How to Claim Insurance After A Bicycle Accident in Florida

Bicycle accidents can cause the victims serious injuries when they are hit by other vehicles on the roadways. Florida streets are always congested with vehicles and pedestrians. Bicycle riders are the most vulnerable on the roads due to the absence of protective gear. When collided with a car, a bicycle accident victim can file a claim through the car’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy. When you don’t have insurance coverage under the motor vehicle policy, auto insurance of someone else in the household might also cover the accident. 

As a bicycle accident victim, you can file a compensation claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Orlando guide you through the complex legal procedure and fight for the compensation you deserve for your losses and damages. 

Bicycle Crashes and Auto Insurance in Florida 

Florida is a no-fault state. According to Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, car drivers must have Personal Injury Protection Insurance (PIP) to compensate the victim’s party for their medical expenses and other losses caused by the accident. The PIP insurance extends the coverage to cyclists who are injured in motor vehicle accidents. PIP covers:

• Treatment costs and medical bills caused by the accident. 
• The loss of ability to work and income occurs if your physical injuries hinder your ability to work.
• Compensation against wrongful death in case of a fatality.

According to Florida Statute of Limitations § 627.736, the PIP policy covers up to 80% of medical expenses and 60% of lost income, up to a maximum limit of $10,000. You must remember, PIP does not cover non-economic damages like physical pain and mental distress. The state law requires the victims to seek medical assistance within 14 days of the accident to qualify for the PIP benefits. When treatment is delayed, it can affect the victim’s ability to access the medical compensation even if the injuries surface later. After a bicycle accident, ensure you visit a doctor and keep a record of your treatment. 

PIP is a no-fault system, yet it’s crucial to determine the at-fault party to claim additional damages that PIP doesn’t cover. An expert bicycle accident lawyer on the victim’s side identifies the responsible parties involved, determines the car insurance policy coverage, and presents evidence. When the negligent driver lacks adequate insurance, the victim’s attorney looks for an alternative coverage option. The alternative options include your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or filing a lawsuit against the driver directly.  

When to Contact A Bicycle Accident Attorney 

It’s overwhelming to file a bicycle accident claim and mostly, the claim adjuster may deny your coverage. Insurance companies always attempt to pay you the minimum amount allowed under your coverage policy. In the following scenarios, you must reach out to the bicycle accident attorney – 

1. Rising Medical Bills 

Serious accident injuries that need thorough medical treatment, surgical interventions, or permanent care demand a high compensation amount. A bicycle accident attorney will – 

• Assess the extent of your injuries and losses, including future medical expenses and loss of earning potential 
• Fight for the monetary compensation for pain and suffering, which does not come under PIP insurance in Florida.
• Communicate and negotiate with the insurance companies to secure fair compensation. Our attorneys take your case to the court, if necessary. 

Florida Law is complex. Without an attorney’s guidance, it becomes challenging to handle personal injury cases. Our bicycle accident attorney at Injury Assistance Law Firm helps protect your injury rights and win the maximum compensation value. 

2. When Liability is Denied 

When the at-fault party and their insurance company deny liability for the accident, you need sharp legal representation to prove your case. The attorney will investigate your accident case, collect evidence, and represent you while negotiating with the insurance company and in trials. 

Florida Law follows the comparative negligence rule. According to the law, victims who are partially at fault for the accident and damages are not eligible to receive full compensation. A certain percentage is deducted from the total compensation amount based on the degree of fault the victim shares. The other party always attempts to blame the victim to deny the losses. In this scenario, you need to connect with a bicycle accident attorney. 

How to Calculate Your Bicycle Accident Compensation Worth? 

The at-fault party always attempts to deny your version of the crash so that they don’t have to compensate you. The more evidence you can collect and present, the higher your chances of winning compensation. You gather documents and testimonies that support your side of the truth. From medical records to witness statements, the documents help establish a strong case on your behalf. 

1. Economic damages 

It’s critical to document the economic damages. The bicycle accident victim’s party collects the evidence to prove the economic losses caused by the accident. Our attorneys maintain a detailed record of their financial losses, which you can use to claim compensation. The losses include – 

• Current and future medical bills
• Loss of working ability and income
• Loss of potential income 
• Property and vehicle damages 

2. Non-Economic damages   

It’s more challenging to document the non-economic losses. You cannot determine the value for mental distress and post-traumatic stress disorder. The settlement value for every victim might vary. Every bicycle accident victim has their own struggles. The monetary worth of the non-economic damages is determined accordingly. The non-economic losses include – 

• Physical pain and suffering 
• Mental stress and trauma 
• Inconvenience in daily living life
• Compromised quality of overall life
• Permanent physical disability 
• Scars and distortion 

Our bicycle accident attorneys communicate with medical professionals, witnesses, and vocational rehabilitation experts to determine the value of the victim’s pain and suffering after an accident.   

Steps to Take After A Bicycle Accident

When you take the right steps after a bicycle accident, it keeps you on the right track during the litigation process. The most important steps include – 

• Call 911 to report the accident. 
• Seek medical attention to address your injuries.
• Click pictures and capture videos at the accident scene.
• Report the accident to the police.
• Collect evidence and documents to support your side of the story.
• Take pictures of the losses and damages.
• Let your insurance company know about the accident.
• Consult a seasoned bicycle accident attorney at Injury Assistance Law Firm. 

If you have undergone a bicycle accident, talk to a bicycle accident attorney and know your legal options. Get the information on how our attorneys can protect your personal injury rights during the litigation process. Your bicycle accident lawyer advises you on what to say and do, and what not to, during the legal procedures. 

Connect with Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys 

After a bicycle accident, you must file a compensation claim to recover your losses. The Florida Law is complex. The victim feels stressed and anxious as their injuries and losses make them vulnerable in the world. In that situation, when a victim is faced with legal complexities, the situation becomes overwhelming. At Injury Assistance Law Firm, our bicycle accident attorneys take your legal deal in hand with confidence. 

Contact a bicycle accident attorney for a free case evaluation. You don’t have to pay any upfront fees during the litigation. Our attorneys fight the hardest to help you win fair compensation. Connect with our law firm that serves the bicycle accident victims in Orlando and Winter Haven.