Bicycle accidents can leave people with serious injuries and unexpected challenges, and our Raleigh, NC bicycle accident lawyer is here to help you pursue the compensation that you need to recover. What you do in the moments and days after an accident can impact your ability to recover physically and financially. Taking the right steps is imperative. Avoiding these common mistakes can make a difference in the outcome of a claim.
Our firm has assisted hundreds of clients in recovering millions of dollars in compensation after accidents. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys have the knowledge necessary to provide the dedicated legal assistance that you deserve. In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, contact our team at the Burton Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
- Leaving the Scene Too Soon
Leaving the scene before gathering important information can make it harder to file a claim later. Unless emergency medical care is needed, stay at the scene, call the police, and document as much as possible. Any evidence that you can collect at the scene of an accident is crucial in your case. Getting a police report can provide official documentation of what happened.
- Not Getting Medical Attention
Some injuries do not show symptoms right away, but delaying medical care can affect both recovery and a legal claim. Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor as soon as possible creates a medical record that links the accident to any injuries. Insurance companies often look at medical records when evaluating claims.
- Admitting Fault or Apologizing
Saying “I’m sorry” may seem like a natural reaction, but it can be taken as an admission of fault. Even if you are unsure about what caused the accident, it is best to stick to the facts when speaking with the police, the other party, or insurance companies. Fault is determined by evidence, not personal opinions.
- Failing to Collect Evidence
If possible, taking photos of the scene, damage to the bicycle, and any visible injuries can help support a claim. Gathering contact information from witnesses and getting the truck or car driver’s details is also important. If you are unable to collect evidence due to injuries, asking someone for help can prevent valuable information from being lost. Our team will investigate your case and gather evidence in order to help strengthen your claim.
- Giving a Statement to the Insurance Company Too Soon
Insurance companies often reach out quickly for a statement, but anything said can be used against you. Speaking with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement can help protect your rights. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize the claim or get a statement that weakens the case. Do not make any statements without speaking to our lawyer, who has experience negotiating with insurance companies and will assist you with communication to the insurance company.
- Accepting a Settlement Too Early
Early settlement offers may not cover the full cost of medical care, lost wages, or long-term effects of the injury. Once a settlement is accepted, it is final. Taking the time to understand the full impact of the accident before accepting an offer can help avoid financial strain later.
Contact Our Raleigh Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
After a bicycle accident, taking the right steps can make a difference in our recovery and legal options. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Burton Law Firm today to discuss your case with our team.