Pre-Settlement Funding: Hit And Run Bicycle Accident
A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver causes a collision, and instead of remaining at the scene of the accident, flees the scene. Hit-and-run accidents can involve other drivers in vehicles, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists. Oftentimes, the driver at fault will flee the scene because he or she does not want to take responsibility for their actions. They may have been driving while intoxicated, texting while driving, or acted negligibly in some other way that resulted in the accident. The driver may leave in order to try and avoid serious consequences, like jail time. However, fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime in itself. The liable driver may eventually have to face the consequences for causing the accident, as well as an additional charge for failing to remain at the accident site. Sadly, these accidents occur all over the country, each and every day.
In the best-case scenarios, these accidents tend to result in property damage: for example, the negligent driver may have damaged another driver’s vehicle, but nobody was hurt. In many cases, however, hit-and-run drivers cause serious bodily harm to victims. This is especially the case when pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists are involved because they don’t have the same type of protection that a car has. Additionally, cars travel at much faster speeds. When it comes to a hit-and-run bicycle accident, the consequences can be devastating.
Victims may sustain serious and painful injuries; some of these injuries may include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, facial injuries, abrasions, contusions, sprains, lacerations, and neurological damage. In other situations, these accidents can be fatal. Although wearing a properly-fitted bicycle helmet can significantly reduce the risk of brain injury, it does not completely eliminate the possibility of head trauma. A report from the Federal Highway Administration reveals that an estimated 900 bicyclists lose their lives in auto accidents in 2018. Bicyclists, combined with pedestrians, make up 14 percent of all highway fatalities annually. It has also been reported that hit-and-run was one of the most frequently cited driver contributing factors.
Risk Factors for Fatal Bicycle Accidents
Anyone is at risk of getting seriously injured or killed in a hit-and-run bicycle accident. Even diligent individuals who wear their helmets can still be struck by a motor vehicle if the driver is negligent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared that the following are the significant risk factors of fatal bicycle accidents:
- Anyone riding a bicycle in an urban area and at a non-intersection location, which is where most fatal bicycle accidents occur
- Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, which makes up for 37 percent of all fatal bicycle accidents
- Statistics also show that males are six times more likely to die in a bicycle accident, and four times more likely to get injured
- Age also plays a major factor, and the most common age groups of non-fatal bicycle accident victims are children ages 5-14 and adolescents ages 15-19, with adults (aged 50-59-years-old) being the most common age group for deadly bicycle accidents
Hit And Run Bicycle Accident Aftermath
Surviving victims of hit-and-run bicycle accidents often still have a long road of recovery ahead of them. They may need physical therapy, require long hospitalizations, and may be forced to take time off work. This not only results in substantial medical bills but can also result in mounting expenses overall.
If you or a loved one was a victim of a hit-and-run bicycle accident, it is understandable if you have a lot of questions and are experiencing a wide range of emotions. Victims in these situations are often looking for justice, and rightfully so. Many people who have been injured in hit-and-run accidents often wonder if they have any recourse because the person at fault is still unknown, and you may be questioning whether pursuing a personal injury lawsuit is even possible. However, you can be assured that personal injury attorneys have experience with these specific types of cases. In fact, you may already be working with a personal injury attorney on your case.
Because of the complexity of hit-and-run accident cases, they may take longer to finalize than other types of car accident lawsuits. Personal injury lawsuit timelines, in general, can sometimes be a little unpredictable, and hit-and-run cases are certainly no exception. Your personal injury attorney is likely to give your lawsuit the concentration and attention it needs to ensure everything goes smoothly.
For some plaintiffs, it can be frustrating waiting on a case to settle, but there are other options if you’d prefer to have money sooner. Pre-settlement funding, also commonly referred to as a lawsuit advance, gives plaintiffs the chance to receive money upfront. In the meantime, your attorney can work hard on your case, ensuring the highest possible payout. To learn more about USClaims and find out if your hit-and-run case is eligible for a lawsuit advance, contact us today.
