In Richmond’s busy streets, bicycle accidents are often overwhelming and cause a lot of pain and stress for victims due to others’ negligence. We often see how motor drivers frequently break the law by not yielding the right of way to cyclists, overtaking them dangerously, or even using their mobile phones while driving, putting innocent lives at risk. While all cases are different, it’s possible for victims to pursue legal action and recover compensation for their injuries and damages.
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident in Richmond, VA, getting legal help immediately after is important, especially if another party was responsible for it. With our support, victims get the right guidance and the compensation they deserve for being injured in a bicycle accident.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Richmond
Bicycle accidents can be traumatic and overwhelming, but it’s crucial to remain calm and follow the right steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights in order to file a personal injury claim.
Your actions in the immediate moments following a bicycle accident can significantly impact the outcome of any future legal proceedings, so it’s important you know what to do. These are the steps you should take after a bicycle accident:
Check for Injuries
The first step you should take after a bicycle accident is to assess your physical condition and that of any others involved.
If there are any signs of injury, no matter how minor, it’s imperative to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Remember, some injuries -like brain injuries– may not manifest symptoms immediately but can have long-term consequences.
Additionally, medical records serve as a strong piece of evidence that will strengthen your claim for damages if you decide to pursue legal action.
Call the Police
After checking for injuries, call the police and report the accident. When they arrive, they will document the incident, and you must ensure you obtain a copy of that police report for your records. This is because police reports can serve as valuable evidence for presenting a legal claim.
Exchange Information
The next step is to exchange information with the other party involved in the accident. This includes exchanging names, contact details (like phone numbers and addresses), as well as insurance information. When filing a claim later in the legal process, this data will be crucial.
Document the Scene
Next, make sure to take comprehensive photos of the accident scene. For example, you can take photos of the damage to the bicycle and any other vehicles involved, as well as photos of skid marks, road conditions, and all visible injuries. These images can later provide compelling evidence that makes your case stronger.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Before making any statements or signing documents, it’s essential to consult with a local personal injury lawyer. This is because an attorney can offer guidance and legal support during the whole legal process, ensuring your rights are upheld and that other parties don’t try to take advantage of you.
For answers to your questions with a bicycle accident serving Richmond, call:
800-321-6741
Damages You Can Recover After a Bicycle Accident in Richmond, Virginia
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 575 bicycle crashes in 2022, from which 533 bicycle riders were injured and 133 were seriously injured. These statistics show us how common it is for victims of bicycle accidents to get injured, and how important it is to seek fair compensation for your damages.
However, understanding and calculating the potential damages you can recover is crucial when considering legal action. In Virginia, damages aim to compensate the victim, restoring them (as closely as possible) to their pre-accident state.
Types of Damages
Victims can claim compensation for several types of damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages due to time off work, and pain and suffering.
Medical expenses are all the medical costs associated with your injuries and can include hospital bills, surgery, doctor visits, medication, and rehabilitation, among other related costs.
On the other hand, lost wages include the income you lost as a result of the accident (in the case you can’t work due to your injuries). Additionally, this type of damage also includes future earning potential in the case of catastrophic injuries with long-term consequences and a long recovery process.
But also, pain and suffering include non-tangible damages like physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life. All of those are common consequences of traumatic events like bicycle accidents and deserve as much attention as the economic damages listed above.
How a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help You Calculate and Recover Fair Compensation
After a bicycle accident, a personal injury lawyer brings expertise to the table. They will help you calculate a fair compensation amount based on your specific circumstances, and guide you through the whole legal process while advocating on your behalf to ensure you receive what you’re entitled to.
Calculating damages is certainly complex: that’s why it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side. At Tronfeld West & Durrett, our personal injury attorneys can help you calculate your damages and negotiate with involved parties to secure the maximum compensation possible.
How to File a Bicycle Accident Claim in Richmond, Virginia
Once we calculate the damages according to the evidence you can provide, we can follow the following steps to file a claim for your injuries and damages:
- Gather all the evidence you can immediately after the accident, including photos of your injuries and property damage, witnesses’ statements, the other party’s contact details, police reports, medical records, and any other documentation relevant to the accident.
- Keep a detailed record of all costs related to the accident, such as medical expenses and lost wages.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible.
- Avoid discussing the accident or your injuries on social media or with anyone other than your lawyer.
- File a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Your lawyer will help you file a detailed claim that includes all evidence gathered previously.
- Negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit if you can’t reach an agreement with other parties involved.
Click to contact us today
Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve – Seek Legal Help for Your Bicycle Accident Case Today
Bicycle accidents can have life-altering consequences. While no amount of compensation can truly make up for the trauma and loss experienced, it can certainly alleviate some of the financial burdens.
If you are looking for legal support after a bicycle accident in Richmond, Virginia, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Don’t settle for less than you deserve: We can help you ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible for your injuries.
Call or text 800-321-6741 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form