburse the victim for their losses. Rather, punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party in an effort to prevent them from engaging in similar behavior in the future. The amount of punitive damages awarded will depend on the severity of the misconduct and harm caused.

Bicycle Accident Attorney FAQs

Q: What Happens When You Have a Bike Accident?

A: When you are in a bike accident, your first priority should be to seek safety and medical attention. Once your injuries have been treated, document everything you can. This can include taking photographs of the scene and your injuries, in addition to collecting the contact information from everyone else involved. Report the accident to local law enforcement and ask to receive a copy of their official report to use as required evidence in the settlement process.

Q: Are Bikes Allowed on the Road in New Mexico?

A: Yes, bicycles are allowed to be on the road in New Mexico. In general, bicyclists in the state have the same rights and responsibilities as those driving motor vehicles. Cyclists are expected to be compliant with all traffic signals and signs while driving in the same direction as traffic. When a bike lane is available, it’s safer for cyclists to use it to avoid any unnecessary risk of riding on the main road.

Q: Do You Have to Wear a Helmet When Riding a Bike in New Mexico?

A: Anyone under the age of 18 is required to wear a helmet while riding a bike in New Mexico. Aside from this age-focused regulation, there is no state law requiring any other cyclists to wear a helmet while riding. Despite the lack of regulation, it is still recommended to wear a helmet while riding to reduce your risk of head injuries if an accident were to occur.

Q: How Do Accident Attorneys Get Paid in New Mexico?

A: Most accident attorneys in New Mexico bill their clients on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only expect to be paid if they win the case. If this happens, they will collect a predetermined percentage of their client’s final settlement award to compensate for the time and effort they put into winning the case. To ensure you are comfortable with how much your attorney will collect, discuss this payment structure during your initial consultation.

Contact Berenson & Associates, PC, Today

If you have recently been injured in a bike accident by a motorist and are ready to start the legal process, connect with the attorneys of Berenson & Associates, PC, today. We have spent years working to understand the nuances of bicycle accident cases and maximize our clients’ final settlement awards. Contact us today to begin.