Cycling Claims: What Do You Need To Know?

Cycling is a popular activity in Idaho but comes with risks, especially on busy roads. Bicycle accidents can lead to serious injuries, leaving cyclists with significant medical expenses and other financial burdens.

Understanding your rights and how to file a cycling accident claim is essential to getting the compensation you deserve. Knowing what to do next can make all the difference if you've been injured in a cycling accident.

The process can be complex, whether you're an uninsured driver, dealing with a cycling insurance claim or a personal injury claim. Insurers will try to avoid paying you anything; proving fault can be challenging

At BAM Personal Injury Lawyers, we have the experience necessary to advocate for you after a cycling crash. Contact us to schedule a free case consultation.

What is a Cycling Claim?

Cycling claims is the legal process of seeking compensation after a bicycle accident. This often involves submitting a claim with your insurance company or filing a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for the accident.

When filing a cycling claim, it's important to understand the type of claim you're dealing with. Cycling insurance claims typically involve seeking coverage under your own or another party's insurance policy.

On the other hand, road traffic accidents and recycling personal injury claims may involve legal action to hold the responsible party accountable and secure full compensation for your losses.

Cycling Insurance Claims

Cycling insurance claims are typically filed with your insurance company after an accident. If you have cycling-specific insurance or if the other party's cycling equipment or insurance applies, you may be able to recover some of your losses.

However, fighting with insurance companies is stressful. They may attempt to minimize the payout or deny your claim altogether. Understanding your health insurance policy and working with a lawyer can go a long way toward maximizing the compensation you're entitled to under your insurance coverage.

Cycling Personal Injury Claims

Cycling personal injury claims are pursued when another party is at fault for the bike accident. These claims demand compensation for damages such as medical bills, emotional trauma, and lost pay.

Submitting a personal injury claim is often more complex than an insurance claim, as it involves proving liability and the severity of your injuries.

In personal injury claims, gathering strong evidence to support your case is essential. This may include medical records, witness statements, and accident reports. Working with an experienced attorney can boost your chances of securing full compensation.

Common Injuries Sustained in Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which can have serious and lasting effects on the victim or injured cyclist's life. Whether due to a collision with a vehicle or a fall, cyclists are particularly vulnerable to injury.

Here are some of the most common injuries sustained injured cyclists in bicycle accidents.

• Head injuries: Brain injuries are common in bicycle crashes, especially if the cyclist isn't wearing a helmet. These injuries can include skull fractures, concussions, and even brain bleeds.
• Fractures: Broken bones are a frequent injury in cycling accidents, particularly in the arms, wrists, and collarbones. These injuries often need emergency medical care and recovery time.
• Spinal injuries: Spinal cord injuries can happen if the cyclist is thrown from the bike or lands awkwardly. Spinal damage can lead to long-term disability and require ongoing care.
• Road rash: When a cyclist skids across the pavement, they can suffer from road rash, which involves painful scrapes and lacerations. In severe cases, this can lead to infections and scarring.
• Internal injuries: The force of a bicycle crash can cause internal injuries, such as organ damage or internal bleeding. These injuries can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent.
• Facial injuries: Cyclists can suffer facial injuries from hitting the ground or another object. These injuries may include cuts, fractures, or dental damage and can require reconstructive surgery.
• Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue damage, such as sprains and strains, is common in cycling accidents. These injuries can make it hard for you to move comfortably.

Steps to Take Following a Bicycle Accident

Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a disorienting and stressful experience. Immediately afterward, taking the right steps is crucial for ensuring your safety and protecting your legal rights.

Here’s a guide on what to do following a bicycle accident.

• Check for injuries: Immediately assess yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
• Move to safety: If possible, move out of the roadway to avoid further accidents. Ensure your safety before addressing other concerns.
• Call the police: Report the accident to the police and wait for them to arrive. A police report will be essential for your bicycle accident claim.
• Exchange information: Collect contact and insurance details from the other party involved. Also, contact details should be collected from any witnesses.
• Document the scene: Snap some pictures of the crash site, your injuries, and any harm to your bicycle. This evidence will support your claim.
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
• Contact a lawyer: Partner with a lawyer specializing in bicycle accident claims. They can guide you through the claims process and protect your rights.

How To Submit a Cycling Claim

To submit a cycling claim, notify your insurance company immediately. Please provide them with all relevant details, including the police report, photos, and medical records. Your insurance company will guide you through the compensation claim process, but it's important to be vigilant, as they may try to minimize your compensation.

You may need to file a personal injury lawsuit if your claim involves a third party. This process involves gathering evidence, proving liability, and negotiating with the other party's insurance company or legal team. Working with a lawyer can boost your chances of a successful outcome for such claims.

Who Is Liable in a Bicycle Accident?

Liability in a bicycle crash hinges on the circumstances of the crash. In many cases, the driver of a car may be at fault for failing to yield or not paying attention to the cyclist. However, cyclists can also be partially liable if they do not follow traffic laws or ride recklessly.

Establishing liability is crucial in a bicycle crash claim, as it decides who is responsible for covering damages. Evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness testimony, and police reports can show who was at fault.

If both parties share some responsibility, the liability coverage and the compensation may be adjusted based on the degree of fault.

Common Challenges in Cycling Claims

Cycling claims can be complex and face several challenges. These challenges can impact the outcome of your claim and the compensation you receive.

Disputes Over Fault and Liability

One of the most common challenges in cycling claims is disputes over fault and liability. The other party may deny responsibility for road accident, leading to a legal battle. Strong evidence is crucial in such cases to prove who was at fault.

Dealing with Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies often use tactics to minimize payouts, such as questioning the severity of your injuries or showing that you were partially to blame. Navigating these tactics requires a solid understanding of your rights and the claims process.

Proving the Severity of Injuries

Proving the severity of your injuries is essential to securing full compensation. This can be challenging, especially if your injuries are not immediately visible. Medical documents and expert testimony of multiple injuries can be crucial in proving your case.

How Much Is My Cycling Claim Worth?

Determining the value of your cycling claim depends on various factors that reflect the extent of your injuries, financial losses, and overall impact on your life. Understanding these elements can help you get a clearer picture of what your claim might be worth.

Here are some key factors that influence the value of a cycling claim.

• Severity of injuries: The worse your injuries, the greater the potential compensation. Severe injuries often result in greater medical expenses and longer recovery times, which should be reflected in your claim.
• Medical expenses: Your claim should cover all expenses related to the crash, including hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care. Keep detailed records of all medical costs.
• Lost wages: If your injuries stop you from working, you can demand compensation for lost pay. This includes immediate lost income and any future earning potential that your injuries may impact.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages such as emotional trauma can also be included in your claim. These damages compensate for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Property damage: Remember to include the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle and any other property damaged in the accident. This can be a significant part of your claim and is critical as we pursue maximum compensation. We always do our best for our clients.

Contact Our Idaho Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

At BAM Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand how devastating cycling accidents can be. We have experience with cycling accident claims and can help you with your bike accident claim.

Additional cycling accident compensation could be available when there is inadequate insurance coverage. This compensation could cover your medical bills and lost income. See a doctor for your personal injuries first. It would help if you had medical treatment after a bicycle or motor vehicle accident.

Contact us to schedule a free consultation to see how much compensation you could recover.