Despite being a well-liked form of pleasure and transportation, bicycle accidents are regrettably frequent. Securing just compensation for your injuries and losses after being in a bicycle accident may depend on contacting a bicycle accident attorney. The function of a bicycle accident lawyer, the court system, and how to pick the best counsel for your case are all covered in this article.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident?
- Report the bicycle accident to the police or emergency services. Put your police report number on paper.
- To check for injuries to yourself and any people involved in the bicycle accident, move to a safe area. Get medical help right away if necessary.
- Get the details of any passengers or witnesses, as well as the motorist who struck you. Refrain from expressing regret or taking responsibility for the mishap.
- Before you leave the scene of the bike accident, take pictures to preserve the evidence. After that, get copies of the police report and your medical records.
- To report the accident, get in touch with your insurance provider. After that, claim by calling the driver’s auto insurance company.
Common Bicycle Accident Injuries
- Lacerations
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Skull fractures
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lower extremity injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
How Can a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help?
Following catastrophic incidents, such as bicycle wrecks, plaintiff’s lawyers help affected parties with their insurance claims and/or personal injury lawsuits. You could benefit from a lawyer’s help with your claim if you recently lost a loved one in a bike accident, received severe and excruciating injuries, or had costly property damage.
If not, the insurance provider for the at-fault motorist can attempt to exploit you or persuade you to accept an unjust settlement. Los Angeles personal injury lawyers can demand just recompense for your losses and defend you throughout insurance discussions.
How to Handle a Bicycle Accident?
- Assist the police Police may ask you to provide a statement at the scene of the accident or the hospital right away after it happens. As they attempt to look into your issue, be sure to assist them. Request copies of every investigation report the police have prepared. Copies are available at the police station where the accident was investigated.
- Keep the bike and don’t get it fixed right away. Take pictures of any damage to the involved vehicles. The vehicle’s damage as well as the damage to your bike serve as proof. They can offer evidence of the extent and magnitude of the impact. Take pictures of both, and until your lawyer gets the bike examined, maintain it in the same state as when it was struck.
- Obtain Any Driver’s Contact and Insurance Details If the police do not arrive at the site, as is frequently the case in Los Angeles, this is particularly true. In addition to the driver’s name, address, and phone number, you also need their license plate number, insurance company, and policy number. Bringing your mobile phone along on all bike trips and taking pictures of your driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate is the simplest method to accomplish this.
Time Limits to File a Bike Accident Claim in Los Angeles
- Six months to file a claim against the government.
- Only property damage: three years after the accident.
- Injury claim for a bicycle accident: two years after the incident.
- Two years after the date of death is considered wrongful death.
- Under-18-year-old injured minor: two years after becoming eighteen.
- Two years beyond the date they should have been detected is considered a delayed injury.
Interview bike lawyers to find your match
- What is the duration of your practice? Experience is crucial in any situation involving injuries. Look for a lawyer who has enough experience, even in court.
- How has it been for you to represent wounded cyclists? Accident lawyers are not all created equal. You want someone who has dealt with a range of bicycle accident and is well-versed in cycling law.
- How are you going to handle my case? Allow them to describe how long they anticipate your case taking and the tactics they plan to employ while negotiating with the insurance company.
- What is the rate at which you bill? A lot of bike accident lawyers take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they don’t get paid unless your case is resolved. Find out what proportion they will deduct from the settlement sum.
Conclusion
Since a bicycle accident can have serious repercussions, having legal counsel is crucial to obtaining just compensation. A knowledgeable Bicycle Accident Lawyer can help you maximize your claim, negotiate with insurance providers, and navigate the court system. Important actions include being aware of your rights, obtaining proof, and responding quickly. Selecting a lawyer with experience guarantees the best result for your case.