Cedar Rapids Bicycle Accidents Lawyer

Have you been seriously injured in a Cedar Rapids bicycle accident? You need to speak with an experienced Cedar Rapids bike crash attorney as soon as possible. The skilled legal team at RSH Legal has nearly 35 years of experience fighting for fairness for Cedar Rapidians, and we can get you a fair settlement for your case.

3 Mistakes Injured Cedar Rapids Bike Accident Victims Make

Believing Your Own Auto Insurance Doesn’t Cover Bike Accidents

You should report your bike wreck to your own auto insurance company as soon as you can after a crash. The driver’s liability insurance may be responsible for compensating you for your injuries if the driver was at fault for the wreck.

However, if the person who hit you did not have insurance, or did not have adequate insurance to cover your medical bills, your own auto insurance may be the only way to get your bills paid. Using your Uninsured Motorist Coverage or Underinsured Motorist Coverage may help you get compensation for your harms and losses.

To figure out if you have this type of coverage, you should have a skilled Cedar Rapids bicycle accident lawyer look over your auto insurance policy for you. Most attorneys will do this at no charge during your free, no-obligation case evaluation.

Posting on Social Media After Your Accident

After your bike crash, you probably want to inform friends and family that you’re okay, and one of the easiest ways to do that is through social media. Be aware – this could be a huge mistake.

It is common practice for insurance companies to search social media sites for any information that can be used against you or your case. There are reported cases where insurance representatives spy on accident victims’ Facebook or Twitter accounts to see if they can find any evidence that could ruin a case.

Even more alarming – the other side will get complete access to everything you post online if you pursue a bicycle accident claim. Courts across the country are allowing insurance companies to access this information, no matter how high you put your security settings.

To get the best chance at receiving compensation for your injuries, keep all information off social media until you settle your claim. If you have already posted on your social media, do not delete these posts – as this could be seen as destroying evidence. Instead, stop any further posts until you have settled your bicycle accident case.

Settling Your Claim Before You’re Healed

It is probably tempting to get your claim settled as soon as possible after the accident. Medical bills are piling up, and the insurance representative is telling you they can get you a fair deal. You simply want to heal and move on with your life, so why shouldn’t you settle your case?

Be careful – the insurance company wants you to settle your claim quickly so you don’t hire an attorney and learn the true value of your case. Their representatives are trained to use tactics to reduce payouts for victims.

They may tell you that you only have a short time to get compensation for your injuries – that’s not true. You have two full years from the date of the crash to settle your claim or file a lawsuit. Don’t let them bully you into accepting a settlement without speaking with an experienced Cedar Rapids injury lawyer first. We offer free, no-obligation case evaluations – just call 1-800-433-0283 today to schedule yours.

Common Questions About Bicycle Accident Claims in Cedar Rapids

What Are My Rights as a Cyclist After Being Hit by a Car in Cedar Rapids?

As a cyclist in Cedar Rapids, you have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators under Iowa law, and you’re entitled to compensation if a driver’s negligence caused your bicycle accident. Iowa Code Section 321.234 establishes that bicycles have all the rights and duties applicable to vehicles, meaning drivers must treat cyclists with the same care and respect as other motorists. You have the right to ride on most Cedar Rapids streets and use the full lane when necessary for safety, and drivers must maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing you. After being hit by a car, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage to your bicycle, and future medical care if you sustained serious injuries. You should report the accident to Cedar Rapids police immediately, seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor, gather evidence, including photos and witness information, and avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before consulting with an attorney. Cedar Rapids has numerous bike trails and designated cycling routes, and accidents on these paths may involve different liability considerations depending on the circumstances.

What Should I Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident in Cedar Rapids?

Immediately after a bicycle accident in Cedar Rapids, your first priority should be safety and medical care, followed by documenting everything about the incident. Move to a safe location if possible without leaving the accident scene, and call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, even if you feel uninjured, as adrenaline can mask serious injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, or fractures. Exchange information with the driver, including their name, insurance details, license plate number, and contact information, but avoid discussing fault or apologizing, which could be used against you later. Take photographs of your injuries, bicycle damage, the vehicle involved, road conditions, traffic signs, and the overall accident scene from multiple angles. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident occur. If you’re physically able, note the exact location, time, and weather conditions, and write down your recollection of events while details are fresh. Seek a complete medical evaluation as soon as possible, keep all medical records and bills, and contact an experienced Cedar Rapids bicycle accident attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters who may try to minimize your claim.

Do I Need to Wear a Helmet While Cycling in Cedar Rapids?

Iowa law does not require adult cyclists to wear helmets, though wearing one is strongly recommended for safety and can significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries in an accident. However, Cedar Rapids cyclists under the age of 16 are not subject to a state helmet law either, though individual parents and guardians should ensure children wear properly fitted helmets. While the absence of a helmet cannot prevent you from recovering compensation after a bicycle accident in Cedar Rapids, insurance companies may attempt to argue that your injuries would have been less severe if you had worn a helmet, potentially affecting your non-economic damages for injuries like concussions or head trauma. Iowa’s comparative fault system means that your failure to wear a helmet could theoretically be used to reduce your compensation if it’s determined to have contributed to your injuries, though this depends heavily on the specific circumstances and injuries involved. Regardless of helmet laws, cyclists should always prioritize safety by wearing helmets, using lights and reflectors when riding at night, following traffic laws, and riding defensively. If you were injured while not wearing a helmet, an experienced attorney can help counter insurance company arguments and protect your right to fair compensation.

Can I Sue If I Was Hit While Riding on a Sidewalk or Trail in Cedar Rapids?

Yes, you can still pursue compensation if you were hit while riding on a sidewalk or trail in Cedar Rapids, though the legal considerations may differ from accidents occurring on the street. Cedar Rapids allows bicycle riding on sidewalks in most areas, but cyclists must yield to pedestrians and exercise due care. If a driver struck you while you were crossing a street on a sidewalk or entering/exiting a trail crossing, they may still be liable for failing to yield or driving negligently. The Cedar Rapids trail system, including popular routes like the Cedar Valley Nature Trail and Cedar River Trail, has numerous road crossings where driver negligence commonly causes bicycle accidents. If your accident occurred due to dangerous trail conditions, poor maintenance, inadequate signage, or design defects, you might have a claim against the City of Cedar Rapids or the entity responsible for trail maintenance. Accidents in parking lots adjacent to trails or on private property may involve premises liability claims. The specific rules governing your accident depend on where it occurred, whether you had the right-of-way, and if you were following applicable traffic laws. An attorney experienced in Cedar Rapids bicycle accidents can investigate the circumstances, identify all potentially liable parties, and determine the best legal strategy for recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

The Absolute Wrong Way to Hire a Cedar Rapids Bicycle Accident Attorney

It’s a bad idea to pick a bike crash lawyer on guesswork or a hasty decision. Choosing a lawyer can have real consequences – it can mean the difference between a fair settlement and a lifetime of paying medical bills out of your own pocket.

Here are some of the misguided ideas we’ve seen over the years that lead people to choose the wrong lawyer for their bicycle accident cases:

• “I’ll just go to the lawyer closest to my house.” What are the odds that you happen to live just minutes away from one of the relatively few attorneys who specialize in serious bicycle accident cases? Many people don’t realize our attorneys are licensed to practice law anywhere in the state of Iowa. In the digital age, many attorneys can have you sign contracts, fill out paperwork, and discuss your claim – all without having to visit their physical office. Rather than picking the nearest attorney to you, you should choose one that is the best and most qualified for your case.

• “I’ll just hire the first attorney who answers my call.” Again, don’t limit your search to the attorney who is the most convenient. Just because an attorney immediately answers the phone does not mean they are the most qualified to take your case. Do online research and ask key questions to each attorney you call and make an informed decision.
• “I’ll just go to the lawyer who handled my divorce.” Doing a good job on a divorce case or a drunk driving charge does not qualify an attorney to handle a serious bike crash claim. Some of the best personal injury attorneys you can find have highly-focused practices – they become experts in a small part of the law to best serve their clients.

If you’re hiring an attorney for a claim that could settle for as much as a house, you need an expert. RSH Legal has nearly 35 years of fighting for fairness for injured bicycle accident victims. To schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation, contact RSH Legal today at 1-800-433-0283.

Tim Semelroth

Board-Certified Trial Attorney

Pressley Henningsen

AV-Rated Trial Attorney