After a bicycle accident, dealing with insurance companies can be one of the most frustrating and challenging parts of the recovery process. As Raleigh, NC bicycle accident lawyers, we know that insurance adjusters often prioritize minimizing payouts rather than ensuring victims receive fair compensation. That’s why it’s important to approach insurance claims carefully and understand how to protect our rights.
Understanding Insurance Coverage After A Bicycle Accident
When we are injured in a bicycle accident, there may be multiple insurance policies involved, including:
- The driver’s auto insurance – If the driver was at fault, their liability coverage should cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Our own auto insurance – If we carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, it may apply if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or lacks sufficient coverage.
- Health insurance – Our personal health insurance can help pay for medical treatment, but we may need to reimburse our insurer if we later receive a settlement.
At Burton Law Firm, we know that understanding which policies apply can be complicated, and insurance companies may try to avoid paying out. That’s why knowing how to handle these claims is critical.
Steps To Take When Dealing With Insurance Companies
1. Report The Accident, But Be Cautious
After an accident, we must report it to the appropriate insurance companies as soon as possible. However, we should be careful about what we say. Insurance adjusters may try to use our statements against us, so we should stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or downplaying our injuries.
2. Never Accept The First Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often make quick, lowball settlement offers in hopes that we’ll accept without realizing the full extent of our damages. It’s important to wait until we understand the total cost of our medical treatment, lost income, and long-term recovery needs before accepting any offer.
3. Gather Strong Evidence
The more evidence we have, the stronger our claim will be. We should collect:
- Photos of the accident scene, our injuries, and damage to our bicycle.
- Medical records and bills documenting our injuries and treatment.
- Witness statements supporting our account of the accident.
- A copy of the police report, if available.
4. Don’t Give A Recorded Statement Without Legal Advice
Insurance adjusters may ask for a recorded statement, claiming it’s part of the claims process. However, these statements can be used to undermine our case. Before providing any recorded statements, it’s best to consult with a lawyer.
5. Understand The True Value Of Our Claim
Insurance companies often focus only on immediate medical bills, but our claim should include all damages, such as:
- Future medical treatment and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can help calculate the full value of our claim and ensure we don’t settle for less than we deserve.
How A Lawyer Can Help
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their bottom line. We shouldn’t have to go through this process alone. As bicycle accident lawyers, we handle all negotiations, gather necessary evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation possible.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, let’s take the burden off your shoulders. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s work together to secure the compensation you deserve.