Riding a bicycle with a car can result in a collision in just seconds. Still, it can cause debilitating pain, emotional stress, and high medical costs for months or even years afterward. Cycling is particularly dangerous on the road as there is little physical protection in the event of a collision. Having immediate post-accident knowledge can be critical to protecting your health and legal rights.
If you were involved in a bicycle accident, an Orlando bike accident attorney or Winter Haven bike accident attorney can assist you in obtaining the financial compensation you deserve.
Steps to Adopt After A Bicycle Accident Involving A Car
1) Call 911
The most important thing to do when you’ve been in a bicycle accident is to ensure your safety. If possible, get out of traffic and call 911 right away. The injuries may seem insignificant, but emergency responders should evaluate all parties involved. Concussions or an injury such as internal bleeding may not have immediate symptoms.
Another thing to note is that asking for police help is also essential, as the officer will have an official report. If you make a claim with the insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit later on, this report may prove to be crucial evidence.
2) Seek Medical Attention ASAP
After a bicycle accident, many people will try to “walk it off.” However, if you wait too long to seek medical treatment, you risk losing your health and/or your legal case. Insurers frequently claim that the injuries weren’t serious because they were treated later.
Medical records are useful for proving there was a clear link between the accident and the injuries. From broken bones to road rash, head trauma to spinal injuries, the treatment you receive is crucial for documentation purposes.
These medical records can be helpful to an experienced bicycle accident attorney Orlando pursuing compensation for your injuries and future medical costs.
3) Collect Evidence on the scene
If physically capable, gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the scene of the accident. Some evidence that can be useful is:
- Photos of your bike
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Signs and signals for traffic
- Visible injuries
- Call witnesses for contact info
- Driver’s insurance and driver’s license details
The more evidence you have, the better your claim might be strengthened. When the driver is later in dispute, witness statements can be of great value.
4) Do Not Admit Fault
In the event of an accident, emotions will be high, and the injured party may apologize regardless of fault. Nothing should be said that could be considered an admission of fault or liability.
Liability in a bicycle accident can be determined only after a thorough investigation of the law, the facts, and the evidence.
Take responsibility by stating only, and letting the police, insurers, and your attorney even determine the liability.
5) Report the accident to insurance provider
Regardless of whether the other individual caused the wreck, you will have to contact your insurance company immediately. Use general terms to describe the wreck; don’t record calls without consulting a lawyer.
An insurance adjuster can twist what you said into something that works against you and get the insurance provider out of paying what your accident is worth. Before the settlement occurs, speak to a bicycle accident lawyer in Winter Haven to ensure your rights are protected.
6) Keep all your expenditures recorded
When an accident occurs, it is impossible to know what unexpected costs may arise. Keep accurate records of:
- Medical bills
- Costs of prescriptions
- Physical therapy charges
- Repairs to the bicycle
- Evidence of lost wages
- Costs to travel to a medical appointment
It is easier to obtain a fair valuation of your claim and recover all damages.
7) Talk With a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Cases involving bicycles can get involved quickly, particularly if serious injuries result. A lawyer can investigate the crash, communicate with insurance companies, and assess the claim’s value.
Whether you are a skilled bicycle accident attorney in Winter Haven or a bicyclist who has been injured, you know Florida traffic laws. You can secure a recovery for medical expenses, pain and suffering and future medical costs.
Estimate Your Bicycle Accident Settlement
Many victims of the accident are unsure how much their claim might be worth. The settlement value will vary based on factors like the extent of injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and recovery requirements.
If you want to try to get a rough idea of what you could be entitled to, use a bicycle accident compensation calculator. Even though no calculator can predict an exact number, it can educate victims about the monetary damage their injuries have caused before making an acceptance decision on an insurance settlement.
A bicycle accident attorney Winter Haven can help you understand your rights, your options, and help you obtain the compensation you are entitled to if you have any questions about your case.
Final Thoughts
Getting involved in a bicycle accident with a motor vehicle can be overwhelming, both physically, mentally, and financially. Post-crash actions taken at this initial stage can help preserve your health and strengthen your case.
From seeking medical attention to preserving evidence and consulting our trusted bicycle accident attorney Orlando, from Injury Assistance Law Firm, every action that you take certainly matters.
Therefore, knowing your rights and taking prompt action can improve your recovery and finances, for more details, get in touch with us!