Bicycle Accident Lawsuit: What Steps to Take
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) statistics are a stark reminder of the reality of bicycle accidents. 5,946 bicycle crashes, 162 fatalities, and 5,578 bicycle crash injuries occurred in Florida in 2020, according to the FLHSMV. It’s important to know what steps to take after a bicycle accident so your rights can be upheld and you get the needed medical treatment.
1. Document the bicycle accident scene
You must act quickly to protect yourself, so take a picture of the vehicle and license plate of the person that hit you and the road conditions if you are able to do so. Get the contact information from any eyewitnesses, the at-fault person, and note any nearby businesses that might have a video of the accident from surveillance cameras. When the police arrive on the scene, be sure to get their contact information and have your side of the story depicted in the police report. Keep the damaged bicycle and preserve evidence from ruined clothing and other items to show the accident’s impact.
2. Get medical treatment
The hospital should be your first stop when you are dealing with severe injuries. Follow up with an official medical evaluation from a doctor to know the extent of your injuries. Don’t delay treatment, as that can hinder your recovery, as well as cause the insurance company to question the extent of your pain and suffering. Be sure you document the medical providers who treat you for your injuries and give their information to your attorney.
3. Choose a Tampa bicycle accident attorney
Contact a bicycle accident attorney in Tampa as soon as you can to ensure all critical steps are being addressed for you and your rights are protected. There are timing considerations, necessary evidence, and investigations your attorney needs to do for you to make the best possible recovery. When you’ve missed days of work, medical bills are piling up, and you are experiencing serious bicycle accident injuries, an experienced attorney like those at Florin Gray can take a lot of burdens off your plate so you can focus on getting better.
4. Defend your rights
Auto and truck drivers must share the road, and they have a duty to avoid accidents, just like bicycle riders do. A highly experienced Tampa bicycle accident attorney will help you show how the other person was negligent, breached their duty of care, and show how the damages were caused in the accident. Attorneys at Florin Gray have decades of experience in bicycle accident litigation and will help you create a sound strategy to defend your rights and pursue full compensation.
Takeaway
As passionate advocates for injured bicyclists, the Tampa bicycle accident attorneys at Florin Gray have the knowledge, experience, and skills to assist you in a personal injury lawsuit. The team at Florin Gray offers free initial consultations to go over your case concerns. Contact us today to help you after a serious bicycle accident as soon as possible.
