Bicycle accidents in Seattle can be quite frightening. After all, you are obeying the rules of the already perilous roads when you are struck by a 2,000-pound vehicle. Whether a simple brush or a more serious collision, it is important to know what you can do to ensure your medical bills are paid for and you are able to recover from this experience.
What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in Seattle
When an accident occurs, it is important to ensure your immediate safety, to call the authorities, and to obtain insurance information for the vehicle’s driver. Calling the authorities is paramount, as a report will be likely filed and the officer attending the scene can verify the person’s identity and insurance information.
The very next step is to receive medical attention. Even if you are unsure what injuries you may or may not have, an experienced medical doctor will be able to properly evaluate you and determine the right next step for you medically. Understand that the insurance companies will be calling you immediately wanting a statement (which you should NEVER give) and to get you to sign off on a quick and cheap settlement. Do NOT comply. This brings us to the next step.
Finding a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Call a personal injury attorney. The attorney will contact the insurance companies on your behalf so that all you need to worry about is your health. Insurance companies will be hounding you trying to force you to settle your claim for the lowest amount possible. When they call, they will pretend to have your best interests at heart. They do not.
They have their shareholders’ interests at heart. A personal injury attorney who has handled bicycle accident claims will be able to handle the matter from start to finish, ensuring the insurance companies don’t call.
All attorney’s work, in a bicycle accident claim, is on a contingency fee basis. This means your lawyer will not get paid unless you get a settlement for your claim. There is no upfront fee to hire an attorney when you have been involved in a bicycle accident with a vehicle. It is imperative you seek out representation that has handled these claims and knows the process involved.
Get on Your Way to Recovery
Stick with your medical treatment. You have already hired an attorney. Your focus now is getting better from your bicycle accident in Seattle and updating your attorney with any developments. Get better, when you are done treating, let your attorney handle your claim and present it to the insurance company. Be patient. The legal process can be slow but it is thorough.
At Russell and Hill, PLLC, we represent personal injury cases of all types, including bicycle accidents in Seattle. We have experienced attorneys who are able to represent you in the often complex and confusing process for many people.
