Car-on-bike collisions can be devastating for cyclists, as the injuries incurred can make returning to work impossible. If you’re facing that situation, a bicycle accident lawyer could have the remedy you need. By building and filing a strong personal injury case, an attorney can pursue compensation for all of your financial losses, including those related to income.
If you lost your job because a cycling accident has left you unable to perform the required duties – or if you’ve been forced to change career paths as a result of the collision – turn to the legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associates. Here’s a look at what our experienced Draper personal injury attorneys can do to help.
A key factor in any Utah personal injury case is the calculation of any lost income that may be recoverable. As an injured cyclist, you have the right to pursue compensation for the following from the party at fault for the collision:
To be compensated for lost income, you’ll need to have documentation that shows the time you missed from work and the amount you would have earned during that time. Your bicycle accident lawyer can explain what types of documents can be used as evidence in a personal injury case.
What if you took sick leave or used paid vacation days to cover the time you missed at work? You’re entitled to compensation for that, too – you earned those benefits, and an experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you recover their full value.
The severity of the injuries you sustained may have impaired your ability to earn the same income as you did prior to your bicycle accident. If you lost your job and can’t switch to a line of work that pays as well, you may have a claim for loss of earning capacity.
But while you have the right to pursue compensation for your diminished earning power, proving lost earning capacity can be a challenge. Establishing how your injuries have compromised your ability to earn an income in the future may require all of the following:
In a personal injury case, calculating loss of earning capacity – and determining an appropriate amount of compensation – isn’t an exact science. Having an experienced bicycle accident lawyer on your side is to your benefit, as an attorney will investigate every possible avenue, including possible promotions and raises you may have earned, to bolster your claim.
In addition to lost income and loss of earning capacity, you can pursue compensation for lost work opportunities resulting from your Utah cycling accident. Essentially, this refers to commissions and bonuses earned on a regular basis – and if you missed out on any such prospects to make money because of your bicycle accident, a lawyer can help you prove lost work opportunities.
Several other types of compensation may also be awarded in Utah personal injury cases. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can work to get you compensated for all of your losses. Depending upon your specific circumstances, your attorney may pursue compensation for:
Punitive damages are available in the state of Utah, but they are rarely awarded and generally only apply to cases involving gross negligence. Your bicycle accident lawyer will let you know if you can make a claim for punitive damages.
Whatever specific damages apply to your case, you can count on your lawyer to fight for every dollar you deserve. After all, most attorneys who handle personal injury cases do so on a contingency fee basis – meaning that they only get paid if they recover compensation. And, their payment is typically a percentage of the amount awarded. As such, your bicycle accident lawyer will have a tremendous incentive to maximize your claim.
You need an attorney who will stand up for your rights and fight to get the money you deserve – and William R. Rawlings & Associates has what it takes to make that happen.
We’ve been representing injured cyclists in Utah, Idaho and California for more than 35 years, and we understand how to maximize compensation in personal injury cases. Our legal team includes former insurance adjusters, former insurance company attorneys and lawyers who enjoy the sport of cycling, giving us a unique perspective that works to our clients’ advantage.
William R. Rawlings & Associates is the law firm you want in your corner if you lost your job because of a Utah car-on-bike collision. For a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney in Draper, contact our office today.