Bicycle accidents can have more severe injuries and fatalities than other accidents. This is because of the size difference between the vehicles involved in the accident. It is smart to reach out to a Mount Washington bicycle accident lawyer after an accident to determine if you are eligible to seek compensation.
A bicycle accident lawyer helps you determine who to hold liable for the accident. They calculate the amount of money you deserve, including medical bills, repair, loss of income, and other damages you might get after an accident.
Steps To Take After a Bicycle Accident
After a bicycle accident, you must remember to protect yourself. This involves not admitting any liability for the accident or talking to the other party without legal counsel. Doing any of this can ruin your chances of filing for and getting compensation.
Some of the things you should do after an accident are:
Exchange Information
Exchange information with the other party and any witnesses. Note down information such as their names and phone numbers, driver’s licenses, and insurance information. This helps you get in touch with them when the time comes to assist in proving your case.
Talk to the Police
Call the police as soon as possible to have them document your case. Give them all the details you can remember, including the direction you were riding in before the accident, the time of the accident, and whether there are any injured parties.
Stay at the scene and do not follow the other party if they leave. Note down their vehicle make and model, the license number, and any other identifying information to give the police. Write down the name and badge number of the officer you talk to as well.
Document the Accident
Take photos and videos of the accident scene. Include the damage to your bike and other possessions. Also, take footage of the damage the other party received, including the damage to their car, skid marks, and where all vehicles ended up after the accident. If you can, get a recording of witness statements so you can use it later.
Get Checked Out
Get an emergency medical team to assess your injuries and request a medical report afterward. If there was no ambulance at the scene, visit the hospital as soon as possible to get your injuries documented.
Don’t Engage with the Other Party
Avoid getting into an argument with the other party and do not apologize to them. This can be used as evidence against you when discussing compensation and can reduce your chances of getting any compensation at all.
You should also avoid talking to the insurance adjuster or the other party’s lawyer unless you have a lawyer present. This prevents you from making any slip-ups that could cost you or get you a lesser compensation.
A Mount Washington bicycle accident lawyer knows exactly what to do to get you the compensation you deserve. Working with a lawyer helps you understand your options and can keep you from accidentally jeopardizing your case.
Document Your Expenses
This is an important step as it is considered when calculating your compensation. The at-fault party will do anything to disprove your statement and avoid compensating you, but having proper documentation boosts your chances of getting what you deserve.
Collect any documents, testimonies, and receipts relating to the case and keep them safe or hand them over to your lawyer. Do not discredit something as small as a medical bill or anything as big as rehabilitation costs. Keep records of statements from your mental health doctor as well, as this can prove you suffered psychological trauma from the accident.
For a free legal consultation with a bicycle accidents lawyer serving Mount Washington, call 800-333-9999
Recoverable Damages
Recoverable damages mainly come in two forms: economic and non-economic damages. You need to have enough evidence to show the expenses you incurred from the accident.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include the monetary transactions related to the accident. This includes:
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Current and future medical expenses
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are more complicated as they mostly involve emotional damage. Psychological trauma is a big factor after bicycle accidents, and you can get a monetary value for those damages. They can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Inconvenience
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Temporary or permanent disability
Wrongful Death Claims
In severe cases, bicycle accidents can lead to loss of life. Contacting a Mount Washington bicycle accident lawyer after losing a loved one in an accident can help you to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This lawsuit covers:
- funeral expenses
- loss of emotional support
- the deceased’s medical bills
- loss of income
- loss of companionship
Mount Washington Bicycle Accident Lawyer Near Me 800-333-9999
How to Build a Strong Case
Creating a foolproof case to prove your damages is not easy. A Mount Washington bicycle accident lawyer on your side can help you build a strong case. These are some of the steps you should follow to ensure your case holds its ground:
- Keep doctors’ appointments. Do not skip a single doctor’s appointment no matter what. Closely follow their treatment regimen and medication. This helps show the severity of your injuries and the measures you had to take to get better.
- Save receipts. This includes any texts or emails involving you missing work and other obligations. It will help show what the accident has cost you.
- Don’t accept a quick settlement. If you choose to hire one, refer the insurer to your attorney whenever they contact you.
- Don’t advertise your claim. Don’t post videos or photos that can incriminate you. The at-fault party might use them to show that you were not as severely injured as you claim. If possible, don’t talk to anyone but a lawyer about the claim.
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Isaacs & Isaacs Can Help You
Reach out to an attorney serving Mount Washington to get legal representation from people who care. At Issacs & Issacs Personal Injury Lawyers, we have won $1 billion for our clients, and we will use the same passion in your case. We don’t charge upfront fees or costs, ensuring you don’t pay unless we win. Call us today at 1-800-800-8950 to speak to our team.
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