You were just in a bicycle accident what you should you do?
You were just involved in a bicycle accident and not sure of what to do next. The first step should be to remain calm and assess your injuries. If at all possible, move to a safe location away from the flow of traffic. Wait for emergency medical services if you are injured and unable to move.
Next, call 911 to report the accident and, if necessary, request medical assistance. Obtain the contact and insurance information of the other party involved in the accident, as well as the contact information of any witnesses who witnessed the accident, if possible. This information is critical for documenting the accident and supporting your claim.
Take pictures of the accident scene, your bicycle, the other vehicles involved, and any damage that may have been done. This will make it easier to identify the accident’s cause and assign blame.
Even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt, it’s crucial to get medical help as soon as you can after the accident. Some injuries are not immediately apparent and might not be visible right away and you feel them the next day. After receiving medical attention, you should report the accident to your insurance company and speak with a personal injury lawyer who can inform you of your legal rights and options.
It is important to remember that Florida law sets the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit at four years from the date of the accident, so you must act quickly to protect your rights.
Learn more: What To Do After A Car Accident
Should you speak to the at-fault party’s insurance company?
In most cases, speaking with the at-fault party’s insurance company before seeking legal counsel is not advised after a Florida bicycle accident.
The insurance company may try to persuade you to make statements or accept a settlement that is not in your best interest because their main objective is to resolve the claim as quickly and inexpensively as possible. An attorney that handles these cases regularly knows how to value these cases and ensure you are compensated fairly.
It’s critical to remember that anything you say to the insurance company could ultimately work against you. However, what an attorney says to the insurance company cannot be attributed to you and used against you. Therefore, it is best to speak with an attorney before contacting the insurance provider.
Your attorney will handle all communication with the insurance company and be able to advise you on what details to give them on your behalf.
Should you hire a bicycle injury attorney?
You might be considering hiring an attorney if you were injured in a bicycle accident. The decision to hire an attorney is influenced by the specific circumstances of your case as well as the severity of your injuries. Particularly if the other party questions their responsibility or the extent of your injuries, an attorney can guide you through the legal system and defend your rights.
An attorney can also assist you in gathering and presenting evidence to support your claim and negotiating a reasonable settlement with the insurance company. An attorney can also make sure you don’t miss any crucial deadlines and provide you with guidance on the legal process and the statute of limitations.
It is in your best interest to hire an attorney to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights if you have sustained an injury or if the other party is contesting liability.
In general, talking to a lawyer after a bicycle accident can help you better understand your options, rights, and the best course of action for your specific situation.
When should you hire a personal injury attorney?
If you have suffered serious injuries, the cause of the accident is unclear, the insurance company is refusing to cooperate, or you think the other party was being negligent, it is generally a good idea to hire an attorney after a bicycle accident.
The sooner you hire an attorney the sooner the attorney can act including preventing the destruction of evidence to help your case.
For example, if there were surveillance cameras that recorded the accident, these recordings generally are only saved for approximately thirty days or so.
How do you decide which bicycle accident attorney you should hire?
There are several factors to consider when looking for a bicycle accident attorney to ensure that you hire the right attorney for your case.
Experience is one of the most important factors. Hire an attorney who has handled bicycle accident cases in Florida before, as they will be more familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to these types of cases.
Another critical consideration is the attorney’s track record of success. Look for an attorney with a track record of success in handling cases similar to yours.
Additionally, seek out an attorney who can effectively communicate with you, with whom you feel at ease, and who is prepared to lay out the legal procedure in terms you can comprehend.
It’s a good idea to consult with several lawyers before choosing one, and then settle on the one you feel most at ease with and who you think will represent you and your case the best.
Should you save your damaged bicycle?
Whether or not you should save your damaged bicycle after an accident is an issue that should be by you and your attorney. Even if the bicycle can be repaired, it may be worth keeping it in the unrepaired state as evidence to back up your claim.
If the damage is severe, the cost of repairs may exceed the value of the bicycle your attorney may want to take possession of the bicycle and keep it in storage even though might not seem like the bike is worth saving.
Take photos of the damaged bicycle and, if possible, save any damaged parts that were separated from the rest of the bike. This can be used as evidence in cases where there is disagreement about the cause of the accident or the extent of the damages.
Consultation with your attorney is essential because they will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your specific case. They will also be able to advise you on how to preserve the evidence of the accident and the damages it caused.
Learn more: Florida Bicycle Light and Reflector Laws
Contact KMW for a Free Bicycle Accident Case Evaluation
If you were recently injured in a Florida bicycle accident, it is in your best interest to at least speak to an experienced injury attorney before you proceed. We offer free, no obligation consultations to assess your case, give you an opportunity to ask questions, and clarify what your next steps should be. If you would like to speak with us, give us a call today.
