When You Need a Bicycle Accident Lawyer After a Crash

Did you get involved in a bicycle accident where another party was at fault? If so, you likely have many questions about seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. 

 

As an experienced bicycle accident lawyer, I understand how stressful and overwhelming this process can be after such a traumatic event. 

 

However, it's important not to take any legal action without consulting with an attorney first. This blog post will discuss when to contact a bicycle accident lawyer and what they can do to help after an accident that was not your fault.

Determining Fault in a Bicycle Crash

One of the first things a bicycle accident lawyer will do is investigate the scene of the accident and gather evidence to determine who was at fault. 

 

This can be tricky in bicycle crashes since there are usually multiple parties involved like drivers, cyclists and even pedestrians. 

 

However, an attorney experienced in personal injury law will know how to properly assess fault based on things like eyewitness statements, road conditions, traffic signals and each party's conduct leading up to the collision.

 

They will also review police reports, obtain surveillance footage if available, and may even hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze physical evidence and determine the speeds and trajectories of vehicles. 

 

By thoroughly investigating fault, your lawyer can build a strong liability case against the at-fault party to facilitate compensation negotiations or pursue a personal injury lawsuit if needed. 

 

This is important, as you generally cannot recover damages if you contributed to the accident through your own negligent actions.

Seeking Medical Treatment and Documenting Injuries

In addition to determining liability, a bicycle accident lawyer will advise you on properly documenting your injuries and treatment. This serves two main purposes. 

 

First, it allows your doctor to properly diagnose and treat any physical or psychological injuries from the crash. 

 

Secondly, thorough medical records are crucial evidence needed in compensation negotiations or a personal injury lawsuit to prove the full extent of damages suffered.

 

Your attorney may recommend seeing certain medical specialists and getting diagnostic tests like x-rays, MRIs or CT scans. 

 

They can also assist in finding reputable doctors, avoiding treatment delays, and addressing any insurance issues. 

 

Don't try to "tough it out" after an accident - seek necessary medical care as soon as symptoms arise. 

 

Comprehensive records are important to support a strong claim for pain and suffering damages down the road.

Mitigating Economic Losses

In addition to physical harm, bicycle accidents can also cause substantial financial costs like medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle/property damages. 

 

An experienced bicycle accident lawyer understands how to properly document all economic losses to facilitate full compensation. 

 

They can assist you in submitting claims to all applicable insurance plans like health, wage replacement and damage coverage.

 

The attorney may coordinate with employers and providers to obtain records proving lost time from work or school. 

 

And when it comes to damaged equipment, they know how to properly value replacement costs for things like totaled bicycles, costly gear or commuting-related items. 

 

Not pursuing valid economic losses could leave you footing unnecessary bills instead of being made fully whole through a settlement or judgment.

Negotiating a Settlement or Filing Suit

Once liability has been established and all damages are documented, your lawyer goes to work negotiating a fair settlement with the at-fault party or their insurance. 

 

Drawing on years of experience valuing similar injury claims, they will fight to obtain full and reasonable compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain/suffering and any other quantifiable losses.

 

However, some defendants may deny or lowball valid claims, requiring a lawsuit to be filed. 

 

Here, your attorney would take the case through litigation - handling all legal filings, conducting discovery, arguing at hearings/mediation and potentially taking it to a personal injury trial if needed. 

 

Their goal throughout this process is obtaining maximum compensation without you having to stress over complex legal procedures.

Staying Within State Statute of Limitations

All personal injury claims have a statute of limitations, meaning there is a limited window to take legal action before the right to recover damages expires. 

 

For bicycle accidents, this deadline is typically 1-3 years from the date of injury depending on your state laws. 

 

A bicycle accident lawyer understands these strict deadlines thoroughly and ensures your claim is addressed promptly to avoid missing the cut-off.

 

Once contacted, they will immediately investigate the incident, obtain your medical records, make demand on the at-fault party and if needed, file a lawsuit before time runs out. 

 

Don’t risk losing your rights by procrastinating - consulting legal counsel soon after an accident preserves all options to facilitate full and just recovery. They will proactively manage timelines to adhere to state statutes of limitations.

Other Legal Services Provided

Beyond the core responsibilities outlined above, experienced bicycle accident attorneys can assist clients in other important ways as well. 

 

This may include pursuing under/uninsured motorist claims if applicable. They can also address issues of liability apportionment in complex multi-party crashes. 

 

Your lawyer is there as a resource to answer legal questions, address insurance matters, and offer guidance throughout medical treatment and recovery from injuries.

 

Furthermore, in the uncommon event that you yourself face liability allegations, an attorney ensures your rights are protected legally. 

 

Their full-service representation brings peace of mind that your claim or defense is being handled comprehensively by experienced advocates. 

 

Make the smart choice by consulting a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible after a non-fault crash.

When to Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney

To summarize, the ideal times to contact a bicycle accident lawyer are:

 

• Immediately after any injury-causing crash where another party was at fault.

 

• As soon as you begin seeking related medical treatment.

 

• If/when you miss time from work or schooling due to accident injuries.

 

• Before the statute of limitations expires in your state (typically 1-3 years).

 

• If an insurance company denies or lowballs a valid compensation claim.

 

• If served with legal papers regarding the accident by another involved party.

 

Overall, consulting an attorney ensures your rights are properly protected in a stressful situation. 

 

They are experienced advocates uniquely qualified to facilitate maximum compensation through settlement or litigation. 

 

Don't risk losing recovery opportunities - speak to a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible for help in instances of non-fault crashes.

Contact a Seasoned Legal Ally Today

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident caused by the negligent actions of others, don't hesitate to schedule a free consultation with our law firm. 

 

With over 25 years of experience handling injury cases, our bicycle accident lawyers in Chicago are ready to thoroughly evaluate your situation and advise the best path forward. 

 

We work on a contingency basis, so there are never any legal fees upfront if we don't obtain compensation for you.