According to a press release by the NHTSA, 39,345 estimated deaths arose from traffic accidents throughout the course of 2024, among which were 1,166 cyclist deaths.
The statistics provided clearly illustrate the risks associated with riding a bicycle on the road. If anything goes amiss in a bicycle accident, it becomes very overwhelming to bear the aftermath. Victims who are trying to focus on their recovery might have a hard time dealing with the legal implications of the case.
According to bicycle accident attorney Matthew D. Easton, you may be rightly entitled to compensation beyond basic medical costs if you were injured in a bicycle accident. The injury attorney may stand to assist in recovery through the attorney’s knowledge of the local laws and by building a strong case for you.
Let’s discuss how these legal professionals can be beneficial to your case.
Understanding the Bicycle Accident Laws
The legal aspect of pursuing a bicycle accident claim might overwhelm you. You may wonder what rights you have, if the driver has any liability, and how the insurance claim will be handled.
First off, you need to get familiar with local laws relating to bicyclist safety and liability in a bicycle accident. These laws vary from state to state and affect case rulings accordingly. For instance, if you were injured in Fort Myers, it is essential to hire a bicycle accident lawyer familiar with laws in Florida.
You should also be aware of the statute of limitations as well as the proof needed to support your claim. Once you understand these, you can make a well-informed decision.
The Role of a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Life after a bicycle accident has its difficulties, and that is where a bicycle accident attorney steps in. These lawyers defend your rights and see to it that just compensation is paid.
An attorney will look into your case, determine liability, and advise you on how to handle your legal avenues. They will negotiate and communicate with insurance companies, sparing you from dealing with their predatory tactics.
Besides guiding you through the legal process, they will help you complete the necessary paperwork. They will see to it that these documents are filed within the required time limit. They will advocate for your rights aggressively, allowing you to concentrate on healing.
A bicycle accident lawyer will have a huge bearing on how your case unfolds.
Gathering and Preserving Evidence
Evidence gathering and storage are important in case building following the incident. Photograph the crash scene. Positions of the vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries should be documented.
Lists of names and addresses should be collected for any witnesses to the accident. Their statements may back your case. Keep records of all treatments, doctor bills, prescriptions, and receipts. This and similar documentation would assist in researching how much the accident changed your life.
Get a copy of the police report. Do not post anything about the accident online since it can compromise your claim and your online activity and statements can be used against you.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Fear of insurance negotiation will definitely not help you. You should be confident about what you are dealing with. Copies of insurance information, reports of any accident, medical records, and statements of witnesses will support your claims and contribute to building your case.
Be calm when speaking with the adjuster. Discuss the facts, negotiate, and set forth clearly your options. Never accept the first offer. Keep in mind that they will almost surely attempt to lowball you.
If the negotiations stall, a bicycle accident attorney will stand in for you to get the compensation that should justly be yours.
Ensuring Fair Compensation for Your Injuries
Securing fair compensation for your damages can be a complicated process since most insurers try to minimize the payout amounts.
A competent bicycle accident attorney knows all about personal injury law and can work to give you what you deserve. The attorney will collect evidence such as medical records and accident reports that can be used to build a valuation of the damages that accurately reflects the injuries you have sustained.
With their help, you may be compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Never accept something less than you deserve, and an attorney can be just what you need in arriving at a fair outcome.
