Lincoln Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Cycling through Lincoln should feel safe, whether commuting to work, riding the Mopac Trail, or enjoying a weekend in your neighborhood. But accidents happen, and the consequences can be severe. Cyclists lack a protective frame or airbags and risk broken bones, head trauma, and worse. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, most bicyclist deaths occur in urban areas, and alcohol plays a role in many fatal accidents.

If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Lincoln, you deserve a legal team that takes your case seriously. Our Lincoln injury lawyers bring over 55 years of combined experience, fighting for injured Nebraskans since the firm was founded by James Knowles, Sr. Every attorney at the firm is a member of the Knowles family, which means your case is handled by people who have a personal stake in achieving the best possible result.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Lincoln Bicycle Accident?

Liability in a bicycle accident depends on your case’s details. In Nebraska, a driver who strikes a cyclist may be responsible if their careless or reckless behavior caused the accident. Several common factors may lead to a legal claim.

Common causes include:

• Distracted driving, including texting or cell phone use while behind the wheel
• Failure to yield when turning at intersections
• Dooring accidents occur when a vehicle occupant opens a door into a cyclist’s path
• Speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Failure to observe the state’s three-foot passing law when overtaking a cyclist

Nebraska follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you may still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. An attorney can review the facts and help determine how liability applies to your situation. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of bicycle accidents, and evidence such as phone records or dashcam footage can be critical to proving fault.

What Injuries Are Common in Lincoln Bicycle Accidents?

Bicycle accident injuries are frequently serious, and in some cases, life-altering. Because cyclists are completely exposed during a collision, even low-speed impacts can cause significant harm.

Head and Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries are among the most common and most serious outcomes of a bicycle accident. Even with a helmet, a cyclist can suffer a concussion, skull fracture, or more severe brain damage that affects memory and mobility. If you have suffered a head injury in a Lincoln bicycle accident, working with a brain injury lawyer may be essential to understanding the full scope of your damages.

Spinal, Bone, and Soft Tissue Injuries

Cyclists thrown from their bikes often suffer fractured arms, legs, or collarbones as they brace for impact. Spinal injuries can range from herniated discs to partial or complete paralysis. Road rash, though often dismissed as minor, can result in deep tissue damage and permanent scarring.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Bicycle Accident in Lincoln, NE?

Nebraska law allows injured cyclists to pursue compensation for the losses caused by another party’s negligence. The value of a case depends on the nature and extent of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and the medical care you require.

Recoverable damages in a bicycle accident case may include:

• Medical bills, including emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation
• Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
• Reduced future earning capacity if injuries affect long-term employment
• Pain and suffering caused by physical injury and its lasting effects
• Property damage to your bicycle and any other personal belongings

In the most tragic cases, a fatal bicycle accident may allow surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. These cases require careful legal handling, and having an experienced attorney on your side can make a meaningful difference in the outcome.

What Should You Do After a Lincoln Bicycle Accident?

The steps you take in the hours and days after a bicycle accident can significantly affect the strength of your case. It is important to act carefully and document everything you can.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine after the accident, some injuries, including concussions and internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Getting a medical evaluation creates a record linking your injuries to the accident, which is essential for your claim.

Document the Scene and Report the Accident

If you are physically able, photograph the accident scene, the vehicles involved, your injuries, and any road conditions that may have contributed to the accident. If the accident involved injuries or significant property damage, report it to law enforcement and ask for a copy of the police report.

Contact Knowles Law Firm for a Free Bicycle Accident Consultation

Bicycle accidents in Lincoln can leave you dealing with painful injuries and uncertainty about your future. Understanding your legal rights and the options available to you is an important first step toward recovering what you are owed. The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm bring over 55 years of legal experience to every case and have a proven record of obtaining multi-million-dollar results for injury victims across Nebraska.

If you’ve been injured in a Lincoln bicycle accident, act now to protect your rights. Contact Knowles Law Firm through our contact form and schedule your free consultation today. Our attorneys answer their own phones, provide personal email addresses, and are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Filing Bicycle Accident Claims In Lincoln, NE

Bicycle crash victims are often left with questions regarding their financial recovery options and what to do next. We hope these frequently asked questions can give you greater insights into your legal rights.

Who Is Responsible for Paying for My Bicycle Accident?

The answer depends on who or what caused the crash. The liable party could be a negligent motor vehicle driver, the manufacturer or distributor of a defective bicycle part, a government agency for a dangerous road hazard, a third party, or a combination of multiple parties.

What if I Was Not Wearing a Bicycle Helmet at the Time of the Crash?

Not wearing a helmet will not make you at fault for the accident. If someone else caused the crash, that person or party will still be responsible for your losses. In addition, since Nebraska law does not require cyclists to wear helmets, failing to do so is generally not a usable defense against liability for a bicyclist’s injuries.

When Should I Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Lincoln?

You should hire an attorney without delay. A lawyer can use years of experience and an extensive knowledge of the law to build a strong legal strategy from the very beginning of your case, improving your odds of case success.

For answers to additional questions and legal advice tailored to your specific case, contact Knowles Law Firm to request a free consultation with our experienced Lincoln bicycle accident attorney.