Bike Accident: How to Claim Compensation

Clayton T. Hasbrook

Written by Clayton T. Hasbrook. Last modified on September 24, 2024

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Bike Accident: How to Claim Compensation

Bike accidents can be both frightening and life-changing. If you find yourself injured in one, you might be facing not only physical pain but also the stress of financial burdens from medical bills and lost wages.

Knowing how to navigate the aftermath, including how to claim compensation. At Hasbrook & Hasbrook, our law firm can help you pursue a bicycle accident claim.

After a bike accident, you may feel overwhelmed by the steps you need to take to recover physically and financially.

Understanding the process of claiming compensation is vital. We empower bicycle accident victims with the knowledge to handle their claims effectively or when to seek the help of an experienced bicycle accident attorney.

Learn more below if you want to claim insurance to cover medical expenses after a bike crash. Then, contact us for help with your personal injury claim.

How Do Bike Accidents Happen?

Driver inattention.

Many bike accidents occur because a car driver is not paying attention and fails to see the cyclist. Drivers looking at their phones, adjusting the radio, or not checking blind spots can easily cause bike and car accidents.

Dooring incidents.

“Dooring” happens when a car’s door is suddenly opened in front of a moving cyclist. This type of accident is common in urban areas and can lead to catastrophic injuries.

Poor road conditions.

Potholes, cracks, and uneven road surfaces are significant hazards for cyclists. Municipalities may be held liable if it is proven that they did not maintain safe road conditions.

Reckless cycling.

Cycling the wrong way, speeding through red lights, or riding at night without lights are just a few examples of how cyclists can cause accidents.

Weather conditions.

Bad weather, including rain, fog, and ice, can decrease visibility and make road surfaces slippery, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Speeding.

Both cyclists and vehicle drivers who exceed speed limits contribute to the severity and frequency of accidents.

Failure to yield.

Accidents often occur at intersections where drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists, especially when making turns.

Steps to Take After a Bike Accident

Steps to Take After a Bike Accident

Check for injuries and call 911.

Immediately assess yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 for any severe injuries, and wait for medical help. If possible, move yourself and your bicycle to a safe place away from traffic to avoid further accidents.

Exchange information and document the scene.

Get the contact and insurance information from all parties involved, including the bicycle accident victim, and witnesses. Snap pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and damages to your bike and any vehicles involved.

Do not admit fault.

Keep conversations neutral. Admitting fault at the scene can derail your own insurance coverage, claim, and liability.

Contact a bicycle accident lawyer.

Partner with a lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents for your personal injury case and discuss your case and legal options.

Filing an Insurance Claim After a Bike Accident

When submitting an insurance claim after a bike crash, the claims process often involves several key steps that must be followed to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. First, notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.

Calling Your Insurance Provider to Start a Claim

Notify your own insurance policy or provider about the bike accident immediately. Provide them with all the basic details of the incident, including when and where it occurred, and follow their instructions on the next steps.

Documenting Medical Bills, Bike Repairs, and Other Damages

Keep all receipts and records of medical treatment, bike repairs, and any other expenses incurred due to the accident. These documents are essential for proving the economic effects of your accident. They can even give some insight into the pain, personal injury protection, and suffering you might have suffered.

Dealing With the Other Party’s Insurance Company

Be cautious when talking with the other party’s insurance company. They may attempt to get you to settle for less than you deserve or admit fault. Always consult your attorney before agreeing to a fair settlement or signing anything.

Proving Liability in a Bike Accident Case

Proving Liability in a Bike Accident Case

Proving liability at fault driver in a bike accident involves showing that another party was at fault due to negligence or wrongful action. This process requires gathering substantial evidence.

 

 

Gathering Evidence of Negligence (Driver’s Fault, Road Hazards)

Collect and present evidence showing the other driver’s fault or existing road hazards that contributed to the accident. This might include vehicle damage, skid marks, and the condition of the road.

We always take the time to gather robust evidence for your case file a claim first. That way, we put your claim in the best position possible to be successful.

Using Witness Testimonies, Police Reports, and Traffic Camera Footage

Witness statements, police reports, and footage from traffic cameras or nearby security cameras can provide vital evidence about the circumstances leading up to the accident.

We can contact witnesses and seek testimonies that support your version of events. We can also demand traffic and surveillance video that might show what happened during your crash.

Establishing the Extent of Injuries and Damages

Medical records and expert testimonies can help establish the extent of injuries and the repercussions on your life, which is critical for calculating appropriate compensation.

We want to reach out to doctors to collect your medical records. These will contain information about your injuries that could bolster your claim. This is why seeing a doctor after a bike crash is so important.

How Compensation Is Calculated for Bike Accidents

  • Medical expenses. Compensation typically covers all medical treatments related to the bike accident, from emergency care to rehabilitative therapy.
  • Lost Wages. You could be compensated for lost income if you missed work due to injuries.
  • Pain and suffering. Compensation may include an amount for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
  • Property damage. Includes costs to repair or replace your bicycle and any other personal property damaged.
  • Future medical expenses. These costs should be included in the compensation if ongoing care is needed.
  • Loss of earning capacity. If your ability to work has been permanently affected, compensation can include future lost earnings.
  • Non-economic damages. These cover impacts not directly tied to expenses, such as loss of quality of life or relationships.

How Hasbrook & Hasbrook Can Help With Bike Accident Claims

  • Expert guidance. Our experienced bicycle accident lawyers provide expert guidance through every step of your claim.
  • Maximizing compensation. We fight to ensure you receive just compensation for all damages, negotiating aggressively on your behalf.
  • Handling paperwork. We manage all the necessary paperwork and communications with insurance companies and other parties.
  • Proving fault. Our team excels in gathering evidence and building strong cases to prove the other party’s liability.
  • Legal representation. If your case goes to trial, we offer comprehensive legal representation to fight for your rights in court.
  • There are no upfront costs. We operate on a contingency fee basis—you won’t pay unless we win your case.
  • Support and communication. We keep you informed throughout the process and provide support as you navigate recovery and legal proceedings.

Contact Our Oklahoma Bicycle Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Case Consultation

Contact Our Oklahoma Bicycle Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Case Consultation

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bike accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Hasbrook & Hasbrook today for a free consultation. Our knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and the best path forward in your claim.

We can help you seek compensation for a bicycle accident. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.

Fact-Checked

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Clayton T. Hasbrook who has years of legal experience as a personal injury lawyer. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.