A bicycle accident in Fremont, CA, can have devastating consequences. Fremont is a bike-friendly city, but that doesn’t mean drivers always follow the rules. In fact, in 2023, there were 52 bike accidents in the city. Cyclists are often injured due to negligent drivers who fail to uphold the law. You are likely wondering what your options are after an accident, but with recovery from injuries and financial concerns, you may not know where to begin. This guide will help you follow strategic steps to take after a bicycle accident.
Seek Medical Care
It’s important to ensure you receive any medical attention you need after the accident. In addition to protecting your life, it can also provide crucial documentation that will support your claim. Should you need to take your case to court, medical records, imaging scans and diagnostic test results can help prove the extent of your injury and right to compensation.
Document Evidence
Photos taken at the scene of the incident are best, but you can also photograph damages to yourself and your bicycle as evidence. You can also file a police report and submit a claim to the driver’s insurance company and keep record of all communications regarding the accident.
You can also collect statements from eyewitnesses, use doctors’ notes and even written accounts of damages from friends and family who have witnessed the impact of the accident on your life.
If your accident caused injuries that made you miss work, keep track of your lost wages, including communication with your employer regarding the accident.
Consult With an Attorney ASAP
Before accepting an insurance settlement, you should speak with a lawyer to determine whether you have the right to possibly recover additional compensation in court. It can be difficult to build a case against someone if you already accept a payout from their insurance company. However, you may not be awarded the amount you deserve or enough to cover the full extent of sustained damages.
A lawyer can help you understand key information, like biking laws in Fremont, CA, and the statute of limitations on personal injury claims. In California, you have two years from the date of injury to file a claim. However, there are some exceptions. That being said, it becomes increasingly difficult to support a strong claim in court when you let a large amount of time pass between the accident and your claim.
To support your greatest outcome, it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as you can. You may also contact your attorney on behalf of a loved one who has been critically injured or lost their life due to a bicycle accident in California.
Don’t Accept the First Offer
Many people fear that if they don’t accept their first offer from an insurance company, they have no further way to recover damages. However, you can work with a lawyer to negotiate better compensation and ensure your injury is fully compensated.
While some accidents leave permanent damages, legal action can help ensure your financial security and give you peace of mind.
Martin Gasparian is the founder of Maison Law, a California Personal Injury Law Firm. Martin is a graduate of Georgetown University Law School and has been practicing law in California 2004. His practice focuses on helping injury victims know their rights and recover just compensation.
