Hit While Riding in Fort Wayne? These 5 Mistakes Could Cost You Your Claim
Being struck when you’re on your bike in Fort Wayne is a frightening experience. Within a few seconds, you can be suffering, your bike can be ruined, and your insurance companies will be calling several times. A lot of cyclists attempt to deal with everything independently, and it’s not until the injuries appear to be serious that they seek help. However, it’s a pity that even such minor errors at the beginning of your case can be detrimental in the future. That’s the reason why talking with a bicycle accident lawyer immediately can protect your rights and your recovery.
Being aware of the related mistakes to prevent in the aftermath of bicycle accidents is the way to secure your health and your right to be compensated fairly.
1. Not Getting Medical Care Right Away
Delaying to seek doctor attention is one of the largest errors that cyclists commit. It is possible that you get sore and think that the pain will resolve itself. Nevertheless, bike accidents do result in injuries that do not manifest themselves immediately.
The head injuries, internal injuries, and soft tissue injuries may continue to increase with time. Other cyclists don’t realize that they have been injured until a few days later when their sleep or movement causes the pain. Seeing a doctor right away protects your health and creates medical records that support your claim.
2. Talking Too Much to the Insurance Company
The insurance company of the driver might make a rapid call after a bike accident. They can be friendly, but they do that to secure their company, not yours. Most bikers are not aware that these phone calls are well documented.
Common mistakes include:
- Giving a recorded statement
- Guessing how the accident happened
- Saying “I’m fine” too soon
- Apologizing or accepting blame
- Consenting to a quick settlement
Even tiny remarks may be out of context. Adjusters can pose the same question differently to obtain the answers that they can utilize later. When it is recorded it may be difficult to rectify. Pausing to speak will help avoid a very expensive miscommunication.
3. Underestimating How Serious a Bicycle Accident Can Be
Most bikers believe that their injuries aren’t serious since their ambulance was not called in. This may prove to be an expensive supposition. There is minimal protection to bicyclists as opposed to drivers.
A car accident at low speed may end up breaking bones, injuring the head, or causing road rash or joint injuries. There are injuries that do not heal completely, and might lead to pain or stiffness in the long term. These can restrict you in your working capacity, physical activities, or even riding. What is small today might be long-lasting tomorrow.
4. Failing to Collect and Protect Evidence
The other mistake is believing that evidence could be available later. As a matter of fact, the evidence of a bike accident may be lost within a short time. The conditions on the roads vary and the witnesses pass by.
Critical pieces of evidence are the following:
- Photos of the crash scene
- Breakage to your helmet and bike
- Informational contacts of witnesses
- The footage of traffic or security cameras
In the absence of this evidence it becomes difficult to prove what took place. In case of a lack of evidence, insurance companies can doubt your side of the story. Even the initial photos can be significant in the future. Preservation of evidence is a way of justifying your argument.
5. Trying to Handle It on Your Own
A lot of the bikers attempt to work out insurance firms on their own. This may be easier in the short term, but will result in frustration and lesser settlements. The insurance companies are dealing with claims on a daily basis and know how to hit back.
When you are hurt, you’re already suffering, stressing, and healing. Making attempts to complete paper work, meet deadlines and negotiate may become tedious.. The single detail that is skipped may slow down or cut down compensation. Seeking advice may also even the playing field and eliminate needless stress.
Protect Your Claim Before It’s Too Late
Your life may be affected in every aspect after getting hit when riding your bike. It’s too simple to ignore the choices which affect your claim when you’re concentrated on the healing. Insurance firms operate at a very rapid pace and as soon as you make an error, it may restrict what you can claim. The right steps taken early can save your health, your financial health and your future. You need not go through this alone. To get more helpful information and the information regarding the next steps, go to this site and learn how an injured cyclist in Fort Wayne can take care of their rights in case of an accident.