Bicycle accidents are pretty rare and, more often than not, end without compensation. The main reason bicycle accidents are seldom compensated is that people rarely report them. However, every case is different and you might want to speak to a bicycle accident lawyer if you have been involved in a bicycle accident and feel you deserve compensation for your injuries and pain.
Not all people injured in a bicycle accident are entitled to compensation. The circumstances of each accident often determine whether the parties deserve a payout. Nevertheless, almost all bicycle accidents are caused by negligent drivers and you could have grounds to demand compensation.
Injuries Often Compensated from Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents make up 2% of motor vehicle accident deaths, and the numbers are on the rise. Bicycle accidents are often fatal, causing injuries to the head in most instances. You could be compensated for most common injuries, including those that are non-catastrophic. Other injuries that are compensated include:
- Head Injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Cuts and Bruises
- Strains and Pulled Muscles
- Broken Bones
Some injuries warrant a larger financial compensation than others. More severe injuries often demand higher compensation. Whatever the compensation required, you must get the damages for the trouble you’ve been through.
How Bicycle Accident Settlements Work
Most bicycle accidents are settled outside the courtroom. Nevertheless, you are not under any obligation to accept any settlements proposed at the scene or immediately after. There is nothing wrong with accepting a settlement that you feel is fair or more than fair for your injuries and pain. However, most settlements often fall below the “fair” threshold.
Get in contact with a bicycle accident lawyer in West Palm Beach that will fight hard to get the compensation you deserve for your pain. While the negotiations may take significantly longer, you have a better chance of significant financial compensation. While your attorney can negotiate a favorable settlement, the at-fault insurance company may be unwilling to negotiate. Your best alternative at this point is filing a formal lawsuit.
Seeking medical care immediately after an accident is essential. You are perplexed by the sudden turn of events and need to recuperate before you can conduct any negotiations for possible compensation. Furthermore, avoid statements like “I am okay” or “I am fine” after an incident. They may play a significant role in reducing your settlement in a courtroom.
Starting a Bicycle Accident Lawsuit
If your bicycle accident attorney cannot negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company, it is best to file a formal lawsuit. Bicycle accident lawsuits, like all other accident lawsuits, must be filed within 24 months of the injury date. The personal injury statute of limitations in Florida includes a few exceptions but offers a 24-month limit.
If you want to file a bicycle accident lawsuit in West Palm Beach, the first step you should take is to hire a bicycle accident lawyer.
The lawsuit process can be long and stressful. Nevertheless, it is within your rights to accept a settlement from the defendant at any point during the lawsuit. Sometimes, when an insurance firm realizes that its chances of winning the lawsuit are slim, it will present a better settlement offer than it previously did during negotiations.
Mistakes to Avoid Before Accepting a Bicycle Accident Settlement
A bicycle accident is often a very traumatizing experience. It is of the utmost importance that you think about your actions and decisions to avoid pitfalls that can significantly reduce the amount of compensation you can get from a settlement or lawsuit.
Don’t Settle for the First Offer You Get
The first mistake victims of bicycle accidents make is trying to get some quick compensation for the driver’s negligence. Needless to say, this is never a good idea. Hiring an expert bicycle attorney at Eltringham Law Group who is skilled in negotiating settlements will get you much more compensation than you can negotiate on your own.
Don’t Post About the Accident Online
The second most common mistake is posting your sentiments about the accident online. Remember the at-fault insurance company would go to the ends of the earth to avoid paying a significant compensation. You can expect them to be scanning your Facebook and all social media pages for evidence that you are not as injured or traumatized as you claim to be. Be careful about your impression online and physically as well. Do not go out to play basketball two days after claiming to be critically injured.
Inform Your Attorney of Any Developments
Keep your West Palm Beach bicycle accident attorney in the loop throughout your recovery process. At any point, if you are unsure whether a certain action negatively affects your case, ask your lawyer if it is okay first. The compensation will account for all your medical expenses, travel costs during treatment, cost of medications, agony, and depreciation of the quality of life.
Find the Right West Palm Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer for Your Claim
It takes a good bicycle accident lawyer in West Palm Beach to advise you about the process of accessing the most significant compensation possible. If you or a loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident and feel aggrieved, get in contact with us today. We will answer any questions you might have about bicycle accidents and guide you to the best settlement deal you can get.