In this post, you will learn how to claim insurance after bike accident injuries leave you hurt and struggling financially. When we speak to clients who ask us what they need to do after they have been hit by a vehicle while riding, here’s what we tell them to help improve their chances of a fair payout.
This is the procedure to claim insurance for bike accident injuries that leave you in pain:
- Call 911.
- Obtain the driver’s contact information and vehicle details.
- Avoid giving statements to the other party.
- Seek medical attention ASAP, even if you don’t feel hurt.
- Document the accident at the scene.
- Document the progress of your injuries.
- Document all your financial damages.
- Speak to a qualified attorney who specializes in cases like yours.
- Contact your insurance provider.
- Keep a detailed record of all interactions with other parties.
Here’s a breakdown of each step.
Procedure to Claim Insurance for Bike Accident
Call 911
In any accident with a motor vehicle, always call 911. Let the dispatcher know you were involved in a crash while on a bike, what your injuries are, and whether the car that crashed into you left the scene.
Obtain the Driver’s Information
Having the at-fault driver’s information will help you get through the insurance process efficiently and quickly, allowing you to receive timely assistance with your injuries. A great place to start with protocol is to ask for the following information:
- Full name
- Phone number or email address
- Car insurance information and policy number
- License or permit
- Vehicle details (make, model, year)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- License plate number
Don’t Give Statements to the Other Driver
Besides exchanging contact information, your conversation with the other driver should be brief and limited. Anything you say at the scene of the accident can be used against you in negotiations.
Don’t admit fault or make comments suggesting that you are at fault, such as “I need to be more careful.” Similarly, don’t make comments that a lawyer or insurance company can use against you, such as “I’m okay” or “I’m fine.” They can use these comments to deny or limit your claim. Give statements only to police officers that arrive at the scene of the accident.
Get Checked Out by a Doctor
When you get hit by a car while riding a bike, chances are high that you will need medical attention. Do not refuse care from the paramedics at the scene of the accident. Tell them of every symptom you experience, no matter how small. If emergency responders think you should go to the hospital, do not refuse. After leaving the hospital, be sure to follow the medical treatment plan that the doctors have prescribed.
If you did not go to the hospital, you should still seek medical treatment afterwards. Even if you do not feel any pain directly after a crash, you should still visit a doctor to get checked out that same day or as soon as possible. Some injuries take a while to show symptoms, and the sooner you catch an injury, the faster it will heal—not to mention that complications are less likely to arise if you get treated promptly.
The longer you take to seek treatment, the more likely it is that an insurance company will limit or deny your claim. They can argue that your injuries are unrelated to the bike accident.
All of these factors will play into your insurance claim. Do not worry about costs if you feel pain—that’s why we have insurance.
Keep a Record of Your Injuries
Your injuries often change in appearance as you heal and recover. As you begin to heal, be sure to document your progress. If you had to seek emergency medical treatment, try to get someone to take a photo of you in your hospital bed as proof.
Document the Scene of the Accident
If you are not prevented by your injuries, take a moment after the accident to take pictures and talk to witnesses. Write out as many details as you can. Include statements and comments that the other driver or passengers made.
Take as many photos of the scene as possible. Try to document your injuries, damage to your property, and the scene itself, such as broken parts, damaged objects, and torn clothing. There is no such thing as documenting too much—it’s better than missing critical details about that day.
When police officers arrive, point out witnesses to the accident. If you don’t, you may lose the chance at having their statements taken down for the police report. Afterwards, try to talk to them and get their contact information. You might even consider asking them to write and sign a short statement about what they saw at the scene of the accident.
If you’re badly hurt, don’t try to collect evidence yourself, as you can worsen your injuries. If there are witnesses, try asking someone else to take photos of the scene for you.
Document Your Financial Damages
You also need to document and compile all of the financial impact that the accident causes in your life. This includes medical bills and ongoing treatment, repairs or replacement of your property, lost income, and any out-of-pocket expenses.
Speak to a Bike Injury Attorney
Without an attorney to advocate for you, the insurance company is more likely to settle for less than you deserve. You need the money from your settlement to make you whole after all the pain and suffering and financial fallout. Do not hesitate to speak to an attorney. You will not have to pay anything upfront with an attorney who offers free consultations—in most cases, an attorney will deduct their fees from your settlement winnings.
Don’t know how to claim insurance after bike accident injuries leave you unable to work? We can help. Talk to us today.
Contact Your Insurance
If you own a car, contact your insurance provider to file a claim. If you do not have a car, you will need to file a claim with the driver’s insurance. Make sure to get that information from them at the scene of the accident. Don’t give away more information than you need to. In fact, it is best if you let your attorney handle communications with the insurance companies.
Keep a Detailed Record of Interactions with Other Parties
If you decide to file the claim without help, be sure to keep a detailed record of all your interactions with their representatives, as well as those performing medical or repair services for you. You never know what kind of evidence you might need.
Need help? Call us for a free case evaluation.
Get in touch with us today if you have any questions about your case. We offer free case evaluations.
Are you ready to pursue your case? Contact us today and set up an appointment to speak to an attorney. Call us at 1-800-24-7-CRASH or write to us at [email protected].
