Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
Being hit by a car, truck, or other vehicle while walking or riding a bicycle can cause life-changing injuries. You were not in a car. You had no protection. When a careless driver hits you, the results can be devastating.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, you have rights. You deserve to be paid for your injuries, your medical bills, your lost wages, and your pain and suffering.
We Know How to Fight for Bicycle and Pedestrian Accident Victims
Our office has been fighting for injured Alaskans for over 35 years. We have decades of experience handling bicycle and pedestrian accident cases and have collected millions of dollars for our clients — including a settlement in excess of one million dollars for a person who was struck by a truck while riding a bicycle.
Before becoming an attorney, Frank was a licensed agent for a ten-billion-dollar insurance company. He knows how insurance companies think. He knows the tactics they use to pay you as little as possible. And he knows how to fight back. When you call us, you are not just hiring an attorney. You are hiring someone who knows the insurance industry inside and out.
35 Years of Experience Fighting for Injured Alaskans — Over $100 Million Collected
Our office has been fighting for injured Alaskans for over 35 years. We have collected over 100 million dollars for thousands of Alaskans who were hurt, disabled, or lost loved ones. We know how insurance companies work. We know how to fight them. And we know how to win. See Case Results and Testimonials.
An In-House Physician and Attorney—A Powerful Advantage for Our Clients
When difficult medical questions arise in your case, most law firms have to hire outside medical consultants and wait for their opinion. At Schlehofer Law Offices, we have that medical knowledge in-house. Frank Michael Schlehofer is both an attorney and a licensed physician. When you are hurt, the insurance company has doctors and lawyers working to reduce what they pay you. Now you have both on your side. In serious and complex cases, insurance companies hire their own medical experts to fight your claim. Frank Michael can read your medical records the way a doctor does, speak the same language as their experts, and challenge their opinions — because he is a licensed physician himself.
What You May Be Owed
If someone else caused your accident, you may have a right to compensation for:
- Medical bills — past and future
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Bicycle damage and repairs
The Insurance Company Is Not on Your Side
After an accident, the insurance company will call you. They may seem friendly. They may offer you a quick settlement. Do not accept it without talking to us first. Insurance companies are in the business of paying you as little as possible. Call us first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my case worth?
Every case is different. The value depends on your injuries, your medical bills, lost wages, and how the accident has affected your life. Call us. There is no charge to talk to us, and we will discuss the details of your case. See Case Results and Testimonials.
Is there a charge to talk to you, and how does your attorney fee work?
There is no charge to talk to us. We do not charge by the hour. We only get paid if you get paid. Our attorney fee is a contingency fee, which is a percentage of the total amount we recover for you, plus reimbursement of our out-of-pocket costs, such as the cost of ordering your medical records. Usually, our attorney fee is 1/3 of the total recovery. Since our fee is a percentage of what we get for you, we are both on the same team trying to get as much as we reasonably can. If we do not get anything for you, then our attorney fee is zero.
Do I have to go to court?
Most cases settle before trial. When the insurance company knows you hired an experienced attorney, they are more likely to settle because it will cost them money to go to court. The decision to settle or go to trial is yours. We are always prepared to go to trial to get you the money you deserve.
What should I do after a bicycle or pedestrian accident?
Call 911. Do not say it was your fault, even if you think it was. Take photos of the scene, the vehicle/bicycle, and your injuries. Get the names and insurance information of the driver, and the names of any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company. Do not assume you are fine just because you felt okay at the scene. If you are not feeling well or have any concerns about your health, you may wish to seek medical attention. Call us before you sign anything.
What should I do if the insurance company calls me?
Do not give them a recorded statement. Do not agree to anything. Do not sign anything. Insurance adjusters are trained to get information that can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Be polite, get their name and contact information, and then call us right away.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Alaska, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in court against the responsible parties. Do not wait. Evidence disappears and memories fade. Call us right away.
What if the driver says it was my fault?
Do not assume you have no case. Alaska follows pure comparative negligence. Even if you were partly at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation. Your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault — but it is not eliminated. Call us and we will evaluate the full picture.
What if the driver does not have insurance?
You may still be able to recover compensation through your own automobile uninsured motorist coverage. Many people do not know this but if you have automobile insurance with uninsured motorist coverage, then this coverage applies to you not only while in a car, but also when you are a pedestrian or on a bicycle. As a former licensed insurance agent, Frank J. Schlehofer is uniquely qualified to review your insurance policy and explain all of your options. Call us right away.
What if my injuries did not show up right away?
This is very common. Concussions, back injuries, and soft tissue injuries often do not show symptoms until hours or even days after an accident. Do not assume you are fine just because you felt okay at the scene. If you are not feeling well or have any concerns about your health, you may wish to seek medical attention. Call us. The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights and document your injuries.
DISCLAIMER: Material in this website is only intended for people living in Alaska and is general information only. It is not legal advice, nor is it intended to be, since each case is unique. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual circumstances. Since each case is unique, individual results will vary. Prior case results are no guarantee of future performance. Information sent to or from this site is not meant to create an attorney-client relationship with you. Only after a written fee agreement is signed by both our law office and you, are you our client. Prior to a fee agreement being signed, our law office, its employees, and its attorneys cannot take any actions on your behalf.
Please Note: Frank Michael Schlehofer is an attorney at this firm. He is also a licensed physician in Michigan, not Alaska. His medical training is part of the firm’s general background and experience. He is not your doctor and cannot give you medical advice. No one at this firm is giving you medical advice or medical care. If you have questions about your health, please talk to a qualified health care provider of your choice.