A bicycle accident is a scary experience. An unguarded human body on a fragile piece of equipment is no match for a speeding vehicle or hard pavement. Even the most cautious and skilled bicyclists can easily find themselves on the incorrect side of the handlebars.
The statistics are alarming. There are over half a million injuries associated with bicycles every year, according to national data collected from hospital emergency rooms. Even more sobering, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that a bicyclist is fatally injured every 6 hours, and almost half of all the people killed in bicycle accidents are children under the age of 16.
Unfortunately, many serious bicycle accidents involve distracted car drivers. While collisions with cars account for only one third of all bicycle accidents, they are responsible for the majority of catastrophic injuries and deaths. In most cases, the driver's fault consists of failing to yield to the cyclist, backing out of a driveway, opening a car door as a cyclist travels by, running a stop sign, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or simple negligence.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident you may be entitled to the following benefits: medical bills, wage loss, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress and disfigurement.
As with any accident involving vehicles, there are a number of steps you need to take to ensure everything with your claim goes as effortlessly as possible.
For your medical problems, see a doctor as soon as possible. Often times, an injury from a bike accident can be underestimated. You may feel fine now, but some injuries, particularly neck and back injuries, can become quite painful and debilitating in the long-term. A paper trail is also important throughout the process.
Texas Accident Help Center - If You Are in An Accident
Get as much information you as can about your accident. Key objects include the names, numbers and addresses of all the people involved, including bystanders. You will also need to keep track of insurance information and the reporting process. Make copies.
Please do not speak to anyone about your accident other than law enforcement personnel. Anything you say to insurance company representatives or investigators could make it difficult for you to settle your claim. It is also a good idea not to sign anything, particularly some kind of release form, without talking to a lawyer first. This is just a smart way for you to protect yourself.
For all these concerns, we recommend that you hire an attorney. You most likely have a lot to handle right now, and a competent attorney can make sure everything gets done right. An attorney can also make things a lot easier for you by negotiating with insurance companies and guiding you get through the legal process.
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