A bicycle accident can be a very frightening experience. You might not know what to do or how to proceed, but there are many things you should keep in mind. If you have recently been involved in an accident, make sure that you contact the police and file a report. You may also want to take photos of your injuries or any damage done to your bike before anyone touches it. When riding again, be sure to wear a helmet at all times! If you’re not sure how to proceed after your accident, contact a qualified bike attorney.

Non-Economic Damages

Do not forget that if you were injured on someone else’s property due to their negligence or carelessness; they are liable for all of your medical expenses as well as any other costs associated with the accident. You should seek legal counsel from a lawyer immediately to ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries and other costs such as loss of income. If you require a bike lawyer, learn more here. Non-economic damages cover your pain and suffering; as well as the emotional distress you may have experienced after being in an accident.

If you have recently been in a bicycle accident, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. You may need to be tested for exposure to diseases such as HIV or hepatitis B and C if your injuries are serious enough. If this occurs, see a doctor immediately after the incident and request post-exposure testing; so that you can take precautionary measures before any long-term damage is done.

If you were not wearing a helmet at the time of your bicycle accident; ensure that you get one for future use as soon as possible. The risk of head injuries in accidents is high, and helmets reduce this by up to 85%. If you do suffer from a head injury, medical expenses will become a burden very quickly, and this is the last thing that you need.

Remember to ensure that your bike is repaired following an accident, as well. If it was damaged beyond repair or if parts of it are missing, new ones can be bought for a reasonable price; so long as you have proof of purchase from the manufacturer. If you do not have this, the price for a new bike will be much higher and may leave your wallet empty in no time flat.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover money lost as a result of your injury. They include medical bills, future medical expenses (such as physical therapy), lost wages and lost potential earnings. They do not include pain and suffering.

If you are injured by a negligent driver, the law allows you to claim economic damages. If there is any dispute in your case about whether or not an accident caused certain injuries; it can be very helpful for your attorney to show that they would have required medical treatment even if there was no accident. This makes proving future medical expenses easier and increases the amount of your claim.

Punitive Damages

If you are injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to file your claim as soon as possible.

There’s no need to worry if the other person was at fault for the incident.  This does not mean that they will automatically be liable and have to compensate you for your injuries. Instead, make sure you know what damages were caused by their actions and any effects that their actions may have had on you.

Do not accept the first offer of settlement from an insurance company to compensate you for your injuries or damages; this is often a low-ball figure meant to buy out your claim before it becomes more expensive than if they were to simply pay up now. If the other party has the money to cover your damages; but refuses to compensate you for them, they may be liable for punitive damages.

Punitive damages are not meant as compensation for an injury or damage suffered by a plaintiff; instead, these types of damages are intended to punish and change the behavior of another party involved in the accident because their actions were so egregious.

They are meant to punish a defendant for acting particularly maliciously or recklessly during the actions that caused the injury. This type of damage is not awarded often but can be part of a settlement when it is.

For example, if a driver is texting while driving and causes an accident that leaves the other party with significant injuries or damages; they may have to pay punitive damages because their actions were considered negligent.

If you are in a bicycle accident, it is crucial to get help right away. For example, if you have been injured and cannot drive or ride your bike home safely, call 911 for assistance. The dispatcher will be able to send an ambulance quickly so that the emergency medical technicians can check on the extent of injuries as soon as possible.

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