With the approach of Father’s Day, many families are planning time for some outdoor activities to celebrate. No matter the choice of activity, the last thing your family needs is for a vehicle to hit one of your loved one. It is one thing to be in an auto accident when in a vehicle. It is completely different to be hit while biking, walking, or running as the body is that much more vulnerable.
If another vehicle hits anyone in your family while they are out riding their bicycle, you need the assistance of our Arizona bicycle accident lawyer. We will help prove the other party’s negligence and obtain the compensation you need and deserve.
How to Proceed After the Accident
If a vehicle hits you or your father while biking, the actions you take in the following minutes are of the utmost importance. Even if your father can walk or bike away from the accident, it does not mean he will be pain-free an hour or a day later. In some cases, it takes upwards of several days for such pain to manifest.
You should document and report every aspect of the accident. Take pictures of the accident scene. Write down the names and contact information of all witnesses. Contact the police to officially document the accident. Take down all of the driver’s information including his or her name, license plate, vehicle description, auto insurance information, etc. Do not admit to fault, even if the other driver is enraged. The opposing side may try to use anything you say against you in and out of court.
Ask for Professional Assistance
Life may prove challenging in the aftermath of the accident. Medical treatment, durable equipment, medication, and other forms of assistance can help mitigate the pain and eventually help your father return to a semblance of normalcy. Hire the right attorney and you may not have to pay for any such medical care out of your own pocket.
A savvy personal injury attorney will be able to prove the other party’s lack of due care (negligence) caused your accident and pain. You need an experienced attorney on your side to obtain compensation for pain, suffering, lost wages, reduced quality of life, etc. Your attorney will do their best to make you whole again. Even if you are simply looking for compensation for your hospital bill and the damage to your bike, you will need a skilled attorney on your side to make a compelling argument.
The Issue of Insurance in the Context of Bicycling Injuries
If a driver of a vehicle hits you while you are on your bike, the most logical step is to seek compensation from that driver’s auto insurance. However, bike riders have some interesting hurdles to overcome when making such claims with auto insurance carriers.
After all, the bike rider was not operating a motor vehicle at the time of the accident. It can be awfully difficult to prove one party is fully negligent and therefore responsible for damages stemming from the accident. Your Arizona bicycle attorney will prove to be essential when going up against insurance carriers.
Do not Negotiate With the Other Driver
Any attempt to negotiate with the driver could be a mistake. If the other driver admits fault, make a mental note of it. However, plenty of drivers will initially admit fault and backtrack once in court or in the police report. Wait until the police arrive to discuss what happened. The police might decide to ticket the other driver. Above all, it is imperative that you tell your side of the story to the authorities. So make sure to include your side of the event in the official police report.
Our Arizona Bicycle Accident Lawyer Is Here During Your Time of Need
Let us handle the legal aspect of this unfortunate situation while you focus on rebuilding your health and returning to work. An Arizona bicycle accident lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys will work to gather evidence, prove the opposing party’s negligence, and strive to obtain the compensation you deserve. Give us a call at 844-977-1900 to schedule an initial appointment. Our office is usually open Monday through Friday, from 8am – 5pm. Yet, we are more than willing to take your call 24/7. You can also get started with one of our helpful representatives through our LiveChat feature. So don’t delay any longer. Reach out to us today!