Once you receive medical care for your bicycle accident injuries, you may be left wondering what to do next. Taking the right steps is essential in healing, protecting your legal rights, and recovering the money you need for your financial stability.
If you are unsure what to do following your injuries, reach out to a Virginia bicycle accident lawyer for advice. We offer a FREE claim review so you can learn more about your rights as a victim, legal options for holding the liable party accountable, and what to do next.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Versus Car Accident With Injuries
When a car hits you while riding your bicycle, your physical injuries are the most important issue to address. You must get the medical care you need promptly, even if that means an ambulance to the nearest emergency department or medevac to a regional trauma center.
However, with that initial assessment and treatment behind you, what comes next?
1. Continue Follow-Up Medical Care
Even after your initial treatment, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for follow-up care. Attend all scheduled appointments, complete your prescribed therapies, and take any medications as directed.
Not only does this offer the best way to heal as completely as possible, but it is also essential for recovering the compensation you deserve in your legal case.
2. Document Your Injuries and Healing
Keep a record of your injuries, treatment, and the effects this process has on your daily life. Documenting when you missed work and other activities could support your insurance claim or lawsuit later.
3. Preserve Evidence from the Accident
If possible, gather and preserve any evidence related to the accident. This includes your damaged bicycle, your helmet, and any other items involved in the crash.
It is also a good idea to record your side of the story as soon as possible after the accident. This can be helpful to jog your own memory later since these cases can take time. You can write it down, record a video of you talking, or save a voice memo of what you remember about the crash.
4. Collect Accident Records
When possible, request copies of the police accident report, your relevant medical records, and any other records related to your crash. It may also be helpful to return to the scene of the crash to take photos of the area, signage, and any factors that possibly contributed to the crash.
If your injuries or other factors prevent you from taking these steps, a bicycle accident lawyer can manage this process for you as a part of their investigation into your crash and injuries.
5. Do not Speak to the Insurance Company Without Legal Counsel
Insurance adjusters may contact you a few days or weeks after the accident. Avoid giving a recorded statement or discussing a settlement offer without first consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often aim to reduce or deny payouts, and anything you say could be used against you.
One common tactic is to call victims and make a lowball offer with the hope they will accept it before they realize the full scope of their injuries, expenses, and losses.
6. Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney About Your Case
Having a Virginia personal injury lawyer on your side allows you to focus on your health and well-being. An attorney will handle communication with the insurance carrier, negotiate on your behalf, and work to secure fair compensation for your injuries. They will answer your questions, guide you through the legal process, and ensure your rights are protected.
7. Follow Your Attorney’s Advice
Follow your attorney’s guidance and recommendations. You have them on your side to protect you and fight for your best interests. If you have questions, contact them. They want to help you.
One key piece of advice you may need before you choose a bicycle accident lawyer to represent you is to avoid discussing the accident with anyone other than your attorney. This includes posting anything about it on social media. These statements can be found by insurance adjusters and used against you.
What are the Recoverable Damages in a Bicycle Accident Case?
Victims of bicycle accidents can hold the at-fault driver legally responsible for the injuries they suffered. A bicycle accident lawyer from our firm can negotiate a settlement or litigate the case on your behalf.
If you contact your attorney early enough in the process, they can ensure they file your lawsuit within the deadline set by the statute of limitations. This is generally two years in Virginia under Va. Code § 8.01-243.
The damages recoverable include both economic and non-economic expenses and losses you experienced because of the accident and your injuries. Your attorney will document these damages, which often include medical care, future care costs, lost income, reduced earning ability, and “pain and suffering” and inconvenience.
Pursuing fair compensation and negotiating an appropriate settlement is key in these cases, especially when there are serious or catastrophic injuries. You may need to ensure you recover enough money to pay for not only your current damages to date but also your future care, related costs, and financial losses.
Recovering Compensation After a Fatal Bicycle Accident
If your loved one passed away from bicycle accident injuries, a Virginia wrongful death lawyer can help you build a case and pursue compensation based on the applicable laws.
The damages in these cases can differ from those in an auto accident lawsuit, so it is important to discuss what to expect with your attorney.
Discuss Your Bicycle Accident Case with Our Team for Free
Taking the right steps after a car versus bicycle accident can ensure that you protect your ability to seek fair compensation for your losses. A Virginia bicycle accident lawyer can provide the support and representation you need during this time.
Reach out to our team at the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, for a FREE claim review today.
Call or Text 571-229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form