What Kinds of Damages Are Recoverable Following a Bicycle Accident?

Across the country, reckless motorists send hundreds of thousands of cyclists to the hospital each year. Because they have virtually no protection from the force of impact, cyclists are incredibly vulnerable in collisions with motor vehicles, and serious injuries are all but inevitable.

Thankfully, if you were hurt in a bicycle accident, you should be able to hold the liable driver accountable. As long as you can present sufficient evidence of fault, you may seek compensation for the following damages:

1. Medical Bills

Bicycle accident victims may pursue funds for all kinds of health care-related expenses. Examples include the costs associated with:

• Ambulance transport;
• Emergency care;
• Hospitalizations;
• Diagnostic imaging;
• Surgeries;
• Physical therapy;
• Prescription drugs;
• Mobility aids; and
• Home care.

2. Lost Income

If you’re unable to work while recovering from the accident, you can seek compensation for the wages you end up losing as a result. And if you suffer any permanent disabilities that keep you from returning to the workforce at all, you may also include lost earning capacity in the settlement negotiations.

3. Objectively Calculable Losses

While recovering from your injuries, you may have to arrange for various replacement services, like housekeeping, child care, and meal preparation. As long as any such help is reasonably necessary, it’s considered a recoverable damage.

Make sure to save all bills, invoices, and receipts, though, as you’ll need to show just how much you spent on these objectively calculable losses.

4. Pain and Suffering

Minnesota tort law recognizes the fact that non-economic damages, while intangible, can be every bit as devastating as economic damages. As such, personal injury claimants are entitled to seek compensation for losses like mental anguish and pain and suffering.

Since such damages aren’t accompanied by any documentation, however, victims must find other ways to demonstrate their extent. As long as you’re diligent about logging the daily hurdles you face, you can use journal entries to do so. Psychological evaluations and statements from friends, loved ones, and colleagues can also bolster your claim for non-economic damages.

Does Minnesota Allow for the Recovery of Punitive Damages in Personal Injury Claims?

The kinds of damages listed above are considered compensatory damages, which aim to reimburse claimants for losses they actually incurred. In some cases, punitive damages are also warranted. Such damages aim to penalize the defendant for especially egregious conduct.

Bicycle accident claims founded on negligence do not typically call for a punitive award. If the motorist who struck you was impaired, however—or intentionally hit you—it may be possible to seek punitive damages in addition to the standard compensatory damages.

Call 800-770-7008 to Speak with a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Minneapolis

At Bradshaw & Bryant, we know just how devastating cycling injuries can be. If you were struck by a reckless motorist, we’ll help you gather the evidence needed to hold them responsible for your losses. To schedule a free case review with a bicycle accident lawyer in Minneapolis, call 800-770-7008 or complete our Online Contact Form.