A casual bicycle outing can turn tragic in a matter of seconds. A negligent driver on the roadways can put everyone at risk, especially bicyclists. If you sustained injuries in a bike accident caused by someone else, you can benefit from seeking legal representation.
Your priorities after an accident will probably be to heal from your injuries and seek compensation for your accident damages. However, it can be hard to recover when you have stress about how you recover financial compensation or pay for your medical bills.
Most people are unsure where to start with a personal injury case or how soon after an accident to hire a lawyer. A skilled bicycle accident lawyer can help you reduce stress and focus on recovering while handling your claim. In addition, with proper legal representation, you can negotiate a better financial settlement.
How Soon Do I Need a Lawyer for My Bike Accident Injuries?
After a bicycle accident, the best time to hire an attorney is as soon as possible. We have competent bicycle accident attorneys who are experienced and ready to assist you with your personal injury needs. Your recovery is our priority – you can leave the legal work to us and focus on healing from your injuries.
Colorado, like many other states, has a time limit for filing a personal injury claim. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations for a bicycle accident in Colorado is two years. The two years time limit starts on the date of the accident. That’s why it’s important to seek legal counsel immediately after the accident.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Immediately?
As a bicyclist, you’ve probably never had to deal with a legal process. However, after an accident, you might find yourself unsure about where to start. You may have uncertainty about whether or not you need an attorney and how the claims process works. In addition, you may have to deal with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult and exhausting.
With all the uncertainty and inexperience in legal proceedings, it’s best to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. That way, you can avoid certain mistakes that can jeopardize your claim. A bicycle accident lawyer can assist you with:
- Building a strong claim for your personal injury case
- Proving the negligence of the at-fault party and that their carelessness caused the accident
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Helping you calculate the damages that resulted from the accident
- Negotiating a better settlement on your behalf to ensure you get the total compensation you deserve
If you wish to seek compensation for your losses, the first step is to file a personal injury claim. After submitting a claim, you will usually wait for a response from the insurance company. More often than not, the insurance company’s initial offer is a lowball offer that does not accurately reflect the true amount you are entitled to seek. With an experienced bike accident lawyer on your side, you can fight back and negotiate a fair settlement.
How Can a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help My Case?
A Lawyer Can Help You Gather Evidence for Your Case
You will need to gather evidence for your case. An experienced lawyer can help you investigate your case in a timely manner and gather evidence. Your lawyer may assist you in compiling information such as:
- A Police report of the accident
- Pictures from the accident scene
- Footage from nearby traffic cameras
- Eye-witness testimonies
- Medical records reflecting your accident injuries
With substantial evidence, you can build a solid case. It’s important to get started as soon as possible to preserve evidence. Evidence does not last very long. In addition, personal recollections of the accident can fade over time. With a good attorney in your corner, you can start gathering vital evidence sooner rather than later.
A Lawyer Can Help You Calculate Your Bicycle Accident Damages
Before you file a claim, you need to understand what type of damages you can claim. In Colorado, there are three types of damages you can claim: economic, non-economic damages, and physical impairment.
Non-Economic Damages and Physical Impairment and Disfigurement are categorized as general damages. Non-economic are any losses that do not have a fixed monetary value like:
- pain and suffering
- loss of enjoyment in life
- Inconvenience
- physical pain
- emotional trauma
- reduced quality of life
- and more
Physical impairment damages are damages that affect your past or future ability to do physical things as a result of your injuries. Some examples include:
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Changes to your appearance
- Inability to return to work due to injuries
Your attorney will help you identify and calculate the damages. Additionally, your lawyer is probably experienced in determining a fair value for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Other damages your attorney can help you calculate and seek compensation for include:
- Medical costs
- Medications
- Lost wages
- Bike repair or replacement costs
- Physical rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
If your loved one passed away in a bike accident, you can file a wrongful death suit. In that case, you would be entitled to seek compensation for additional damages.
Contact a Denver Bike Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
After a bike accident, you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim or personal lawsuit. Evidence that is essential to your case can deteriorate quickly, which is why you should seek legal counsel immediately after the accident. If you or your loved one sustained serious injuries in a bicycle accident, our attorneys can help ensure that all the evidence for your case is collected and preserved. Preserving evidence is critical to building a strong case to support your claims.
Our Denver bicycle accident attorneys will handle all of the legal work on your behalf so you can focus on recovering. We understand that no amount of money can undo your injuries, but winning a fair settlement can help you move forward with your life. In addition, our Denver bicycle lawyers offer compassionate support that you need after enduring a traumatic bike accident. We know that this is a tough time, and we will do everything in our power to help you and your family.
If you’ve suffered an injury in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, our Denver bicycle accident lawyers can help. We’ll bring you peace of mind by taking care of communications and fighting the legal battle on your behalf. Then we will win you the settlement you deserve.
When you call us for a free initial consultation, we take the time to listen to you and understand your case details. Contact us today or call us at 720-500-HURT.
