Bicycle accidents can turn someone’s world upside down and, sadly, they are far too common of an occurrence in Vermont. The victim of a bike accident often deals with serious and long term injuries like brain damage, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, broken bones, and unfortunately, even death. As is most often the case, the bicyclist is injured through no fault of their own.
After an accident has occurred, many cyclists worry about how high their medical bills will be, when they will be able to return to work, and when they will be able to return to enjoying their lives as they did before they were injured. This article will seek to explain the ways that an injured cyclist can be compensated for all of the expenses that come from a bike accident.
Ways to Be Compensated After You’ve Been Injured
After a crash has occurred, an injured bicyclist has a number of ways that they can be compensated for their medical bills, pain and suffering or for expenses they need to have covered. The first is the possibility of a lawsuit against the negligent driver and their auto insurance company. In this type of a lawsuit, the negligent driver’s insurance company would be liable to the injured bicyclist for:
- His or her pain and suffering and the loss of full enjoyment of life;
- His or her medical bills whether paid or unpaid;
- Lost wages due to missed work;
- The costs of replacing or repairing the bicycle;
- Any and all permanent injuries.
Another option for an injured bicyclist is to seek compensation through their own auto insurance plan where they will likely have uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is required in Vermont, pursuant statute and protects you if the negligent driver has no insurance, or worse yet, if you’re injured in a hit and run accident. Underinsured driver minimums in Vermont are $50,000 per person and $100,000 total per accident, and are often higher. For property damage (which would likely include damage to your bicycle) there is a minimum limit of $10,000.
Why is it Important to Hire an Attorney for your Bicycle Accident Claim?
When dealing with an insurance company, it’s important to keep in mind that they have teams of lawyers and adjusters who begin evaluating your accident right away to analyze what the lowest amount they can pay you will be. Because of this, it is important that you level the playing field by hiring an attorney of your own to negotiate the best deal possible.
Although a lawsuit can seem like a timely and difficult process, hiring an attorney to bring a claim on your behalf can streamline the process and frequently get you a settlement well within a year, or to try the case before a jury if need be.
Once you have hired an attorney to represent you, your attorney will be able to handle all of the important tasks that are required to ensure you receive the largest compensation possible.
In general, your attorney will be able to do the following:
- Communicate by phone and email with the negligent driver’s insurance company.
- Obtain the needed evidence with respect to liability for the accident.
- Obtain and organize your medical records, repair costs, employment records and bills to prove damages.
- Work with your doctors to ensure that they provide the necessary medical information you need to prove damages in your claim.
- Organize and present the evidence in a clear way that will prove liability and damages.
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance adjuster or defense attorney that will help you put the accident behind you and help you continue on with your life.
- Try the case to a fair jury verdict if the insurance company fails to make a fair offer to settle.
Kramer Law Offices: Fighting For Our Clients And Their Families
Hiring an attorney to negotiate your bicycle accident claim costs you nothing. Our team has built a reputation for compassionate and fierce advocacy on behalf of our clients. If you or someone you know has been the victim of someone else’s poor driving, you can reach Kramer Law by calling 802-257-2221 or using our quick and easy contact form. We are also conveniently located in downtown Brattleboro at 42 Park Place if you would prefer to stop by.
As our client, we will take care of all of the legal, privacy and insurance related issues surrounding your case so that you are able to recover and work towards a brighter and better future.
