Effective Legal Strategies For Injured Pedestrians And Bicyclists
Walking, running or bicycling in the great outdoors are excellent ways to get fresh air and exercise at the same time. Podcasts, physicians and life coaches champion the advantages of exercise for beneficial brain activity and general physical health. But when motorists have difficulty sharing the road, bicycling and pedestrian accidents can result in catastrophic outcomes. Devastating injuries are often caused by negligence involving:
- Drivers of parked vehicles opening their door into a bicyclists’ riding path
- Speeding or reckless motorists
- Distracted drivers texting while driving
- Intoxicated drivers
Attorney Stephen Rapp has been providing attentive personal injury representation right here in Quincy for more than three decades. In this time, he has successfully obtained millions of dollars of compensation for his clients who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence. He has earned favorable peer and client reviews and is a life-time member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and The Top Trial Lawyers in America™.
Why Hire The Law Office of Stephen P. Rapp?
Having the right legal representation for pedestrian accidents can help ensure you get the maximum representation for justice and compensation. At the Law Office of Stephen P. Rapp, we bring over 30 years of experience helping victims of bike lane, sidewalk and hit-by-car accidents get the personal compensation they deserve.
What truly sets us apart is our deep local roots. For example, Attorney Rapp was born and raised in Quincy, and his lifelong commitment to this community fuels every case we handle. Other characteristics that set us apart include:
- Proven results in settlement and litigation involving wrongful death, lost wages and pain and suffering. Our results include a $1 Million crosswalk settlement and $2.25 Million for a catastrophic T-bone accident.
- Recipient of several client choice awards and recognition for top performance in personal compensation cases.
- Deep understanding of local laws, traffic patterns and city-specific risks involving distracted driving, impaired driving, and right-of-way
- Compassionate, personalized attention from a pedestrian accidents lawyer who understands your situation
When dealing with medical bills, insurance companies or the stress of negligence, trust a pedestrian accident attorney in Quincy who truly knows the area and its people. Check out our further reading on why choosing a local attorney matters.
Who Is At Fault And How To Determine Fault In A Pedestrian Or Bicycle Accident
In most pedestrian or bicycle accidents, determining fault hinges on proving negligence. This can fall on a driver, cyclist or even the injured party, depending on the facts.
Some factors used to assess fault include:
- Violations of traffic laws, like ignoring right-of-way rules at crosswalks
- Evidence of distracted driving or impaired driving
- Witness statements and traffic camera footage
- Position of the crash, whether it happened in a bike lane accident, sidewalk accident or crosswalk accident
Fault is decided through police reports, insurance investigations and when needed, through litigation. A skilled pedestrian accident attorney can help gather and present this evidence.
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Pedestrian Or Bicycle Accident?
The timeline for resolving pedestrian accidents varies. If the fault is clear and the injuries are well documented, settlement may happen within a few months. However, complex cases, especially those involving serious cyclist injuries, disputed negligence or long-term medical bills, may take over a year.
A dedicated bike accident lawyer can speed up negotiations with insurance companies and help ensure your pain and suffering, lost wages and future needs are fully considered. While no case is exactly alike, most clients can expect resolution within 6 to 16 months after medical treatment ends.
Has Your Loved One Died In A Bicycle Crash Or As A Pedestrian?
Walkers, runners and bicyclists are vulnerable to fatal injuries caused by motorists. If your loved one died in a pedestrian accident or bicycle accident, Mr. Rapp can help you understand your right to seek compensation to pay for emergency room expenses, funeral and burial costs, and in some cases, monetary compensation for pain and suffering, grief, sorrow and mental suffering.
Filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of your loved one must be done within two years of the accident which caused the death. Some exceptions apply, so it is best to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Contact The Law Office of Stephen P. Rapp For A Free Consultation Today
Contact Attorney Rapp for a free initial consultation. Worried about costs? We handle personal injury matters, including bicycle and pedestrian accidents, on a contingent fee basis. This means you do not pay us legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Learn more about how a local personal injury attorney can help you.
Contact the Rapp Law at 217-223-4570 or send us an email to arrange for a free case evaluation. We serve clients in Quincy and West Central Illinois.
