A bike ride in Washington, DC may change in an instant. One negligent motorist, open car door or ignored stop sign might leave a rider gravely harmed. The shock usually comes first. And then the suffering begins. Bills start stacking up and insurance calls start. What next? Your initial couple of steps count. They can safeguard your health and your legal claim. If another person caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. An experienced DC Personal Injury Lawyer can help you understand your rights and help you avoid costly mistakes. Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP has assisted wounded clients across Washington, DC in seeking proper compensation following traumatic incidents.
Bike crashes happen more often than you’d think
Lots of bike lanes and shared roads in Washington, DC. Still, bicycle accidents are widespread. Many crashes occur because drivers don’t see cyclists. Others happen when roads are badly kept or traffic is busy. Common causes include:
- Drivers making dangerous turns
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Opening a parked car’s door into traffic
- Running a red light
- Bad road conditions
- Not yielding at intersections
A biker can be so careful, but not escape every crash. That’s why it’s so important to know what to do next.
First, in the first place, Take Care of Your Health
Health is wealth. If anyone is hurt, call 911. Even if you feel okay, see your doctor as soon as possible. Here’s the deal. Some injuries don’t show up for hours or days. Common injuries from bicycle accidents include:
- Fractured bones
- Head Injury
- Road rash .
- Cervical pain
- Injuries to the back
- Bleeding inside the body
- Spinal cord injury
Medical documents also help prove the connection between your injuries and the collision. That is useful if you make an injury claim later.
Gather Evidence While You Still Can
Evidence disappears quickly.” Take pictures of, if you can:
- Your bike
- The vehicle concerned
- Road closures and updates
- Traffic Signs.
- Your wounds
- Damage to adjacent property
Get names and phone numbers of witnesses. You should also ask for a copy of the police report. That report might have critical data concerning the crash. Little details can often turn out to be big pieces of evidence later.
Be Cautious When Talking to Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters often call shortly after a crash. They may appear friendly. They don’t mean they work for you. Keep your answers brief and factual. Don’t speculate about your injuries or say you are alright. Many people do it without thinking. Those statements can come back to haunt them later. Don’t settle fast before you know the total cost of your injury. Today it is helpful to pay quickly. But it may not be much of what you really need tomorrow.
Save Record All
Think of your documents as puzzle pieces. Each one seems alone, little. Together they tell the whole story. Make copies of:
- Healthcare costs
- Hospital files
- Price of prescriptions
- Physical therapy charges
- Wage records missing
- Bicycle repair quotes
- Transport to medical appointments
You know what, even parking slips for doctor visits might help document accident-related expenses. The more detailed your records, the greater your claim may be.
Know What Compensation Can Cover
No two bicycle accidents are the same. Your claim can include payment for:
- Healthcare
- Healthcare of the future
- Loss of income
- Less ability to earn
- Anguish and pain
- Damage to property
- Heartache
Serious injuries can require months of treatment. Others need surgery. Some require long-term therapy. It is worth looking at these prospective costs carefully before accepting any settlement.
Don’t Delay Too Long
Time is a factor following any injury accident. The evidence fades. Witnesses retreat. Camera footage can be removed. Washington, DC has legal deadlines for submitting injury claims, too. Longer wait times could mean far more difficulty in recovering compensation. Seeking legal advice early on helps preserve critical evidence before it is lost.
How a Lawyer Can Assist
So many injury claims look simple at first. Then come the questions. Who blew up? “More than one driver was involved in this?” Could it have been bad roads at play? What is the claim actually worth? These questions require careful review. If it becomes essential to go to court, a qualified DC Personal Injury Lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence, engage with medical specialists, negotiate with insurance companies, and prepare your case. Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP handles a wide range of motor vehicle accident matters in the Washington, D.C. area. Their team represents victims injured in car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle, bus and pedestrian accidents. They also battle for customers who suffer terrible injuries including burns and spinal cord injuries. With someone else handling the legal work, injured riders can concentrate on healing, rather than paperwork and insurance calls.
Concluding Thoughts
A bicycle accident can result in long-term physical, emotional and financial stress. What happens next is often molded in the hours and days after the crash. Get medical help right away. Save your receipts. Gather evidence while it is still available. Watch out for insurance companies. Most importantly, be aware of your rights before you make any major decisions. Do the right things today to protect your recovery and your future.
Common Questions
- After a bike accident, do I need to call the police?
Short answer: Yes. Always report the accident if you can.
Detailed answer: A police report provides an official record of what happened. It might have witness statements, details of the roads and all involved. The report is often useful as evidence in an insurance claim or legal case.
- I was not wearing a helmet. Can I claim damages?
Short answer: Possibly yes.
Detailed Answer: You do not have to wear a helmet to claim. Each accident has its own facts. A lawyer can help you understand how local laws and the details of your injuries affect your case.
- What if the driver says I am at fault?
Short answer: Don’t admit fault or argue at the scene.
Detailed Answer: The fault must be established on the basis of the evidence, the statement of the witnesses, the laws of traffic and the report of the police. Often the inquiry discloses facts that are not immediately apparent after the collision.
- How long does a bike accident claim take?
Short Answer: Each case is different.
Detailed Answer: Some claims settle in a matter of months. Others take much longer, especially when injuries are serious or fault is challenged. Often, waiting until your medical condition is more clearly defined will lead to a more accurate claim value.
- When should I speak to a bicycle accident attorney?
Short Answer: As quickly as possible following the accident.
Detailed Answer: Early legal help means evidence can be acquired before it is lost. An attorney may also manage the insurance communications, safeguard your rights and fight to get reimbursement for medical bills, lost earnings and other damages.