Miami cyclists often sustain serious injuries as a result of careless car drivers or roadway hazards or defects, leading to accidents which result in medical costs, lost earnings, future treatment needs and pain and suffering damages claims being filed by victims. When these unfortunate events do happen, these victims can seek compensation for medical costs incurred, lost earnings and future care, pain and suffering damages and any other associated losses they might sustain as compensation from insurance providers.
Reaching out to a North Miami Beach bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible is essential, so call now and request your free consultation session.
What to Do After an Accident?
When drivers act irresponsibly in striking bicycle riders, the injuries can often be devastating and long-term medical care required is usually necessary. When this occurs in North Miami Beach, an attorney can help victims receive compensation for future and ongoing medical costs, income lost from missed work due to injuries sustained, as well as pain and suffering suffered as a result.
As soon as possible, it is critical for bike accident victims to document the scene of their collision. Make sure to obtain details like the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance provider/policy number and license plate information as well as any eyewitness contact info so that an official statement about what transpired can be provided from these witnesses.
Bicycle accident victims may pursue product liability claims against the manufacturer of their bicycle, should a dangerous defect contribute to an accident. Furthermore, victims can sue government agencies if unsafe road conditions contributed to an incident.
Contact a Lawyer
Tragically, many cyclists are injured in collisions with motor vehicles and suffer serious injuries that result in expensive medical bills, lost income from being unable to work, as well as ongoing physical pain and suffering.
After an accident has taken place, it’s essential that you contact an attorney immediately. Insurance companies tend to try and settle cases quickly at a price which doesn’t fully reflect what happened – insurance providers may even attempt to offer less compensation than is due.
An attorney will evaluate your case details and assess liability, conducting a comprehensive investigation and gathering evidence that supports your claim.
Under certain conditions, other parties may also be held liable for your accident in addition to the motorist who caused it. Bicycle manufacturers could potentially be held liable if their product causes accidents; similarly, local government agencies might be held accountable if they had knowledge about dangerous road conditions that caused your crash but failed to act upon them.
Document Your Injuries
Perazzo Law Firm understands the trauma incurred from bicycle accidents can be profound for both victims and their families, from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering disabilities or even wrongful deaths.
Soon after a bike accident occurs, it is imperative that as much evidence as possible be collected and documented. The more information available to you will make your case stronger. Collect names and contact details of all parties involved including drivers and passengers of each vehicle involved as well as details such as their insurance policy number or any relevant details about any relevant witnesses or individuals involved.
Document your injuries by taking photos at the scene and gathering medical records of any treatments received, such as hospital records. Documenting will enable you to demonstrate their severity and establish whether you qualify for compensation in terms of future medical costs, ongoing care needs, lost wages or other damages.
Keep notes at the scene and a diary or log of subsequent follow-up treatment and symptoms, to bolster your personal account of what occurred and provide valuable evidence should your memory fail. This will strengthen both accounts.
Take Photos
Photographs can provide powerful evidence in support of your claim. Whenever possible, take pictures from various angles and distances of the accident scene from various perspectives (if it is safe). Document the road conditions, car positions involved and other important details to support your case.
Photos can also help to document the extent of your injuries and property damage following a bicycle accident in North Miami Beach, helping your lawyer ensure you receive fair compensation for all losses related to this collision.
If you are unable to take pictures at the scene yourself, ask a friend or family member for assistance. However, only do this if it is safe for you and you do not appear too injured to take accurate and clear images. If injured or feeling dizzy, nauseous, fearful, or disoriented seek medical assistance immediately as this should take priority over taking photographs.