Beyond Medical Bills - Role of a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Your Recovery

If you have been in a bicycle accident, understanding your legal rights and getting proper legal representation are the most critical steps.

Is it Possible to File a Bicycle Accident Claim Yourself?

Legally pursuing an injury claim after a bicycle accident is technically possible without an attorney, but it is complicated, especially when a victim has no experience with legal processes or is unaware of their legal rights and duties in this case.

Moreover, handling your claims alone can be risky, as there's always a chance of errors that could damage your lawsuit, such as missing a court deadline or making any procedural error.

Some errors could result in losing your case or considerably damage your chances of securing compensation for losses incurred. Even if you reach the settlement negotiation phase successfully on your own, you may settle for much less than you deserve.

However, an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can carefully review all aspects and critical elements of your claim and will make sure you get a fair chance throughout legal proceedings.

Want to Win a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit? Here's What You Need to Do

Bicycle accidents are not just frightening but also can be painful and life-threatening. Especially when the bicyclists are unprotected, there's a high risk of severe injuries as they can't shield or protect themselves from the force and weight of speeding motor vehicles and any other obstacle that may come their way.

A bicycle accident claim can often be challenging, especially for someone who lacks experience and proper knowledge about their legal rights and options. Therefore, looking for an experienced bicycle injury lawyer is essential if you get into an accident.

To be fully aware of what comes next, you might want to consider a few general points:

1. Contact Law Enforcement

Contacting the police or highway patrol is a crucial step after a cycling accident.  Call the police at the scene as soon after the accident as possible.  You, a witness, or the other party can accomplish this by calling 911 and reporting the accident.  There are times when the police cannot respond to the scene, and if this happens, you are encouraged to make an in-person report at the appropriate law enforcement agency as soon after the accident as practical.

The police will document the incident with all details and create an official accident report. A police report after a bicycle accident is valuable in claiming insurance and pursuing bicycle accident lawsuits.

    2.   Seek Medical Treatment Without Delay

Bicycle accidents can be far more severe than car accidents because of minimal protection. Seeking medical attention to support your health and well-being should be your top priority.

Even if you don't believe your injuries are severe, it's still advisable to consult a doctor and seek medical attention. Sometimes, there's a high chance of delayed symptoms or internal injuries.

   3.   Gather Evidence in Any From

Collecting as much evidence as possible after an accident is significant to support your potential case. Evidence could be in different forms, including;

• Photographing the accident scene
• Noting your injuries
• Documenting your damages

In addition, obtaining the driver's contact information and vehicle details, gathering witnesses' contact details, and preserving damaged property are also very important.

    4.   Be Prepared for Insurance Claim

After the accident, remember to contact your insurance company so they can report the accident accordingly. As per the circumstances, it may be possible to file a claim with your insurance company, considering you have insurance coverage applicable to bicycle accidents.

    5.   File an Accident Claim

You may consider getting a consultation from a lawyer if you believe yourself to be significantly injured after a bicycle accident due to a fault with another party.

A bicycle accident lawyer can help evaluate your case strength and guide you through the legal requirements and actions.

    6.   Be Aware of Comparative Negligence Laws

Some states follow comparative negligence laws; these laws imply that, as per the law, your compensation may proportionately be reduced if you were partially at fault for the accident. Therefore, understanding the regulations specific to your state and jurisdiction is very important.

    7.   Be Aware of Statute of Limitations

Bicycle accident cases come under personal injury claims. And there's a statute of limitations followed by each state that sets a time limit about the duration to file a lawsuit after an accident. So it's important to know that bringing this type of claim in court is limited by time.

The statute of limitations prescribes the deadline for your bicycle accident case, depending on where you reside. It's vital to be aware of the law regarding time deadlines so you can take action within the timeframe prescribed by the statute of limitations.

Your Legal Options After Bicycle Accidents

If you are a bicycle accident victim, seeking legal recourse is wise. Have a look at the few legal options to consider:

Meet Bicycle Accident Lawyer to Know Your Legal Rights

It is essential to consider that law and legal processes can differ depending on jurisdiction. Looking for a qualified bicycle accident attorney is highly advisable.

After a bicycle accident, every victim wonders what type of damages will be paid in their bicycle accident claim. A bicycle accident lawyer specializes in bicycle injury claims and uses his/her expertise to understand your rights and options related to bicycle accidents in particular.

Knowing what losses can be compensated before pursuing a bicycle accident claim against a driver involved in the incident is always beneficial. You may claim financial compensation for the following losses:

Property Damage

In the event of a bicycle accident, you might be entitled to compensation for various kinds of property damage. This could include not only the cost of repairing your bicycle but also the expenses related to restoring it to its previous condition. Furthermore, your claim could extend to cover damages to other personal belongings that were involved in the accident.

For instance, if your cell phone was damaged, the costs associated with repairing or replacing it could also be included in your claim for compensation.

Hospital Expenses and Medical Bills

You may be eligible to file a settlement claim for hospital expenses and medical costs caused by the accident. This claim can include doctor visits, hospital, medication, surgery, and rehabilitation. This claim may also include any future medical expenses related to the bicycle injury.

Lost Wages

You may claim compensation for the income loss if you missed work because of a bicycle accident or injuries. Moreover, you can also claim if you experience decreased earning capacity due to injuries or cannot return to work.

Pain and Suffering

You may also claim physical pain and suffering damages such as mental anguish and emotional distress caused by the accident or injuries. Bicycle injury claims may also add past and future distress, pain, and suffering.

Want to Know More? We Are Here to Help!

If you are a bicycle accident victim and are still determining what damages and losses you are entitled to claim, meet Bike Legal's experienced bicycle accident lawyers today.

We will review your case details in-depth and provide you with all the legal options you can avail of in your bicycle accident claim.

Our team will go above and beyond to help you obtain compensation for all and any form of damages incurred and injuries sustained. With our thorough investigation of the facts and details, you'll have a complete sense and awareness of the possibility of potential recovery. Contact us at 877-245-3534 to get a free case review today!

FAQs

What Types of Injuries Can I Claim After a Bicycle Accident?

Bicycle accident injuries can vary from mild to severe. These injuries may include skin injuries like abrasions, contusions, scrapes, cuts, and bruises. They may also include severe injuries like spinal injuries, fractures, broken bones, and head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries.

What Are My Chances of Getting Compensated if I'm Partly at Fault for a Bicycle Accident?

Depending on comparative negligence laws in mind, the worth of your claim may get reduced. However, you can still sue for the damages and injuries caused by the other party's fault.

What Are the Legal Options if a Bicycle Accident Victim Deceases After a Bicycle Accident?

In some cases, a bicycle accident may end up being fatal; in such an event, there's a possibility that the deceased bicyclist's estate or surviving loved ones could pursue a claim for damages for wrongful death.