Here in the Virginia Beach resort area, we enjoy a lot of nice weather, bringing out many cyclists. It’s important for cyclists to understand the rules of the road when they are riding. Unfortunately, no matter how safely you may ride, the risk is always there that someone else’s negligence will cause you serious injury. Each bicycle accident lawyer from our firm has successfully handled numerous cases where vehicle drivers just weren’t paying attention or concerned about the cyclists they share the roads with.
If you were injured in a bike crash, call our office at 833-997-1774 to schedule a free consultation. Our seasoned bicycle accident attorneys have been fighting for injured clients for over 35 years, ensuring they get the compensation they are entitled to under Virginia injury law. Find out how we can help you.
How Does Your Firm Evaluate a Bike Accident Case?
The first step in evaluating the validity of a bicycle accident case is to determine who the at-fault party was. We need to make sure that the cyclist was following all the rules of the road and did not contribute to the accident.
Under Virginia law, cyclists must follow the same rules of the road as vehicle drivers when riding on streets. Many bike riders don’t realize they can get ticketed for traffic violations, just like drivers.
Once your bicycle accident lawyer is convinced you are free of any fault, we can help you with your case.
What Are the Steps for Filing a Claim?
The legal process of a bike accident injury claim typically begins with the injured party seeking medical attention for their injuries. Following treatment, gathering evidence related to the accident is crucial, including photographs, witness statements, police reports, and any relevant documentation about the incident and injuries sustained.
Your next step would be to contact a personal injury attorney specializing in bike accidents, like the attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. Your lawyer will evaluate your case, determine liability, and assess your damages.
Once the claim is prepared, the attorney will file it with the appropriate insurance company. This includes a demand letter outlining the facts of the case, the other party’s liability and the compensation sought. Negotiations often follow, and the insurance company may propose a settlement.
The case may proceed to litigation if a fair settlement cannot be reached. This involves filing a lawsuit in court, where both parties present their evidence and arguments. A judge or jury will then decide liability and damages.
How Do You Know When to Settle Your Bike Accident Claim?
More than 90 percent of personal injury cases settle before they ever go to trial. However, accepting a quick settlement offer before fully understanding the extent of your injuries can be a mistake. While there is no strict rule about waiting until you are fully healed from your injuries, there are several important reasons why your bike accident lawyer may advise you to consider waiting until you have a clearer understanding of your injuries and their long-term consequences before agreeing to a settlement.
It may still be too soon to know how severe your injuries are or their long-term implications. Some bike accident injuries may not manifest symptoms right away or may worsen over time. Waiting allows you to receive a comprehensive medical evaluation and gather information about the full extent of your injuries, which can be critical when pursuing a bike accident claim.
You also want to make sure that you have a clear picture of your long-term medical needs and whether you will need ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, or surgeries. Waiting not only gives you a better understanding of the future physical impact of the injuries, but you will also have a better idea of what future medical expenses you may have. Your bike accident lawyer will factor these costs into the total amount of your claim.
In addition to medical expenses, your bicycle accident lawyer will likely seek compensation for non-economic damages you have sustained, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Waiting until you better understand the physical and emotional toll your injuries have taken allows you to more accurately calculate these damages, ensuring that you are not shortchanged in your claim.
Remember, once you accept a settlement, you typically sign a release agreement that prevents you from pursuing further compensation, even if additional injuries or complications arise later. Waiting can help you avoid premature settlements that may leave you undercompensated.
Can Your Personal Injury Law Firm Take My Case?
If you were injured in a bike accident and believe the other party was at fault, do not delay calling our office at 833-997-1774 t to schedule a free case evaluation. The legal team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp is committed to getting our clients the financial compensation they deserve for their losses.