5 Things You Should Know About Bike Accidents
Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, you should get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait to lawyer up:
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Medical Bills Are Always Expensive.
If you’ve checked the news any time over the last twenty years, you’ll know that medical care in the United States can cost a pretty penny. A bike accident can lead to serious injuries, and serious injuries mean serious medical bills.
Unfortunately, paying for your medical care can add insult to injury. Should you pay out of pocket because you were hit by a car while riding your bike to work? Ideally not, but there’s no telling what kind of insurance battle you may be up against.
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Insurance Doesn’t Always Pay.
Most people have insurance. In fact, it’s legally required in most states to have some kind of car insurance before you get behind the wheel. If you were hit by a car while riding your bike, the insurance policy of the driver can cover the cost of your injuries. However, the money you get may not be on time, or enough.
As a bicycle accident lawyer like our friends at Norris Injury Law can explain, insurance companies like to sit on their money for as long as possible. They generate interest on every dollar they keep, so it’s not always in their best interests to release the money you need, when you need it. It’s a slimy practice, and it can make for a stressful recovery.
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You May Miss Out On Wages.
You’ll probably have to take some time off to recover after your bike accident, whether it’s a few weeks, or even a few months. This lengthy recovery period (coupled with long-term medical care like physical therapy) means lots of missed hours and missed paychecks.
Not everyone is fortunate enough to have an emergency fund saved up. You need your paychecks to stay afloat. Your rent, your mortgage, your car payments – it all stacks up, so how do you pay it off without going to work?
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The Other Driver May Have Been Negligent.
Every accident is different, and the same applies for bike accidents. Cars may be packed with all kinds of high-tech safety equipment, but they’re also packed with high-tech distractions. If a driver is distracted, that driver is neglecting a responsibility to maintain the safety of everyone else on the road.
Negligence takes many shapes and sizes – it’s not always a drunk driver. A city that fails to plan an intersection properly should also be held accountable for any accidents that happen where they could have been avoided. Fortunately, a lawyer can help you determine who’s at fault, and who should pay.
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Lawyers Aren’t Always As Pricey As You Think.
There’s a common misconception that lawyers are too expensive, and a legal battle may be more trouble than it’s worth. However, most lawyers offer free consultations. This is a chance for you to get to learn how they operate and see whether they’re right for your case.
Bike accident lawyers can help you fight with insurance companies that don’t pay enough (or on time), and they can also help you decide whether or not any potential legal action is really worth it. Do some digging for a bike accident lawyer in your area, and get compensation for your injuries as soon as you can.
