Being hit by any vehicle while on a bicycle can be a physically, emotionally, and financially devastating experience, but being hit by a truck can oftentimes be worse than other vehicle types due to the weight of this particular vehicle type. Cyclists who are hit by trucks tend to suffer more injuries than cyclists hit by other types of vehicles as well as injuries that are more severe in nature. This means more time lost from work, significant medical bills, and severe pain and suffering. Between the time lost from work and the mounting medical bills, the situation can quickly spiral out of control if not handled properly.
Common Injuries Sustained by Cyclists Who Have Been Hit by a Truck
While being hit by any vehicle can result in serious harm to a cyclist, being hit by a truck can cause injuries of a more severe nature due to the weight of the vehicles in question. Common injuries sustained by cyclists who have been hit by a truck include factures and broken bones, head injuries, concussions, abrasions on the body, and bruising. In severe accidents internal bleeding, organ damage, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries may occur.
Driver’s Fault vs. Cyclist’s Fault
When a cyclist is hit by a truck it is critical to determine fault as soon as possible, preferably at the scene of the accident. This is due to the fact that the outcome of the situation will vary significantly depending on whether the driver or the cyclist is at fault.
If the cyclist is at fault in such an accident, he or she will be responsible for his/her own medical bills and will not be entitled to damages for time lost from work. In addition, the driver of the truck may file a claim against the cyclist for any damages that he or she incurred. If, on the other hand, the driver of the truck is at fault, the cyclist may be entitled to damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Determining who is at fault will depend on which driver disobeyed a rule of the road, whether it be running a traffic light or using the wrong lane.
Filing a Claim against a Driver after Being Hit by a Truck When Cycling
To file a claim against the driver of the truck that hit you, you will need to have the driver’s name and contact information as well as his or her insurance information. You will need to contact the driver’s insurance company to report the accident and file a claim. It is important to establish proof of fault when filing a claim with the insurance agency. For this purpose, you may want to retain the representation of an attorney.
An attorney will act as an intermediary between you and the driver’s insurance company. He or she will know what proof needs to be provided to the insurance company to support your claim and how to obtain such proof. In addition, your attorney can help ensure that you are awarded all of the monetary damages you are entitled to, including damages for lost wages and pain and suffering in addition to damages for medical expenses. Since it is not in the insurance company’s best interests to pay you as much as possible, you may want an attorney looking out for your best interests when filing a claim for damages due to being hit by a truck while riding a bicycle.
