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Many bicyclists don’t realize they have rights to benefits after a bicycle crash and are often surprised to learn that they are covered under Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. However, the medical bills, lost income, and other damages an injured bicyclist has suffered are likely to surpass the $10,000 limit of a PIP policy.
Because injured cyclists don’t want to rack up any more expenses, they often try to settle their own claims with the insurance company instead of getting lawyers involved. While anyone can negotiate and settle a claim with an insurer, it is important that you know how to get the most money out of your claim.
In order to negotiate a bicycle accident claim in the best way possible, follow these tips:
- If you have slight pain, remember that it could develop into something worse.
- Seek medical treatment within 14 days of the accident.
- Don’t rush to settle or accept an offer too quickly.
- Don’t sign any paperwork or give the insurer a recorded statement without speaking with an attorney.
- Don’t settle until you are fully recovered from your injuries, but you should also keep the statute of limitations in mind.
- If you have permanent injuries or impairments, contact a skilled accident attorney.
While you can attempt to settle a claim yourself, you need to remember that insurance companies and attorneys negotiate daily and know the true value of your case—putting you at a disadvantage. If your injuries are serious, it is critical to your case outcome that you speak with an attorney about the value of your claim. Remember, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You can call us at 888-409-3805 for a free consultation.
To let other cyclists in the Sarasota community know about these tips, feel free to share this blog on Facebook.