Whenever we ride a bicycle to get from point A to point B, we can put ourselves at risk of injury. This is because cars are significantly larger and heavier than our bikes. So what should we do when we get hit by a car while riding a bicycle? First, we should seek medical attention to ensure we’re physically okay or treat any injuries.
Following a bicycle accident, you have the right to take legal action and seek compensation for any losses, including medical bills and treatment. However, navigating the legal system can be difficult when we don’t know where to start and feel we must do it alone. Fortunately, the bicycle accident lawyers of Goza & Honnold can assist you in several ways. We would be proud to review your potential bicycle accident claim and seek compensation on your behalf if we believe you are entitled to damages for your personal injuries and suffering.
What Steps Should You Follow After a Bicycle Accident?
After getting hit by a car while riding your bicycle, you may not know what steps to take. Specific strategies and actions may be more beneficial than others, especially when you want to prioritize your financial stability and physical well-being. Steps you should consider taking after sustaining injuries in a bicycle accident include, but are not limited to, the following:
Seek Medical Attention
Following any incident resulting in injuries, we strongly recommend you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Seeking prompt medical attention helps to ensure you know what your injuries are, what treatment is necessary, and whether any latent injuries may become evident in the coming days, weeks, or months. Documentation of bicycle accident-related injuries is critical if you wish to pursue legal action to recover compensation.
Because of the importance of documentation of your injuries, it is important to retain any documents or records your medical provider gives you, including copies of medical bills, treatment plans, prescriptions, referrals, and recommendations. Acting quickly can help during legal matters, as it shows you are making a genuine effort to heal and makes your perspective seem more accurate.
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan and Recommendations
When your doctor gives you any recommendations for treating your condition, you should follow those directions. While this can be costly, your health is essential, and following these recommendations can make a big difference in your recovery. If your case is successful through settlement or a verdict at trial, you may recover compensation for most or all of your damages—including medical bills—so prioritize your physical well-being.
Avoid Talking About Your Legal Matters
While speaking with friends and family may feel comforting, any information you share with them could be used against you. Instead, we recommend you keep communications about your legal matter between you and your attorney as all attorney-client communications are privileged and confidential.
Stay Off Social Media
We recommend limiting online posting, including text posts, photos, and videos you would put on social media accounts. Anything you post online can be used against you and accessed by the opposing party in the courtroom, even when you have privacy settings turned on. Avoiding social media during the pendency of a legal proceeding is the best way to avoid any issues that may arise.
Talk to a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Working with a bicycle accident lawyer is critical to the success of your potential claim, and your attorney can support you in numerous ways. Your lawyer can help by collecting and analyzing evidence, organizing or joining investigations, speaking on your behalf, leveling your footing against other parties, and recommending the next steps.
A qualified attorney will be honest and share with you the strengths and weaknesses of your case, the prospects of success in obtaining compensation, and the estimated value of your claim based on the extent of your injuries and monetary damages. Representing yourself in a bicycle accident case can significantly reduce your chances of recovery as litigation can be costly. An attorney working on a contingency-fee basis will cover all case expenses up front, and such expenses are not paid by you unless and until you recover compensation.
Bicycle Accident Injuries in Missouri? Lawyers at Goza & Honnold Can Provide Valuable Help
When you face injuries after getting hit by a car on your bike, you don’t have to worry or stress about managing legal matters alone. The bike accident lawyers of Goza & Honnold are members of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers. The victims and survivors we serve trust us to dedicate ourselves to their legal priorities.
To schedule a free consultation with our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can schedule your free consultation today by calling (913) 451-3433 or complete our contact form and a member of our legal team will get back with you about your potential case.