As we continue to practice social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, bike riding has become a very popular activity among our residents. Even though it is a safe way to stay active, you still need to be wary of other drivers on the road. Here are 3 things to know about bicycle accident cases.
How Bicycle Accident Compensation Works
Florida follows the rules of pure comparative negligence which has to do with shared fault in an accident. If for some reason you are deemed to be at fault, know that you are allowed to collect your compensation award if you are 0-99% at fault for your accident. If you are 100% at fault, then you would be barred from receiving compensation. If you are less than 100% at fault, you will have your award reduce to account for that fault. For example, if you have been awarded $100,000 for your injuries and damages, but you have also been deemed 20% liable for the accident for something you did wrong, then you would be able to collect $80,000.
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Do Not Talk to the Liable Party’s Insurance Company
The very worst thing you can do for your bicycle accident case would be taking a call from the liable party’s insurance company and giving them a recorded statement. You have no legal obligation to answer questions from the insurance company of the person who caused your accident. They will call you shortly after your accident and try to convince you to give them a recorded statement in which they will ask you questions that will back you into a corner and force you to answer in ways that would negatively affect your case. We highly suggest not answering their calls. As your team of Jacksonville bicycle accident attorneys, we will take over the job of talking to the insurance company for you so that you can avoid saying the wrong thing.
First Steps After a Bicycle Accident
Right after your accident, there is one thing that is more important than anything else, and that is your health. You want to prioritize your well-being over anything else. There will be other things to do on the scene, but if you are physically unable to, it is best advised for you to get on the ambulance and be taken to the emergency room. There is no benefit to waiting to get medical attention. You have a huge chance of worsening your injuries if you are not getting it treated. You also run the risk of having the insurance company claim you are not badly enough injured to receive compensation because you waited to get your treatment. They also might try to throw out your case by claiming that your injuries came from something after your bicycle accident.
Contact Our Office
When you are severely injured on your bicycle, do not hesitate to call our office for a free case evaluation. Our Jacksonville bicycle accident attorneys will go over the details of your case to determine what is the best step for you to take legally to get the most possible compensation for your injuries and damages. We are dedicated, experienced, and eager to take on this case for you. Please call Edwards & Ragatz, PA today and we will get working for you right away.