About 130,000 people get injured every year while riding a bicycle in the US.
If you were involved in a bicycle accident and suffered from injuries, you might wonder how to file a bicycle accident claim.
Legal claims for bicycle-related accidents require some special considerations that differ from the process of filing a car accident lawsuit.
If you’ve recently been injured in a biking accident, this article will help you figure out the following steps on your road to recovery. Keep reading to learn more about filing a bicycle accident claim.
Gather Information
To successfully file a bicycle accident claim, you must gather as much information as possible at the scene of the accident. Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses. Their testimony will be crucial in establishing what happened and who was at fault.
Get the following information from the at-fault driver if another driver caused the accident:
- Complete name
- Contact number
- Driver’s license information
- Auto insurance provider
- Vehicle details
- Vehicle identification number
- Vehicle license plate number
Make sure to take pictures of the damage to your bike, the damage to the other bike, and the injuries that you have sustained. If there was any video footage from witnesses nearby, ask for a copy so you can provide these pictures and videos to your insurance company.
You should also keep track of any other costs you incur as a result of the accident, such as bike repairs, lost wages, and more. Once you have all this information, you can start the process of filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Seek Treatment
It’s important to seek medical treatment for your bicycle accident injury as soon as possible. It will ensure that you can document your injuries and get the necessary care.
You need to keep your medical bills and records so that you will know how much money you’re owed for your injuries and damages.
File a Police Report
It will document the accident and help to determine who is at fault. You will need to provide the police with your personal information and the information of the other party involved in the accident.
You should also get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Once the police report has been filed, you can begin the claim filing process with the other party’s insurance company.
File a Claim
If the other driver were at fault, you would file a claim with their insurance company. If the accident was caused by a defective product or hazardous road conditions, you might need to file a claim with the city or state.
Contact the Insurance Company
Once you have gathered all the necessary documentation and determined who is at fault, you will need to contact the insurance company to begin the claims process. The insurance company will likely want to investigate the accident and may ask for additional documentation.
They will then determine how much they will pay for your claim. If unsatisfied with the insurance company’s offer, you can negotiate for a higher amount or file a lawsuit.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If the insurance company denies your claim, you can appeal the decision. Often, an attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and get the compensation you deserve.
Go to Alpha Accident Lawyers and they will be able to guide you through the process and help you understand your rights.
Once you have an attorney, they will request that you provide them with any relevant bicycle accident claim documents, such as medical records and police reports. Your attorney will start negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf.
By working with a personal injury attorney, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
File a Lawsuit
If you are still unsuccessful in obtaining compensation, you may need to file a lawsuit. You will need to file a complaint with the appropriate court.
Be sure to include all of the evidence you have gathered. It should be a last resort, as it can be time-consuming and expensive.
What to Consider When Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim
If they find that the other party was at fault, they will reimburse you for your damages based on the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical bills, and lost wages.
Severity of Injuries
The severity of your injuries will play a significant role in determining how much money you can expect to receive from your bicycle accident case. If you suffered minor injuries, you might only be able to recover your medical expenses and lost wages.
However, if you suffered severe or permanent injuries, you may be able to recover much more. In order to maximize your chances of receiving a fair settlement, hiring an experienced bicycle accident attorney is important.
Cost of Medical Bills
The cost of medical bills is one of the most important factors in filing a bicycle accident claim. If you have a bicycle accident injury, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Keep all of your medical bills and records, as they will be important in determining the number of damages you are entitled to. In some cases, you may also be able to recover the cost of future medical treatment.
Lost Wages
You’ll need to provide documentation of your earnings before and after the accident to file a lost wages claim. It can be in the form of pay stubs, tax returns, or other financial records.
You’ll also need to show how the accident has impacted your ability to earn an income. You can do it with a medical report detailing your injuries and how they’ve affected your ability to work.
Know How to File a Bicycle Accident Claim Today
Being in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. To ensure you can get the full amount you are owed, you need to file a bicycle accident claim. This article provides everything you need to know to do so.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you with this process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
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