Cycling regularly is an easy—and fun—way to stay in shape, and if you decide to ride instead of drive, you’ll also save on gas and minimize your carbon footprint. However, cycling has one serious drawback: If you’re pedaling alongside traffic, you’re always at risk of getting into a wreck. With zero protection in an accident, even a low-speed collision could lead to life-threatening injuries. If you or someone close to you was struck by a negligent motorist, reach out to the Artesia bicycle accident attorneys at HPIL.

We are available to take your calls 24/7, and if you can’t visit our offices, we’ll come through to you. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS to arrange a free consultation. 

What Should I Bring to My Initial Consultation? 

If you are planning to file a personal injury claim after a bicycle accident, a seasoned personal injury lawyer can oversee the logistics of your case so you can focus on other matters. For instance, an attorney can investigate the wreck, collect and compile the necessary evidence to prove liability and damages, and handle all correspondence with the insurer and other opposing parties. 

To make sure your case starts off on a strong foot, you may want to prepare for your free case review by bringing along the following items:  

• A Written Account of What Happened: As soon as possible after the accident, you should write down everything you can remember. What happened in the moments before the wreck? What did you and the other parties say immediately afterwards? Were there any eyewitnesses? Did police arrive to investigate the accident? Did anyone capture footage of the collision on a dashcam? Did you notice surveillance cameras nearby that may have recorded the accident? 

• Any Official Reports: The officers who responded to the scene should have compiled an official report on the incident. If you were able to obtain copies of this report, you should bring them to your free case review. 

• Evidence From the Scene: If you took photos or videos of the accident scene, your attorney may want to review this evidence during the initial consultation. An accident reconstruction expert, for example, may be able to use this footage to determine how the accident happened and who might be liable. 

• Correspondence With Opposing Parties: If you were contacted by the liable party or their insurer, you should save copies of any emails, texts, and letters to share with your bicycle accident attorney. In the event that you spoke to them over the phone, you should write a detailed description of what was said during these conversations. 

How Much Is My Case Worth? 

There are a wide variety of factors that could affect the value of your claim. As such, it’s impossible for us—or any law firm, for that matter—to guarantee a specific amount in compensation. Here are a few factors our legal team might consider when estimating a fair settlement for your damages: 

• Property Damage: If your bicycle was damaged in the accident, the cost of repairing or replacing it may be factored into settlement approximations. As high-end bicycles can often cost tens of thousands of dollars, these expenses may make up a significant portion of the potential recovery. Make sure you keep track of any expenses by saving the relevant invoices, receipts, and other documentation.  

• Pain and Suffering: Falling under the umbrella of “non-economic” damages, you may be able to seek compensation for such losses if you can prove that your injuries had a significant impact on your mental well-being. Lawyers usually employ one of two formulas to estimate the monetary value of pain and suffering. For example, your bicycle accident attorney may utilize the “per diem” method, assigning a dollar value to each day from the date of the accident to the day you’re expected to achieve maximum medical improvement. Alternatively, a lawyer might multiply the total cost of your medical treatment by a number between 1.5 and 5. This multiplier is usually based on the severity of your injuries. 

• Medical Bills: In a personal injury case, medical expenses will often make up the lion’s share of the eventual settlement. Even minor injuries can cost thousands of dollars to treat, and victims who suffer more serious injuries often have to fork out for a lifetime of healthcare interventions. When approximating the value of your bicycle accident claim, our attorneys will look at the costs of medical procedures, orthopedics, prescription drugs, lab tests, prosthetics, and other items related to your healthcare.  

Discuss Your Case With a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Artesia 

Distracted, speeding, and drunk drivers make the road a dangerous place for cyclists. If you were struck by a motorist while out riding, turn to our legal team to discuss your options for seeking compensation.  

At HPIL, our seasoned attorneys are highly knowledgeable and skilled in dealing with insurance companies and representing accident victims in court. Reach out to us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or switch over to our Contact Page to request a free case assessment.