If you get hit by a car while riding your bike, your medical bills and other expenses will probably be paid for under New York’s no-fault automobile insurance law. However, these payments are limited and don’t include compensation for your pain and suffering. This is why it’s important to hire a bike accident injury lawyer. An attorney will investigate your accident, determine the maximum amount you can recover and file your claim with the right insurance company or even in court if necessary to maximize your compensation.
It’s best to let your lawyer handle communication with the insurer so that they don’t take advantage of you. Your lawyer bicycle accident injury lawyer will send a demand letter that sets forth the details of your accident and how much you’re seeking in damages. Your lawyer will also gather documents that prove your losses, such as your medical bills and lost wages.
Your lawyer will carefully review all the evidence in your case and negotiate with the insurance company to seek a settlement that covers all your losses. The other party’s insurer will be fighting to pay as little as possible, but your lawyer can counter their offers and ensure that you receive the full amount you are entitled to under the law.
An experienced bicycle accident injury lawyer can anticipate the strategies that defense teams and insurance companies will use to deny you the compensation you deserve. They will work hard to prevent those tactics from succeeding and they will protect your rights as a victim of an accident that was not your fault.
Another thing your lawyer will do is determine who else might be liable for your accident. For example, if you are biking on a road that was poorly maintained and the city or another municipality is to blame, they might be held responsible for your injuries. Also, if your accident occurred due to an unsafe product, such as a bike part or helmet, the manufacturer might be held liable for your accident.
If the motorist who hit you doesn’t stay at the scene of the crash, it might be challenging to find them. Your bicycle accident lawyer will conduct an investigation to track down the driver, whether that involves contacting witnesses or searching for the vehicle or license plate. They might also investigate if any third parties, such as a construction company, could be liable for your accident.
When you settle with the at-fault party’s insurance company, you will typically be required to sign a waiver that precludes you from taking further legal action against them in the future. An experienced attorney can help you avoid this trap by filing a lawsuit against the party that caused your accident.
Getting into a bike accident can be life-changing, not least because of the severe injuries you might sustain. It’s important to contact an experienced bicycle accident injury lawyer as soon as possible to start the process of recovering from your injuries and getting back on your feet.