Though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced a decrease of traffic accidents in the US, it gives a different story when it comes to bicycle accidents. According to The League of American Bicyclists, there has been a new record of 1,166 fatalities in bicycle accidents, a 5.5% increase from the record in 2022.
According to bicycle accident lawyer Matthew R. Price, a bicycle rider can be distressed and confused about what to do next following a crash with a motor vehicle.
You must know your respective options for compensation. There is a possibility of getting back the amount spent on medical treatment and the income lost by filing a claim. The pain and inconvenience suffered should also be included in this claim. Money from the claim can help support one’s healing but the documentation and claim submission process is not that easy.
Let’s dive into the options you have during a bicycle accident and how to guarantee that you are fairly compensated.
Types of Compensation for Injured Cyclists
According to the personal injury law firm Fuller & Ahern, P.C., some of the many challenges an accident victim may face after sustaining an injury include pain, suffering, emotional trauma, permanent impairment, spiraling medical bills, and lost wages. These damages can be recovered through the filing of compensation claims.
When a person has been hurt in a cycling accident, it becomes very important to be aware of the available types of compensation. Incentives can encompass lost wages, pain and suffering compensation, and property damage.
Lost wages may compensate for lost income during the times in which one is impaired and unable to work. Compensation for pain and suffering serves as payment for the emotional distress that the incident caused you.
Compensation for property damage takes care of the costs associated with the restoration or purchasing of the bike and gear.
Support your claims with all kinds of evidence, from photos to witness accounts. Understanding your rights will empower you to confront the whole process of being compensated. Being conscious of your possible gains will bolster your healing.
Medical Expenses Coverage
Medical expenses coverage would be a major factor in your recovery support in case of a bike accident. Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medications are all covered under this insurance policy.
Knowing that you will not carry these expenses all by yourself is appreciated. Some expenses can be partially covered by health insurance. Other medical costs should be shouldered by the insurance of the liable party.
Always present documentation on medical treatment, including copies of invoices, for a complete claim.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
As you recover from a cycling accident, lost wages and any future earnings should be discussed. If you find that you cannot return to work again for a longer period due to the injuries sustained, the broader ramifications for finances will be set into motion.
You need to keep in mind that the compensation could be awarded for past and potential future lost wages. Documentation with information such as pay stubs, tax returns, and an employer’s letter may be required in the case-building process.
A victim of an accident should not be forced to carry this load by themselves. An attorney can give strong legal assistance. Seeking compensation for your lost wages is only one path toward stability.
Pain and Suffering Claims
Have you ever thought about the total emotional and physical effect of a cycling accident? The financial strain of therapy and the decrease in wages usually go hand in hand with physical suffering.
The injured person might experience anxiety, depression, and anger as a result of the accident over the course of several months. You do deserve compensation for those pains. Claims for pain and suffering provide a means to seek compensation over such intangible losses.
These claims recognize your struggle and validate your experience. You’re not going through this ordeal alone. There have been many people before you who have stood up against such acts, and you may end up standing with them through this very endeavor.
The Claims Process for Cyclists
Obtain all the relevant papers, like reports from law enforcement and hospital expenses, because these are going to be the basis of your claim, and the court will depend on them as well.
Reach out to the insurance company that is liable for your claim without delay and insist that they start the claim process at once.
Contact the insurance company that is responsible for your claim immediately and inform them to initiate the procedure right away.
In case you are incapable of handling the matter by yourself, do not hesitate to solicit the help of your friends or family or even a professional. Being systematic and proactive will offer you double the chances of receiving the compensation that you rightfully deserve.
