Although some people see bicycles as an archaic means of transportation, they are eco-friendly and one of the best ways to commute. Not to mention the exercise you’ll be getting from riding one.
It is for these reasons that bicycles are making a major turnaround as more and more areas of the world are taking extra care to preserve the planet. More bicycles on the road could mean an increase in the probability of accidents involving bicycles.
As a segment of the personal injury law, bicycle accident lawsuits can be filed if the victim of a bicycle accident believes they’ve been wrongfully harmed. Either intentionally, or out of neglect. With the steady increase in the use of bicycles today, areas with a high rate of automobile accidents like Michigan might experience more accidents involving cars and bicycles. Should that happen, the inhabitants of the state may have to seek out Michigan bicycle accident lawyers for a quick resolution of possible lawsuits and/or to receive compensation for their injuries.
There are effective steps to ensure a quick and favorable end to bicycle accident lawsuits, they include:
Gather as Much Information as You Can
After a bicycle accident, if you’re able to, gather as much information from the scene as you can. For instance, you can take pictures of the scene, including the parties involved, witnesses, and yourself. It might serve as helpful evidence in the near future. You could also get the contact information of those who witnessed the accident.
Treat Your Injuries
It is important to treat the injury you suffered in the accident, no matter how little. A seemingly small injury could get aggravated and become serious, causing you pain. It may even affect your case, and not in a good way. Insurance companies will use the neglect of your injuries as a bargaining chip to reduce your compensation.
Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney
You’ll need a lawyer to conduct a proper investigation and file a bicycle accident lawsuit, therefore, the next step is to hire an attorney. However, it is important to hire the right attorney for your case. A combination of characteristics makes up a good bicycle injury attorney. The most important ones are the attorney’s area of specialization, years of experience, and win rate.
Settlement Negotiation
After a meticulous investigation has been carried out by your attorney, if they find tangible evidence against the opposition, your attorney may proceed to reach an agreement with the other side outside the courtroom. The agreement will be one in which you are financially compensated for the trouble they caused.
However, if an agreement is not reached, the case may proceed to a court trial.
Personal Injury Claim and Trial
The statute of limitation for filing a personal injury claim is usually two years, starting from the day of the accident. However, if the victim is a minor, the countdown will begin when they turn 18. After two years have passed, the court will no longer grant you an audience to plead your case.
After filing a personal injury claim, a court date will be set where your lawyer will try to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that you have been wronged and you deserve compensation.
Resolution
After listening to the argument from both sides, the judge may conclude and proceed to rule in your favor that of the opposition.
If the case is won and you receive financial compensation, your attorney will receive a contingency fee otherwise, no fee may be paid.