Four Most Important Things to Know After a Bicycle Accident
Even if you wear a helmet and other protective gear, a bicycle accident can cause serious injuries to the head and body. Since bicycles can be less stable and less visible than cars or other modes of transportation, their use leads to higher risk of accidents. Here are four things you need to know if you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident in Chico, CA.
What cases require the help of a lawyer?
Even small accidents can lead to major issues down the road. There are some cases that require expert help that only legal professionals can provide. While the following list isn’t exhaustive, it’s a good guideline for determining if you need the help of bicycle accident lawyers in Chico, CA. Here are examples of when legal help is necessary:
- When serious or permanent injury occurs, including everything from broken bones to paralysis
- When the accident involves death
- When questions of fault arise
- When there are complex medical, technical or legal issues involved
- When you or the other party have no insurance
How long should you wait to contact a lawyer?
Contacting an experienced lawyer is a crucial step if you or a loved one is the victim of a bicycle accident. It’s important to have bicycle accident lawyers in Chico, CA on your side right away. If you’re wondering whether your situation warrants a call to a lawyer, or if you should leave it to the insurance companies to come to an agreement, know that trusting the insurance companies typically leaves you with a reduced recovery. Get in touch with bicycle accident lawyers in Chico, CA, ideally within 24 hours of the incident, to make the most of your claim.
What can a personal injury lawyer do?
If you contact a lawyer early, it dramatically improves your odds of winning a settlement. One thing an attorney will do right away is survey the scene of the accident. They may do this themselves or send out accident-scene investigators to get a clear understanding of exactly what happened. They will gather crucial evidence to support your position in the case. Remember that if you’re able to collect evidence at the scene, that only enhances your odds of receiving the damages you deserve. Try to take pictures of injuries, damages and the accident scene as a whole. Write down any information you have right away and record names and contact information of witnesses whenever possible.
What types of damages can you collect?
There are a few different types of damages that you can receive if another party is at fault for a bicycle accident. You could receive economic damages, including quantifiable losses like damaged property, medical bills and even recovery of lost wages. There are also non-economic damages, which take into account pain and suffering and quality-of-life issues that arise as a result of the accident. Finally, there also could be punitive damages in cases where an especially egregious offender caused the accident.
If you or a loved one experiences a bicycle accident, it’s important to know your legal options. Bicycle accident lawyers in Chico, CA can help. Contact The Law Offices of Max G. Arnold, Inc to guide you through the process of getting the compensation you need and deserve.
Categorised in: Personal Injury Lawyer
