Do you live in Maui? A bicycle can make it easier for you to get around some parts or neighborhoods of the island. However, it can be a risky venture. You may easily get hurt when drivers don’t pay attention or if they are careless. Bicycle accidents typically occur without warning and quickly.
Any bicycle accident attorney in Hawaii can tell you that Maui traffic accidents are increasingly commonplace in the 21st century. Thousands of people get injured in these accidents each year. Unfortunately, Maui police say that a lot of bicyclists died at the scene last year. Those with life-threatening injuries are often represented by bicycle accident lawyers.
Bicycle Accident Maui: Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Aside from the involvement of speeding, drugs and alcohol, bicycle accidents that involve a motor vehicle are often caused by distracted drivers. It is not uncommon for drivers to fail to see cyclists because they are distracted by tablets or mobile phones. Maui is an island, and as such, has an abundance of windy, narrow, frequently damaged roads. This adds another layer of vulnerability to the cyclist.
Chances are you’ve heard that a pickup truck or a car hit a cyclist when they attempted to turn left. Unfortunately, this is an all too common story. Likewise, many drivers cause accidents by failing to stop the vehicle at traffic control devices or while turning in front of an oncoming cyclist.
These scenarios may result in fatalities or serious injuries to the extremities, brain and spine. In addition to wearing a helmet, you should also wear reflective or brightly colored clothing to increase your visibility while riding on the road. Use lights on the back and front of your bike to help reduce the risk of traffic accidents.
Damages in Bicycle Accidents
In addition to injuries, there are also potential damages following bicycle accidents. Injured cyclists may receive different types of damages, including:
- Non-economic damages (quality of life issues as well as pain and suffering),
- Economic damages (lost wages, medical expenses, and damaged property), and
- Punitive damages (they are awarded just for the sake of punishing egregious offenders instead of compensating the victims for injuries).
Hawaii Bicycle Laws & PIP Benefits
Were you injured in a bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault? Hawaii is one of the no-fault states and has mandatory coverage called personal injury protection (PIP) or no-fault coverage. It can be used by cyclists in the event of a bike–car incident.
What To Look For When Seeking a Bicycle Accident Attorney
If your loved one or you have been injured in a bicycle accident – assuming that it’s caused by the motorist’s negligence – be sure to contact a personal injury lawyer as quickly as possible.
You want to hire a lawyer specializing in car and bicycle accidents. Aside from being experienced, the attorney you hire must be trustworthy and reliable as well. The lawyers are also supposed to settle personal injury claims promptly and successfully.
Contact Cain & Herren ALC today! Our legal team will provide valuable advice and assess your case besides pursuing the appropriate compensation for your damages and injuries. Reach out to us at your earliest convenience and we will support you every step of the way.
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