In an accident involving a bicyclist and a vehicle, the bicyclist rarely walks away without injuries. Bicycle-vehicle collisions often result in some of the most serious injuries and, in the worst cases, fatalities. Even a relatively low-speed accident can leave a rider with broken bones, head injuries, or long-term physical complications. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a vehicle while riding your bike, it’s important to know that you may be entitled to significant compensation—not only for your medical bills, but also for lost wages, damage to your bike, pain and suffering, and other related losses. Acting promptly can help ensure your rights are protected and increase your chances of recovering what you deserve.
Steps to Follow After a Bicycle Accident
After your accident, the first thing you should do is move to a safe space, whether you can do so on your own or require assistance from first responders. Your safety and health come first. If your injuries allow, tell the police exactly what happened. They will ask detailed questions about speed, road and weather conditions, right of way, traffic signals, and other factors that led to the collision.
Another important step to take is to go to the hospital, even if you believe your injuries are minor. It’s crucial that you go to the ER, so information about your condition is documented in your medical record. There is always the likelihood that complications or related conditions could occur in the future. In addition, if you decide to pursue a personal injury case against the negligent party, your attorney for your bicycle accident will need your medical information to file a claim.
If you’ve been injured in a bike accident, calling a competent bike accident law firm is highly recommended. When another person’s negligence causes your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation for medical bills, damage to your bike, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. In Ohio, it’s important to act quickly, because the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident.
Once you’ve hired a bike accident lawyer, they will handle the details, including, but not limited to:
- Taking a statement from you regarding the accident
- Gathering reports from first responders, witnesses, and from the scene, such as CCTV footage
- Collecting medical records and bills from all healthcare providers, including ambulance transportation
- Filing a claim and drafting a demand letter to send to the negligent party’s insurer
- Coordinating UM coverage/benefits, if applicable
- Investigating possible equipment malfunctions if your bicycle accident and injuries could be attributed to a defect with your bike or helmet
Compensation for Bicycle Accident Injuries
You could receive compensation for the following types of damages (not limited to):
- Medical expenses. Doctors’ bills, future medical expenses, physician, facility, laboratory testing, diagnostic testing, and ambulance co-pays, any special equipment or devices needed for your recovery (such as casting or slings)
- Lost wages. Future wages, time off for doctors’ appointments, surgery recovery, and rehab
- Mental and emotional conditions. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression
- Pain and suffering for mental anguish
- Equipment replacement. Bicycle, helmet, any other equipment, or valuables damaged during the accident
- Wrongful death if fatalities were involved
Your bike accident lawyer will strongly advise you to talk to insurance company adjusters. Insurance companies are tasked to minimize claims payouts, and they will try hard to get you to settle for a lesser amount than you deserve. If an insurance company contacts you directly, refer them to your bike accident lawyer. Another word of advice is not to post anything about your bike accident or details about your claim on social media. Even if your intent is purely innocuous, insurance companies could twist your words and use them against you when evaluating your claim.
Contact Oliver Law Office for a Bike Accident Evaluation
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, contact Oliver Law Firm at 614-220-9100 or use our online contact form. We have offices in Columbus and Dublin. As we’re a contingency personal injury law firm, we don’t collect unless you win. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and let us take care of the details while you take care of yourself.
