While cycling is a great way to exercise, it can be dangerous. Cyclists lack the protection of a car’s frame and can suffer serious injuries in a crash.
A bicycle accident lawyer will help you receive the appropriate compensation for your injury. They will also help you file a claim against the person responsible for your accident. Contact Baltimore Bicycle Accident Lawyer now!
Bicycle accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options and advocate for a settlement that covers your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They will handle all communications with the at-fault party and their insurance company on your behalf, which allows you to focus on healing from your injuries.
A bicycle accident lawyer will examine the details of your case, including medical records and police reports, to determine if you have a valid claim. They will also conduct an investigation of the accident scene to obtain any eye-witness statements that can be used as evidence in your case. The attorney will then build a strong case on your behalf and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
It’s important to talk to several lawyers before making a decision, as this will give you an idea of which ones are the best fit for your case. Make sure to ask each attorney how many bicycle accidents they handle per year, and if you can schedule an initial consultation with them so that you can discuss your case. You can also get a referral from an attorney who handled another type of case, such as a divorce or estate planning, or find a bicycle accident lawyer through a local bar association referral program.
One of the main reasons why you need to consult with a bicycle accident lawyer is because they can help you preserve important evidence in your case. This is especially important because evidence can easily be lost or compromised over time. By acting quickly, your lawyer can increase the chances of obtaining vital evidence, such as accident scene photographs, witness statements, and other documentation.
Generally speaking, the driver of the car that hit you is responsible for your injury. However, other parties may be liable as well. This includes pedestrians, bike manufacturers, and even road maintenance agencies. The lawyer will investigate your case and hold all responsible parties liable for your damages.
In most cases, a bicycle accident lawyer will advise you to try and receive an out-of-court settlement with the at-fault individual’s insurance company. This will save you from having to take your case to court, which can be a long and drawn-out process. However, this also means that you won’t have the opportunity to seek higher compensatory damages if your injuries are severe.
Take Pictures and Videos
In this day and age, a smartphone can be an invaluable tool at the scene of a crash. It’s important to use it for much more than calling family members or requesting emergency services. If possible, it’s essential that you take photos of the accident scene and any injuries. This will provide valuable evidence that cannot be recreated later through witness statements, medical records, or police reports.
A smartphone’s camera has a number of useful features that can help you capture clear and detailed images. You’ll want to capture close-ups of damage to your bicycle and the other vehicles involved in the crash, as well as wide-angle shots that can help give the details context. Taking multiple photographs of each item will ensure that you have the most complete set of evidence available for your claim.
You should also be sure to take pictures of the road conditions, including skid marks and any other hazards that may have contributed to the accident. These pictures can be useful when establishing fault and proving that a driver’s actions led to your crash. They can also help disprove claims that the crash was caused by lack of lighting or visual obstructions.
Lastly, it’s important to take photos of any witnesses at the scene. Be sure to get their names and contact information so that you can reach out to them in the future to ask them to testify on your behalf. Photographs of witnesses can also help prove that a driver was negligent and in violation of their duty of care by failing to follow the laws of the road.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident due to another party’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and mental anguish. A skilled NYC personal injury lawyer can examine your case and help you to collect the necessary evidence to file a claim with an insurance company or sue a liable party. By following these tips, you can improve your chances of obtaining the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney.
Gather Witnesses’ Information
Witness testimony is essential in proving your right to compensation. It may help to establish who was liable for the accident, which can help you recover the money you need for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. However, determining financial liability can be difficult, especially when other parties try to shift blame for the collision. This is why you should enlist the help of an experienced bicycle accident attorney.
Your lawyer will examine the details of your case and find witnesses that are willing to provide their accounts. Your bike accident attorney will ask them key questions that can help your case. They include:
Basic Identification: Your lawyer will ask the witness for their name and contact information, which is necessary for any future reference or legal proceedings. Witness Position: Their location at the time of the crash can help determine their angle and perspective on what happened, which is useful for reconstructing events. Accident Details: Can they describe what caused the accident, including actions by the driver and cyclists, weather conditions, road or intersection conditions, etc?
Pre-Accident Observations: Did they notice any specific actions by either driver before the accident, such as speeding, signals, erratic driving, or distractions? The timing of these observations can be helpful for establishing patterns or negligence. Post-Accident Observations: What were the drivers and passengers doing immediately after the accident, including their condition, reactions, statements made, etc?
Local Knowledge of the Intersection: If the witness is familiar with the area where the accident occurred, they can offer insights into whether this is a common site for accidents or near-misses. This information can help identify patterns that might indicate the presence of dangerous conditions or negligence.
There are a number of reasons why some witnesses may be hesitant or unwilling to give their testimonies. Fear of retaliation, the length of the legal process, and concerns about accuracy can all deter witnesses from offering their assistance. However, if you work with an experienced attorney, they can deal with any negative responses and build a strong case to prove your innocence.
Keep Records
Whether it is done through photos, videos, or handwritten notes, the documentation you gather in the aftermath of your bicycle accident can be invaluable to your case. This can be particularly critical if you decide to pursue compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
The more detailed and accurate this information is, the stronger your legal position will be. For this reason, it is crucial that you begin recording this information as soon as possible after the accident.
It is especially important to document physical evidence, such as damaged clothing or bike gear, and any skid marks that may be present on the road. It is also a good idea to photograph the accident scene from multiple angles, capturing as many details as possible. This includes both close-ups of any damage and wide shots that show the entire context, as well as traffic signs, signals, and roadway markings. In addition, it is a good idea to note the weather conditions, as these can often play a role in determining fault.
You should also record all witness contact information and statements, if any were made. Witness perspectives can provide valuable third-party perspectives, and are a great way to corroborate your own account of the events that occurred. It is particularly helpful to seek out witnesses who were not directly involved in the collision, as they are more likely to have objective opinions about what happened.
Another vital piece of documentation to keep is a record of all of your medical treatment related to your injuries. Documenting the dates of each visit and any relevant conversations with your doctors can help illustrate the severity of your injuries and the impact they have had on you.
Once you have gathered as much evidence as possible, turn it over to your lawyer. They will use this information to prepare a demand letter to send to the at-fault party’s insurance company, which will serve as the official start of your injury claim. Your lawyer can handle all communication with the insurer, which will help to ensure that you do not inadvertently say something that could compromise your case.