Even though Miami has a number of convenient bike paths and bike lanes for cyclists, some drivers may still fail to exercise adequate caution on the road—and that can mean catastrophe for cyclists, who have no protection from the force of the accident. Whether you have suffered injuries and need to know what to do next or you want to prepare yourself in case of an accident, knowing what to do after a Miami bicycle accident can help you get the medical treatment you need to recover from your injuries and protect your right to compensation. A bike crash attorney is ready to support you after a collision.
The first step after a Miami bicycle accident is reporting the accident. Reporting the accident ensures that the police know about the incident and creates a record of it that the injured cyclist can later use to establish the time of their injuries and liability for the incident. Cyclists should not leave the scene of the accident without talking to the police unless they face immediate danger or need to seek immediate medical care.
Medical care after a bicycle accident is not just about getting the treatment necessary to recover from injuries. Going to the emergency room or an urgent care facility, depending on the severity of those injuries and the treatment necessary, creates a record of when the injuries took place and that they likely resulted from the bicycle accident. Waiting to seek treatment can mean that the liable party’s insurance company denies liability for those injuries.
The liable driver’s insurance company may reach out to the cyclist soon after the initial incident—in some cases, before the cyclist has the chance to do more than seek basic medical care. The cyclist should not take any of the blame for the accident or absolve the driver of guilt. In many cases, they may want to avoid talking to the insurance company before they reach out to a lawyer.
Legal support can prove vital when dealing with any type of injury claim. Bicycle accident claims can turn complicated for a number of reasons. Insurance companies may try to claim that the cyclist exited their assigned bike lane or that they did not engage in safe riding behavior, which can change the balance of liability in the accident. Furthermore, if the injured bike rider did not wear a helmet and suffered a brain injury during the accident, despite the fact that Florida does not have bicycle helmet laws for adult riders, the insurance company may try to argue that the cyclist bears partial responsibility for their injuries.
Working with a lawyer can help streamline the claim process, establish that the driver involved in the accident bears liability, and get the injured rider the compensation they deserve.
When considering what to do after a bicycle accident in Miami, many riders know that they need to file a claim and that they may need legal support, but they may not realize the importance of tracking damages. Damages in bicycle accident claims typically include compensation for medical costs, wage losses, the cyclist’s pain and suffering, and of course the damage to the bicyle. Keeping up with all bills and costs can help the cyclist establish the extent of the damages they incurred.
If you are struggling to figure out what to do after a bicycle accident in Miami, a lawyer can provide the support you need. Contact Kaire & Heffernan today to discuss your next steps and move forward with a claim.
(305) 876-6001