A relaxing bike ride can be interrupted by a careless driver swerving too close and forcing you off the road. Likewise, going for a walk might suddenly become dangerous if an unleashed animal attacks you. These sorts of accidents are not exactly the first ones that come to mind when you think about personal injury claims. However, victims are entitled to file a claim for compensation for injuries caused by them. This article discusses four less talked-about personal injury accidents for which you can claim compensation.
1. Bicycle Accidents
Bike accidents are overlooked far more frequently than car crashes. “However, the risk to bikers is higher, as they are more exposed. This is because bicyclists have no physical shielding like motorists do, making it easier for a minor crash to lead to a serious injury,” says Felix Gonzalez of Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm. Driver negligence, failure to yield to indicators, distracted driving are the main causes of these accidents.
In some cases, defective safety equipment or parts can also turn a regular ride into a dangerous one. Therefore, a cyclist injured in an accident due to negligence or hazardous conditions is entitled to file a claim. This claim could cover medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and any pain or suffering that may result from the accident.
2. Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Dog bites and other animal attacks are capable of leaving one with scars that go beyond the physical. They can cause emotional trauma, fear, and lasting psychological damage. In the majority of cases, the injuries require instant medical attention and even therapy to deal with the psychological effects.
When an animal attack has taken place, knowing the conditions is essential. For instance, was the dog at large and roaming freely? Did the owner not have their pet under control in a public place? Questions like these can help you establish liability.
In Texas, if a dog has no history of biting or aggression and attacks someone for the first time, the owner may not automatically be held responsible under the “one-bite rule.” However, strict liability applies when the owner knows about their dog’s history of aggression. For claims based on negligence, victims must establish that the owner did not act reasonably to prevent the attack.
3. Injuries from Defective Products
Product liability holds manufacturers or retailers accountable for accidents caused by defective or harmful products made available to the public. These products can be common household appliances, motor vehicles, electronics, machinery, or drugs. The defects can be due to poor design, manufacturing process errors, or inadequate warnings.
Victims may suffer burns, fractures, poisoning, or permanent injuries. However, they are entitled to file a claim, provided they have the evidence to support it. To succeed in a product liability claim, you must establish that the product was defective and that it led to the injury.
4. Injuries from Recreational Activities
Activities like skiing, boating, hiking, amusement park rides, and even gym workouts can lead to serious injuries. While these types of accidents do not get much attention, they can cause fractures, head injuries, spinal cord damage, or lasting disabilities.
Liability in these situations is typically based on negligence. For example, ski resorts are liable if they fail to provide safe slopes or notify skiers of impending hazards. Likewise, an operator’s negligence or malfunctioning equipment on boats can also be cause for taking legal action. Therefore, you can claim damages if someone’s negligence led to your injury during a recreational activity.
Conclusion
Car and truck accidents are typically the incidents that come to mind when you think about personal injury claims. However, many accidents resulting from other situations may be eligible for compensation in a personal injury case.
Awareness of these will allow you to take action. Every injury, no matter how strange, must be reasonably acknowledged and treated with concern. You should remember that a personal injury attorney can play a crucial role in your case by protecting your rights and helping you pursue fair compensation.
