Latest News

Cycling through California is a great way to experience the state’s stunning landscapes, scenic vistas, and bustling metros. However, life in the saddle isn’t without its risks as hundreds of cyclists are killed and injured in wrecks involving negligent drivers every year.  

If you were hurt while riding, you might be concerned about whether your personal injury claim will yield a payout. In this article, we share a few tips that could help strengthen your case: 

Lay Low on Social Media 

The insurer’s investigation won’t just be limited to the accident scene but could also extend to the digital space. It’s not uncommon for claims adjusters to monitor social media activity as part of their search for evidence that could be used as the basis for disputes. 

As such, it’s crucial to think carefully about the potential consequences of a post before pressing “publish”. Anything you share on these platforms could become ammunition to challenge your credibility. For instance, your comments discussing the wreck could be misrepresented or taken out of context to make it look like you’re admitting fault for causing the wreck.  

In most situations, it’s wise to deactivate your profiles until your case has concluded as this will prevent others from viewing what you post. However, there are still ways to circumvent this layer of protection. For example, the insurer may be able to gain access by sending you a friend request or seeing your activity via outside connections. 

Stash Evidence in a Safe Place 

Whether you were able to take photographs at the accident scene, obtain copies of your medical records, or take down the names of any eyewitnesses, you should make sure that you don’t misplace the evidence you’ve collected. Such proof will be crucial to the success of your claim, so it’s often best to create a dedicated case folder to stow away these vital items. 

Avoid Speaking to Opposing Parties 

If the insurer contacts you for a recorded statement, you should probably postpone this conversation until you’ve had a chance to investigate the wreck and assess your damages. Claims adjusters will often use these “interviews” to ask questions deliberately engineered to elicit specific responses that could be used to dispute your claim. Thankfully, when you hire an attorney to oversee your case, he or she will usually handle all correspondence with opposing parties. 

Take Your Recovery Seriously 

Once you’ve undergone a comprehensive medical assessment, it’s important to take note of your doctor’s instructions. Any signs that you deviated from your treatment plan could leave the door open to disputes.  

For instance, the insurance company might have room to argue that your negligent actions exacerbated your injuries leading to additional health complications and medical expenses. In such situations, you could be held liable for a portion of your damages even if someone else was entirely responsible for causing the accident. 

Exercise Patience 

With your financial future hanging in the balance, you might be tempted to rush into settlement negotiations and accept the insurer’s first offer just to get your hands on those much-needed funds. However, doing so could leave you with a financial award that falls short of covering the full range of your expenses. As such, it’s important to be patient as a methodical approach can help ensure that you receive fair compensation.  

Speak to a Bicycle Accident Attorney in California Today 

If you were struck and injured by a negligent motorist, it might be wise to seek legal representation. At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, our California bicycle accident attorneys can oversee almost every aspect of your case, providing aggressive representation and reliable guidance at each step of proceedings. To lock in a free case review, contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message via our contact page HERE.