If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you may have a claim against the driver if they caused your collision. You do not want to make mistakes that could weaken your case and make it harder to reach a settlement with the insurance company. Here are common mistakes bicycle crash victims make that you should avoid.
Top Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make After a Bicycle Crash
If you were not at fault for causing your bike accident, you would expect the insurance company to pay you all the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Unfortunately, the insurance adjuster may do everything possible to deny your claim or reduce the damages they pay you.
If you make mistakes, you hurt your claim and give them ammunition to fight with you about the cause of the crash, the seriousness of your injuries, and the compensation you should receive. Here are the leading mistakes to avoid:
- Not contacting the police. If you do not contact the police immediately after your collision, you will lose vital evidence in the police report, such as details of how the crash occurred, who caused it, and whether any traffic citations were issued.
- Moving your bike. While you should move off the road to a safe location, do not move your bicycle until after the police complete the investigation. Seeing where the motor vehicle and bike are can help the officer determine the cause of the bicycle accident.
- Not obtaining contact information. You should get the contact information for the driver and their insurance company. It is equally important to obtain this information from eyewitnesses. If you fail to do this, you could lose the written statements or testimony of witnesses who saw your bike crash occur and can corroborate that the motorist was the at-fault party.
- Not getting prompt medical care. You should be examined by a doctor within 72 hours of the wreck, even if you do not think you were hurt. If you do not take this step, a hidden injury could worsen or become life-threatening. In addition, the insurance company might argue that your injury was caused by another incident or is not as severe as you claim.
- Not preserving evidence. If you do not keep your bicycle in the condition it was in after the crash or take photos at the scene, you could lose vital evidence that can help you prove the cause of the bicycle collision.
- Not retaining an attorney. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not to hire a knowledgeable car accident lawyer right after the crash. They can help you avoid making other mistakes, collect the evidence you need to win your case, and fight with the insurance company so that you receive the maximum recovery in your settlement.
Contact Our Norfolk Office Today
Were you hurt in a bicycle crash caused by a negligent driver in Norfolk or Virginia Beach? Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to help. Call our Norfolk office at 757-625-1214 or complete our convenient online form to schedule a free consultation today to learn how we have successfully settled other bike collision claims and how we can assist you.