Bike collisions involving motorists, such as after they fail to yield or comply with other traffic laws, often leave the cyclist with severe and potentially life-altering injuries. They are much more vulnerable when colliding with a much larger automobile and lack the protections that drivers have around them and from safety devices, such as seat belts and airbags.
Assessing the severity of a Boca Raton bicycle accident injury requires prompt evaluation and treatment from a professional and careful attention to documenting and gathering evidence in the aftermath. Call our office to schedule an appointment with a qualified bike accident attorney for advice and guidance.
The first and most important thing to do when assessing the severity of a bike accident injury in Boca Raton is to prioritize safety and a self-check for injuries. Move over away from traffic if possible to avoid further harm, and then gauge the potential severity of bodily harm.
Look for obvious signs, such as bleeding, possible fractures or deformities, and dizziness or confusion. Call for emergency medical services (EMS) if it seems serious, such as difficulty breathing, severe pain, or loss of consciousness. Difficulty breathing or chest pains, a high level of pain, or loss of consciousness indicate high severity and require immediate emergency help.
If EMS is necessary, they will arrive on-site and perform an evaluation, such as checking your vital signs and stabilizing you. If they deem it necessary, they may take you to the emergency room by ambulance.
If calling for first responders is unnecessary, visit the hospital or a physician right away, even if symptoms of possible injuries seem minor. That is vital for your health and the outcome of any insurance settlements or legal claims to obtain compensation from the negligent driver.
When another driver’s carelessness causes you harm, they are liable for the damages caused by their actions, such as distracted driving or other traffic law violations. Take plenty of photographs or videos of your injuries and bike damage, and record the contact information for eyewitnesses.
Keep all your records, such as hospital evaluations, medical records and bills, notes about the recovery process, and days you missed from work as a result, organized and in a safe place. Police reports and recorded footage, if available, also strengthen the injury claim.
Obtaining compensation from the liable party always starts with negotiations with insurance providers. Our personal injury lawyer, experienced in handling negligence claims, can handle communication on your behalf and work with them to reach a fair payout. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the next step is filing a claim in civil court.
The statute of limitations for traffic-related cases under Florida Statutes § 95.11 requires that you initiate legal action within two years of the date of the negligence leading to injuries and losses. While some potential extensions on the deadline are possible, preparing your case while the evidence is fresh and readily available is always in your best interest. During the consultation, we can review the case, answer your specific questions about the statutes and process, and carefully assess the seriousness of your bicycle accident in Boca Raton.
Assessing the severity of a bicycle accident injury in Boca Raton requires prioritizing your health and safety, documenting treatment, bills, lost pay, and gathering the crucial evidence. Preparation and taking the appropriate steps strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of obtaining the maximum possible settlement.
Our compassionate and seasoned personal injury lawyer can handle communication with the insurance company and legal work if there is no agreement and provide guidance and support throughout the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to review your case and options and get started right away.
