You should go to a hospital after a bike accident. When you do, a doctor can evaluate you and treat your injuries. Following your hospital visit, it may be beneficial to consult with North Charleston bicycle accident lawyers who may help you pursue damages from anyone responsible for your crash.
With more than 10 years of experience, the team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm is available to assist you with your bike crash claim. We can help you seek compensation to cover the costs of bike accidents, small injuries, and other crash-related losses. To learn more, get in touch with us.
When to Go to the Hospital After a Bike Accident
It may be best to go to a hospital immediately after your bicycle collision. For example, you can call 911 as soon as your crash occurs, which will bring emergency responders to the scene. You can receive on-site treatment and go to a hospital for further evaluation and care.
If you go to a hospital, it helps to tell the doctor exactly what happened during your collision. The doctor can evaluate you and determine the extent of your injuries. They may develop a treatment plan to help you recover from your injuries as quickly as possible.
You can track your medical bills for your injury treatments, and you may be able to pursue damages from the party who caused your accident to cover these costs and many others. At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we have a proven track record of success in injury lawsuits. Contact our South Carolina personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with our South Carolina bicycle accident lawyer.
How to Cover the Cost of Bike Accident Injuries
South Carolina drivers are required to purchase auto insurance. If a motorist slams their vehicle into you while you are riding your bike, you may be able to file an insurance claim. In the best-case scenario, the at-fault driver’s insurer covers all of your medical bills and other accident-related expenses.
There are times when someone other than a driver is responsible for a cycling collision. As an example, you may crash your bike because its brakes are faulty. In this situation, you may be able to seek compensation from the company that manufactured the brakes.
Just because you have concerns about the costs of medical treatments following your bike collision does not mean you should forgo a claim. These expenses can be significant, and if you decide not to submit a claim, you may be 100% responsible for them. Alternatively, you can partner with a South Carolina bicycle accident attorney, and they may help you pursue the most damages possible.
How Much Time You Have to Submit a Bike Crash Claim
One of the biggest personal injury myths relates to how much time you have to submit a claim. In South Carolina, you may have up to three years to file a claim. If you choose not to request damages within three years of your cycling collision, you may be unable to ask for compensation from the at-fault party at a later time.
You may want to meet with a bicycle accident lawyer in South Carolina in the days after your cycling crash. An attorney can review your case and go over your legal options with you. If you decide to file a claim, your lawyer can help you decide how much money to request.
In a cycling accident case, you may ask for economic and non-economic damages. Economic compensation may cover your medical bills, damage to your bike, and other quantifiable losses. Non-economic damages may be provided for pain and suffering.
How to Prove an At-Fault Party Was Negligent
There are negligence laws in South Carolina, and these can have far-flung effects on your cycling accident case. You are responsible for the burden of proof. If you cannot make it clear to a judge or jury that the defendant in your case caused your cycling collision, you may not recover damages.
To prove negligence, you must show an at-fault party had a duty of care to you. This duty refers to a legal obligation to act in a careful and reasonable manner. You must verify the party violated their obligation, which led to your accident.
In addition, you must prove that the party’s actions caused you to incur damages. Your attorney may help you gather medical records and other forms of proof to show you are dealing with losses as a result of the party’s actions. They may work with you to build a compelling argument, which may allow you to get the maximum amount of damages.
Why You Need to Continue to Treat Your Bike Accident Injuries
A bicycle accident attorney in South Carolina can explain how a personal injury settlement is determined. However, they cannot give you an exact date as to when you will receive damages. Regardless, you should continue to treat your bike crash injuries since this may help you avoid long-lasting health issues.
If a bicycle crash injury goes untreated, the problem may escalate. You may experience pain that lingers to the point where it hampers your ability to enjoy your life to the fullest extent. Rather than let your injury disrupt your life, you can continue to treat it, track your medical expenses, and build a case to hold the at-fault party accountable for these costs.
Your attorney can help you calculate your bike accident damages. If your injuries will affect you for the rest of your life, your lawyer will account for this and encourage you to seek damages to help you cover your long-term medical bills. That way, you will be well-equipped to get compensation that meets your expectations.
Partner with a South Carolina Bike Accident Lawyer
You should not wait too long after your cycling crash to seek damages from any at-fault parties. The Shelly Leeke Law Firm can connect you with a South Carolina bike accident attorney right away. To schedule a free case consultation, contact us today.
