Albuquerque Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident, it's important to remember that you have the right to be on the road, just as any vehicle does. An experienced attorney can help you get the medical treatment and financial compensation you deserve for the injuries you've suffered.
Similar to motorcycle accidents, even what is considered a small impact to a car can cause major injuries in bike accidents: bone fractures, neck and back injuries, even brain injuries. At my Albuquerque offices I, Brady Pofahl, will help you protect your rights. As a former insurance attorney, I know how the other side thinks.
When Your Future is at Stake
Contact me, Brady Pofahl, at the Pofahl Law Firm
Traffic Rules: Riding on the Sidewalk in New Mexico
Bicyclists and drivers share the road, and both have to follow the same traffic rules. However, there is a major exception to this rule in New Mexico. If it is not safe to ride in the street, bicycles are allowed to ride on the sidewalk.
This exception is of particular importance in Albuquerque, where a lot of areas are still not bike-friendly. Many parts of the city do not have bike lanes, and cycling on a major thoroughfare can be completely unsafe. Riding on the sidewalk is the only option-and the law recognizes this.
How Insurance Companies View Bike Accidents
Even though the law is clear, insurance companies often misinterpret it, to the detriment of people who have been injured in bicycle accidents.
Cyclists face a negative bias in car-oriented Albuquerque. City drivers are often impatient with bike riders and dismissive of their presence. A "you're in my way" attitude is common when it comes to car drivers sharing the road with bike riders.
Typical accidents involve a car backing or driving out of a driveway and hitting a cyclist on the sidewalk. The driver usually claims that the bike should not have been there, even if the bicyclist had every right to be, by law.
With all these misinterpretations and biases against bicyclists at work, it's no surprise that insurance companies take every opportunity to minimize the severity of the injuries a bicyclist suffers after an accident.
After Your Bicycle Accident
A former insurance attorney, I know how the other side thinks and the ways they will try to downplay your claim. When it comes to dealing with insurance companies after a bicycle accident, I am the attorney you want fighting in your corner.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to get appropriate medical care as soon as possible. You may feel like you have few options after your accident, or feel overwhelmed by the stresses of pain, bills, missed work and dealing with the insurance company.
At my law firm, I understand your future is at stake. I will guide you through the process, make sure your rights are protected and fight hard to get you the just compensation you deserve. From my offices in uptown Albuquerque, I can help you today. Contact me for your free initial consultation.
