A bike accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been injured on a bicycle with another vehicle, you may be entitled to money for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Hiring an experienced bicycle accident attorney or personal injury lawyer is the first step in protecting your legal rights.
What Should I Do if I’m in a Bicycle Accident?
What you do after a bike accident is critical for many reasons. Following an accident, the first thing you should do is contact the police to allow them to investigate the accident, document all on-scene evidence, and create a report. A police report is a substantial piece of evidence that a lawyer can use later to prove your case.
Even if you don’t believe you are seriously injured, you should contact the police. Oftentimes, injuries do not appear right away. Leaving the scene before the police arrive can make it difficult to determine liability. Having the police investigate and file a report may keep the driver from denying responsibility later. Sometimes, the police may issue a ticket to the driver, which may help support your case against the driver.
Keep Records
Although the police may sometimes appear to be more interested in getting a statement from the driver than the cyclist, be sure to tell your story. Disclose your injuries to the officer, even if you think they are minor, as they may progress and later become worse. Your version of events is key to supporting your claim, and giving a statement shortly after the accident will mean that the accident is fresh in your mind.
It can also be a good idea to write down your version of events. Note what happened, the level of traffic on the road and the weather conditions. You should also take photos of the scene, if you have a cell phone or camera available. This means getting pictures of any damage to your bicycle, helmet, and yourself. You should also take photos of the damage to the vehicle involved in the collision, if there is visible damage. Take pictures of your injuries immediately after the accident and take more if your injuries progress and bruising or wounds become more visible over time. All of this will be vital information when you hire a bicycle accident lawyer.
Obtain Personal Details of the Other Driver and Witnesses
If the police do not come to the scene of the accident, ask for the driver’s personal information. This includes their name, address, phone number, license plate number, and all insurance information, including the name of the insurance company and policy number. You should also try to get contact information from any witnesses that saw the accident happen. An independent witness can help support your claim against an at-fault driver.
Seek Medical Advice
Seeing a medical professional soon after the accident can help document your injuries. A doctor can evaluate your injuries and write a report that details their understanding of the injuries and their severity, and provide a timeline of how quickly you should recover. This can be a key factor in getting the full compensation you deserve.
Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies
Oftentimes, it is best to avoid talking to insurance companies if you want the best outcome. The driver’s insurance company may contact you and try to offer a quick settlement of your claim. Although this can be tempting, it is unlikely you’ll get what you deserve. Your attorney will need time to collect the evidence to support your case and determine the full extent of your injuries. Avoid negotiating with any insurance companies directly. Instead, get an experienced bike accident lawyer to do it on your behalf.
What Type of Damages Can I Collect in a Bicycle Accident Case?
Many people think that when they are in a bicycle accident, all they can claim is the cost of a new bike. While replacing or repairing your bike is one element you can claim for, you can also collect damages for many other things relating to the accident.
For example, you can seek compensation for any safety equipment you were wearing that needs replacement. You may be able to make a claim for any damaged clothes or personal belongings you had with you during the accident. You may also be able to claim for loss of earnings relating to injury, cost of alternative transport, and the cost of repairs to possessions. In addition, you may be able to make a claim against the driver for injuries that you sustained and any related psychological effects. This includes medical bills and pain and suffering.
The Best Bicycle Accident Lawyer In Nevada
Edward M. Bernstein & Associates is one of Nevada’s largest law firms that deal with personal injury claims. Our legal professionals have worked on tens of thousands of personal injury cases and have gained a reputation for getting clients the compensation they deserve.
Have you had a Las Vegas bike accident? Contact Ed Bernstein today or call 702-840-5103 and get what you deserve.