In many cases, you can file a bicycle accident claim through your car insurance. In accordance with Florida Statutes § 627.7407, Florida has “no-fault laws” in place to help you recover medical expenses after a bicycle accident, even if you were liable for your own accident.
If you do not have insurance coverage under a motor vehicle policy, you can file a claim through a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy to seek compensation for your injuries. PIP insurance can cover a certain amount of your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses, depending on the policy.
You can also file a claim with the other party’s insurance company if they were negligent and caused your accident.
When to File a Lawsuit
Filing a claim after a bicycle accident can be challenging, and the claims adjuster may try to deny you coverage. At the very least, insurance companies will try to pay you the minimum amount allowed under your coverage policy.
If you are looking for compensation for your emotional suffering, or any other losses not covered through PIP insurance, you will need to file a lawsuit against the individuals who caused your accident.
Florida’s insurance laws can be confusing if you are not familiar with the process. A bicycle accident lawyer with our firm can help you fight to protect your right to compensation while providing legal guidance throughout your entire case.
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855-780-9986
Documenting Your Expenses After a Bicycle Accident
The subject of your claim will be actively trying to disprove your version of events so they do not have to compensate you. The more evidence you can provide, the better your losses will be represented in your final settlement.
Accordingly, you should start collecting documents, receipts, and testimonies related to your case as soon as possible. This can be something as simple as a medical bill from the hospital or something as complicated as a statement from a mental health professional.
Economic Damages
Documenting your economic damages is relatively straightforward. You need to gather evidence that showcases all your expenses related to your accident. In most cases, the respective companies will have a detailed record of their transactions, which we can obtain upon request.
Examples of these losses include:
- Lost wages
- Future lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Past and future medical bills
Non-Economic Damages
Documenting your non-economic losses can be much more complicated. For example, there is no universal value for mental anguish because it is different for every victim. Every bicycle accident victim has endured their own unique hardships, so the monetary value of your case needs to be adjusted accordingly.
Examples of non-economic damages you can claim include:
- Pain and suffering
- Inconvenience
- Reduced quality of life
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
Your attorney can help you get in touch with vocational rehabilitation experts, economists, medical professionals, and other expert witnesses while appraising the value of your pain and suffering.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
Taking the proper steps after a bicycle accident can put you on the right track during your fight for compensation.
Some of the most important things to consider include:
- Calling 911
- Receiving medical attention for your injuries
- Taking pictures and videos at the scene of the accident
- Giving your statement to the police
- Gathering evidence to support your version of events
- Documenting your damages
- Researching bicycle accident laws in your area
- Reporting your accident to your insurance company
- Contacting a bicycle accident attorney
Speaking to a bicycle accident lawyer at our firm can give you the information you need to protect your rights during your fight for compensation. Your attorney will advise you about who to speak to and who to avoid throughout your proceedings.
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Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Get Started on Your Case Today
Filing a lawsuit may leave you feeling confused and uncertain if you have never been involved in a legal case before. Fortunately, a Bogin, Munns & Munns attorney can be there to take some of the pressure off you during this stressful time.
Our law firm has proudly represented bicycle accident victims in central Florida since 1978. From negotiating settlements to filing insurance claims to investigating your accident and everything in between, our attorneys can handle many different services in the field of personal injury law.
Like any personal injury case, a bike accident case is time sensitive. Cases that need to go through court as a lawsuit are subject to the state’s statute of limitations. You must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident or forgo compensation.
To learn more about what Bogin, Munns & Munns can do for your bicycle accident case, contact a representative today at (407) 578-9696 and receive your free consultation. We charge no upfront fees and only get reimbursed for our services if and when you receive compensation.
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