A survey conducted by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention recorded that nearly half of a million people visited emergency rooms in the US for bicycle accident injuries in one year.
While bicyclists make 1% of the riders in the US, they are the most prone to accidents and crashes, usually resulting in extreme injuries and death. This is due to the nature of the vehicle they are driving. In case of accidents, where the fault usually lies at the end of bigger vehicles, the bicyclist is entitled to claim for recovery. And to help you get the right amount, an experienced Federal Way bicycle accident attorney will be the best choice after your medical recovery.
Have You Been in a Bicycle Accident? Call the Authorities Immediately
First things first; as soon as you are involved in the accident, call the police. Do not leave the scene or visit the police station to file a complaint. Wait for the authorities to come to the scene and report your injuries. Meanwhile, collect pictures, videos, and information on any witness present at the time of the accident. This will make your case stronger.
Don’t Make Any Statements
The driver will make an attempt to apologize, if they are at fault. Do not negotiate or give statements before the arrival of the police and your attorney. Instead, document everything with the police. The police may also issue a ticket against the driver, which can further help you get claims from your insurance company.
Visit a Doctor
Seek immediate medical aid. Your injuries might not be painful at first, but the damage may be too deep to realize. Furthermore, the fact that you sought immediate medical assistance will prove that your injuries were present. Ask your doctor or physician to keep a record of your entries every time you visit to show as proof in your case.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help?
When a bicycle is involved in an accident with another vehicle (usually bigger), the case gets extremely complex to judge. For this reason, it is best to seek an attorney specializing in personal injury cases, in particular bicycle accident claims. Communicate every detail of your case with the attorney, so that:
- The attorney advises you on what to do next
- He or she can negotiate the case with your insurance provider
- He or she can act as your representative in the case
Moreover, do not communicate everything with your insurance company. Provide them with initial basic facts of the case and wait for your attorney to do the job. Insurance companies may not pay for your claims if any information or statement given by you is not in your favor.
If you are still wondering what to do with your case, get it reviewed/evaluated for free with a leading law firm in town! Contact us today to schedule a consultation.