Bicycle accident lawyers are specialised types of lawyers who can help you make a bicycle accident claim. There are several situations in which you might need the help of a bicycle lawyer and there are a few things you should know before you hire one.
When do I need to the help of a bicycle accident lawyer?
If you have been involved in an accident while riding a bicycle you don’t automatically need to hire someone. If you are covered by your insurance, or if the other party involved has you covered on their insurance (if they are at fault), you should exchange insurance and contact details. You and the other party involved can then smoothly sort out insurance matters with the help of the relevant party’s insurance company. Legal matters can usually be handled between the police, you, and the other person involved. If all goes well, fair and proper compensation will be awarded.
If things don’t go smoothly, however, this is when you may want to consider hiring a lawyer.
One such situation is if there are points that you and the other party do not agree on, for example the details of what happened and who is at fault, and what happened after. The case could well need to go to court in this situation, where you will need the help of an attorney.
Another scenario is if you believe you or the other party’s insurance company is not treating you fairly, say by denying you a legitimate claim, or by determining who is at fault incorrectly. Bicycle accident lawyers may be able to get you the compensation you are entitled to by challenging the insurance company’s determinations.
How much will it cost me?
How much you pay for an attorney’s services varies greatly for each case and each lawyer. It’s not possible to generalize.
To ensure you get a good deal, make sure you do your research. Get quotes from lots of different people, and make sure you are satisfied with the bicycle lawyer’s credentials and ability to help you before hiring.
You will agree to a price before you hire. Some attorney’s will ask for some payment upfront, while others will ask for a certain percentage of the settlement only if they win the case for you. At any rate, take your time, choose the right person, and you should be well on your way to making a successful claim.
