8 Mistakes to Avoid After a Bicycle Accident

The last thing you could imagine as a bicyclist is getting involved in an accident. Maybe you got hit by a vehicle approaching from behind, or perhaps the motorcycle rider riding next to you lost control and crashed into you. Regardless, you may find yourself in a difficult state after a bicycle accident, and thinking straight is crucial.

You don’t want to get into a fight or argue with the other driver by letting your emotions get the better of you. This will only worsen the situation with the cops and lead to more expenses. Not to forget the time and effort wasted in the process. You also don’t want to skip seeking medical help, even if you feel your injuries are mild. Many accident injuries show symptoms weeks or even months later. So how can you think straight after a bicycle accident? Avoid these mistakes.

Not Calling a Personal Injury Lawyer

Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries, however, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries after a bicycle accident. But how do you know what you’re entitled to? It’s best to talk to a personal injury lawyer like Jacksonville injury law firm who can evaluate your case and give you an idea of the potential compensation you could receive. If the other driver were at fault, their insurance company would likely try to lowball you with an initial offer. An experienced personal injury lawyer will help you get the full compensation you deserve.

Failing to Gather Evidence

You must have as much evidence as possible to win your personal injury case. This includes photos of the accident scene, photos of your injuries, witness statements, and any other relevant information. The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to prove that the other driver was at fault and that your injuries are severe.

Not Seeking Medical Treatment

Get yourself assessed by a doctor even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not show symptoms until days or weeks after the accident. By seeking medical treatment immediately, you can ensure that any injuries are documented by a healthcare professional. This will also help to strengthen your injury case as it will be clear that your injuries were caused by accident.

Admitting Fault

After a bicycle accident, it’s important to avoid admitting fault to anyone, even if you think you may have been at fault. If you admit fault, it will be very difficult to prove otherwise later on, and you could be held responsible for the accident.

Signing a Release Form Without Speaking to a Lawyer

If the other driver’s insurance company offers you a settlement, they will likely ask you to sign a release form. This release form states that you will not take further legal action against the driver or their insurance company. Speaking to a personal injury lawyer before signing any documents is important, as you could be giving up your right to seek further compensation.

Accepting the First Settlement Offer

Never accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company, even if it seems like a lot of money. Remember, the insurance company’s goal is to make a profit, not to help you get the full compensation you deserve. Having a personal injury lawyer negotiate on your behalf is important to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Failing to Keep Track of Expenses

You may have a lot of expenses following the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your bicycle. It’s important to keep track of all these expenses to include them in your personal injury claim. This will help to ensure that you are fully compensated for the cost of the accident.

Not Filing a Personal Injury Claim Within the Statute of Limitations

Each state has a statute of limitations, which is the deadline for filing a personal injury claim. If you don’t file your claim within this timeframe, you could be barred from seeking compensation. Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure your claim is filed within the statute of limitations.

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    Final Word

    Thinking straight after an accident is important to ensure you do not worsen the situation. Don’t make the above mistakes; you should be good to go.

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    8 Mistakes to Avoid After a Bicycle Accident — Bike Hacks