Omaha Bicycle Accident Lawyer

When a cyclist collides with a vehicle on Omaha’s busy streets, the aftermath can be devastating both physically and financially. Unlike car accidents, where occupants have the protection of steel frames and safety features, bicycle riders are completely exposed to the full force of impact, often resulting in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and prolonged recovery periods.

The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm understand the unique challenges bicycle accident victims face when pursuing compensation for their injuries. With 55 years of experience handling personal injury cases in Nebraska, our legal team has secured multi-million dollar settlements for clients who sustained serious injuries in bicycle accidents throughout the Omaha area.

Understanding Nebraska’s Bicycle Laws and Your Rights

Nebraska law treats bicycles as vehicles, which means cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators on public roads. However, this legal framework also provides important protections for injured cyclists when accidents occur due to driver negligence.

Under Nebraska Revised Statutes §60-6,314 to 60-6,319, drivers must maintain at least three feet of clearance when passing cyclists. When drivers fail to observe this safe passing distance or violate other traffic laws, he or she may be held liable for injuries and damages. Common causes of bicycle accidents in Omaha include distracted driving, failure to yield right-of-way, unsafe lane changes, and drivers opening car doors without checking for approaching cyclists.

The state’s comparative negligence law means that even if a cyclist bears some responsibility for an accident, they may recover damages proportional to the other party’s fault. This legal principle becomes crucial in bicycle accident cases where insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to the injured cyclist. A cyclist may be barred from recovering damages if their fault is equal to or greater than that of the opposing party’s negligence.

Types of Injuries Common in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents frequently result in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection in comparison to vehicle occupants. Head and brain injuries represent the most serious category, even when cyclists wear helmets. Traumatic brain injuries cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes that affect every aspect of a victim’s life.

Severe Physical Trauma

Broken bones are extremely common in bicycle accidents, particularly fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. These injuries require multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy and may result in permanent disability or reduced mobility. Partial or full paralysis may result from spinal cord injuries, fundamentally altering a victim’s quality of life and requiring lifelong medical care.

Road rash and soft tissue injuries, while appearing less severe, can cause significant scarring and require painful skin grafts. Internal injuries to organs may not be immediately evident but are life-threatening without prompt medical intervention.

Building a Strong Case for Maximum Compensation

Successful bicycle accident cases require thorough investigation and preservation of crucial evidence. The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm begin working immediately to document the accident scene, obtain police reports, and interview witnesses before memories fade or evidence disappears.

Medical documentation forms the foundation of any bicycle accident claim. Our legal team works closely with treating physicians to ensure injuries are properly documented and that future medical needs are accurately projected. This comprehensive approach helps secure compensation not only for current medical bills but also for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care needs.

Economic damages in bicycle accidents often extend far beyond medical expenses. Lost wages during recovery, reduced earning capacity due to permanent disabilities, and the costs of modifying homes or vehicles to accommodate injuries all factor into the total compensation calculation. We pursue damages for pain and suffering, which reflects the physical discomfort and emotional trauma that accident victims endure.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Bicycle Accident Cases

Insurance companies offer low settlement amounts to bicycle accident victims, hoping they will accept quick payouts before knowing the full extent of their injuries and damages. These initial offers rarely cover the true costs of serious bicycle accident injuries, which may include years of medical treatment and therapy.

Having representation levels the playing field against insurance entities and their teams of adjusters and attorneys. The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm handle all communication with insurance companies, protecting clients from making statements that could be used to reduce their compensation. We also ensure that all deadlines are met and that cases are filed within Nebraska’s statute of limitations.

Our approach involves conducting independent investigations when necessary, consulting with accident reconstruction specialists, and working with medical professionals to document the complete impact of injuries on our clients’ lives. This thorough preparation often leads to significantly higher settlement offers or successful trial outcomes.

Contact an Experienced Omaha Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, time is critical for protecting your rights and preserving important evidence. The sooner you contact legal counsel, the better positioned you will be to pursue full compensation for your injuries and damages.

The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm have spent over five decades fighting for injured Nebraskans and have obtained multi-million dollar settlements for clients throughout the Omaha area. We know the physical, emotional, and financial challenges bicycle accident victims face, and we help you rebuild your life after a serious accident. Call us today at (402) 431-9000 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.