Cycling Accident Frequently Asked Questions
If I call the insurance company, what problems could I face? 
First of all, don’t be surprised if the insurance adjustor has a general bias against you, the bicyclist. Typically, the adjustor will be skeptical about your story and will try to get you to admit some fault. Don’t fall for this trap, since it will seriously damage your case.
Also, expect some disbelief about the value of your bike, clothing and accessories. Don’t be surprised to hear, “Your bike cost how much? We’re talking about a motorcycle, right?” And finally, in many bike-vehicle collisions, much of your injuries will be soft-tissue damage and road rash. Expect the adjustor to play down the pain and suffering you’re feeling. The adjustor’s typical reply, “It’s a good thing you’ve just got a few bumps and scrapes. You’re lucky not to have broken a bone. Don’t worry. You’ll be as good as new in a couple of days.” Most likely the adjuster will not tell you about your full rights under Utah law and what compensation you are entitled to.
So as an injured cyclist, what are my rights in Utah?
Under Utah law, you are entitled to be compensated for all your medical bills, lost income, property damage and the cost associated with your painful recovery. Our job as your cycling attorney is to make sure that all your costs associated with the accident are fully documented. We then recover those costs by negotiating a fair and full settlement from the driver’s insurance company.
What’s the advantage of involving a cycling attorney from Craig Swapp & Associates?
Because we enjoying road and mountain biking ourselves, we pay special attention to how Utah law relates to cycling accidents. We know the daily dangers you face on the roads. We know exactly how you feel about the disrespect cyclists sometimes receive from drivers and their insurance companies. That’s why we’re driven to ensure that you get justice and full compensation for the costs of your accident.
What is a good biking accident case?
We’ll handle any bike accident involving a vehicle, where the driver was primarily at fault. The vehicle can be an automobile, truck, commercial vehicle, or public transportation.
What compensation should I expect from the insurance settlement?
We’ll make sure that you receive a fair and full settlement that will include:
- Replacement or repair of your damaged bike. This can include your frame, component group, wheels, GPS or computer, and bike clothing
- Lost income
- Doctor and emergency room bills
- Physical therapy
- Discomfort and pain from the accident
- Permanent injuries (including scarring)
What if the cyclist is killed? Can you help the family?
Any death to a fellow cyclist is a painful and tragic time for the family. When we handle a wrongful death case, be assured that we will not rest until the cyclist’s family receives full compensation for the loss of livelihood and companionship.
I was injured when my bike failed? What options do I have?
The cycling attorneys at Craig Swapp & Associates fully understand that on rare occasion bike frames and components can fail, causing a serious injury or fall. Through no fault of the cyclist, it’s possible that forks and frames break, brakes fail, and cables snap. If your injury involves a defective bike, make sure that you keep possession of your damaged bike and call us right away. Our bicycle engineering experts will thoroughly investigate the bike and look for evidence of a manufacturing defect or improper assembly.