Steps to Take Immediately After a Bicycle Accident
Biking is a great way to get in some exercise, enjoy the great outdoors, and do your part for the environment, but when you’re getting around town on two wheels, nothing comes between you and the life-threatening impact of an accident. Bike accidents are among the deadliest accidents on our roadways, and they’re often caused by motorists who simply fail to look out for and safely accommodate bicyclists in their midst. If you or someone you care about has suffered an injury by a motorist’s negligence in a bike accident, one of the most important first steps you can take is to consult with an experienced Charleston bike accident attorney.
Step One: Make Your Health Your Top Priority
Bike accidents are dangerous accidents, and even if you don’t think you suffered any serious injuries, seeking immediate medical attention is always advised. Not every serious injury exhibits obvious symptoms right away, and the adrenaline coursing through your body – along with the shock you’re experiencing – can mask a considerable amount of pain. Obtaining the medical care you need early on is the right thing to do in terms of your health outcome and is also an important step in terms of your bike accident claim. The same is true of carefully following your medical team’s instructions and advice.
Step 2: Consult with a Dedicated Bike Accident Attorney
While you focus on recovering from the injuries you’ve suffered and regaining your health and well-being, you’ll look to your seasoned bike accident attorney to help you navigate the challenging path forward toward a favorable claim resolution. Bike accident claims are challenging, and the involved insurance company is focused on settling your claim for as little as possible. In other words, you need skilled legal counsel on your side from the outset.
Your attorney will ably take on all the following critical tasks:
- Gathering all the available evidence
- Putting together your strongest claim
- Ensuring that your physical, financial, and emotional losses are well accounted for and well-represented
- Proving the motorist’s negligence in the matter – whether that means distraction, excess speed, exhaustion, failure to follow the traffic laws, or anything else
- Skillfully negotiating with the insurance company for a settlement that fairly addresses your legal damages
- Being well prepared to take your case to trial in the event the insurance company won’t negotiate fairly
Step 3: Avoid Common Mistakes
The insurance company handling your claim is only too aware of your vulnerability, but avoiding the following common mistakes will help protect your claim:
- Neglecting to hire an attorney
- Doing the talking yourself – leave it to your attorney
- Posting about the accident on social media, which you should expect to come back and haunt you
- Ignoring your doctor’s advice
You Need an Experienced Charleston Bike Accident Attorney in Your Corner
The practiced bike accident attorneys at Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC – proudly serving Charleston – appreciate how serious bike accidents tend to be and have the experience, legal skills, and resources to help guide your claim toward a resolution that supports your fullest recovery. Learn more by contacting or calling us at 864-400-2545 today.