If you’ve been injured in an accident while riding a bicycle, you may be unsure of how you will resolve the situation. After you’ve received medical attention, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney will help you in many ways. Your attorney will:
Advise you of your claim’s potential Not everyone who has been injured in a bicycle accident will be eligible for compensation; when an individual is entirely at-fault for his/her own accident, for example, no one else can be held accountable. On the other hand, if your accident was caused at least in part by the negligence of another person or entity, it is likely that you have a solid and viable claim. Your attorney may interview witnesses or conduct certain forms of investigation to find evidence of negligence.
Review your options Some accident-victims may expect to file an immediate lawsuit, march into court, and be awarded a large chunk of money from the jury, but this is rarely how the process occurs. There are ways to earn your compensation without this type of litigation, and the few cases which do go to trial usually involve very serious injuries. Experienced injury attorneys will negotiate with the insurance company to obtain the best-possible settlement for your losses, which is likely to end in your favor without the need for a jury trial.
If or when these negotiations are ineffective, there are always other options, such as filing a personal injury claim in civil court or “alternative dispute resolutions (ADRs)” including mediation and arbitration. Your attorney will advise you regarding these potential options and what will be best for your case.
Investigate the accident and gather evidence A legal claim will, of course, require evidence that the defendant’s negligence caused your accident and resulting injuries. This may involve multiple investigations, including:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Obtaining video surveillance footage of the accident, if possible
- Reviewing safety records and related documents
- Obtaining medical records and police reports
- Consulting accident-reconstruction experts
- Conducting depositions or other legal discovery methods
Determine the value of your case Your bicycle accident claim will also require a specific requested amount of compensation for your injuries and losses, which must be calculated based on past losses incurred as well as estimated future losses, such as lost wages and medical expenses. Injured victims may also seek compensation for “non-economic” losses, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Represent you in court In the unlikely event that a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, a trial will be necessary and you simply cannot afford to go in alone. You need an experienced attorney on your side to present evidence, persuade the jury, and earn every bit of compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact 844 See Mike, LLC for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.