Should I Hire a Bicycle Accident Personal Injury Attorney for My Bicycle Accident?
Although only one-third of bicycle accidents involve a cyclist and a car, these collisions are among the most likely to cause serious injury or death. Common causes of motor vehicle vs. bicycle accidents include driver distraction and inattention, which can cause motorists not to see bicyclists before striking them or forcing them off the road. Because cyclists are exposed and have little protection, they are especially vulnerable to serious injuries, including head trauma. Wearing a helmet can help reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury.
Victims of auto vs. bicycle collisions may be entitled to compensation for their injuries from the driver who caused the accident. If you have been seriously injured, an experienced personal injury attorney can help determine whether another person was at fault, identify the evidence needed to support your claim, and explain your legal options.This can be especially important when the cause of the accident is unclear or the driver disputes responsibility.
What Steps Should I Take after a Bicycle Accident?
A bicycle accident can leave you dealing with injuries, medical bills, and questions about what to do next. Taking the right steps after a crash is the best way to ensure you receive the care you need and support a potential injury claim:
- Seek medical attention.
- If possible, gather contact information from witnesses and driver.
- Preserve evidence; store your bike and any broken parts. If possible take pictures.
- File a police report and report all injuries, even if they are minor.
- Contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney for a complete review of your legal rights. Sometimes an accident occurs and there does not seem to be a clear cause or perpetrator. A lawyer can help you define the cause of the accident and fight to get you any reasonable compensation for medical bills, injuries, lost wages, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Q. I was injured in a motor vehicle vs. bicycle accident and needed medical care for my broken wrist. At the scene, the driver admitted fault and gave me her insurance and contact information. Now the medical bills are coming and I am not sure through whose insurance they should be processed? How do I file an insurance claim with her insurance?
A. Initially, seek all necessary medical treatment, document all injuries and do not give any statements to the insurance agency. The medical bills can be filed under your insurance but you should hire a personal injury lawyer to help file the appropriate insurance claim.
Q. Six months ago I was the driver involved in a bicycle crash. I provided my insurance and contact information to the cyclist despite what looked like minor, surface injuries. I have not heard anything from the cyclist, an insurance company or the police. Should I be worried that I could still be prosecuted or sued?
A. Retain a criminal defense attorney and an accident lawyer immediately. You could still be charged or sued for leaving the scene of a crime depending on the amount of property damage or the severity of the injuries sustained.
Q. My son was riding his bike in our neighborhood when a driver who claimed not to see him, knocked him over and broke the bike frame in half. The police officer who arrived on the scene didn’t look at the bike or question any witnesses and stated that insurance would probably protect the driver since my son was riding in the street. His report of the incident reflects that opinion. Do we have a chance of recovering damages from this accident?
A. Contact a personal injury attorney with a good reputation and a low contingency fee; it is very likely that you can recover costs of the injury or bike damage from this driver’s insurance.
Seek the Help of a Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
