Stockton, California, has instituted a Bicycle Master Plan that is designed to make the city a safe and inviting place for cyclists. However, accidents and injuries still happen. If you have been in a bike crash that was caused by a motorist’s negligence, you may have suffered physical trauma and financial loss.
For help deciding what to do after a bicycle accident in Stockton, contact a skilled personal injury lawyer at Valero Law Group. Securing qualified legal representation can improve the outcome of your claim.
Prioritize Safety
The potential impact of a bicycle accident on an injured person’s life cannot be overstated. It is important to seek legal advice about what steps to take in the aftermath of a bike crash in Stockton. Immediately after an accident, it is important to focus on getting off the road and to a safe location, and obtaining the necessary medical care.
Early treatment is imperative for improved health outcomes. A crash victim may feel that their injuries are minor; however, an adrenaline rush and shock can mask a considerable amount of pain. Diagnostic tests are necessary to uncover any invisible or latent injuries.
Medical evaluations also create records that can be used in a legal case. Being examined by a doctor and carefully following the aftercare instructions are of primary importance to a person’s recovery and claim.
Keep Track of All Medical Bills and Records
After a bicycle accident in Stockton, document every medical expense, no matter how small. Save hospital bills, receipts for medication, physical therapy records, diagnostic reports, and mileage to appointments. These documents create a clear timeline of your treatment and help prove the true cost of your injuries. Accurate records also strengthen your injury claim and protect you from disputes with insurers.
Avoid Posting About the Wreck on Social Media or Making Statements to Insurance
Suffering harm in a bike accident caused by a driver’s negligence can result in severe emotional and physical stress. The insurance company handling the claim is all too aware of the difficulties the injured person faces, including recovery and mounting medical bills. The provider may attempt to obtain a statement from the victim that can be used to weaken any claim. The company might even search social media for information that could undermine the case. For this reason, avoid posting on social networking websites while a claim is pending.
How Can an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer Help?
Presenting a strong injury claim is legally challenging, but the seasoned attorneys of Valero Law Group know what must be done following a Stockton bike accident to secure the compensation a victim is entitled to. There is a wide range of complex legal issues best handled by an attorney, including:
- Gathering the evidence necessary to establish the elements of a claim
- Effectively demonstrating the full scope of any physical, financial, and emotional losses
- Skillfully negotiating with the involved insurance provider in pursuit of a fair settlement
- Overseeing the legal path forward while protecting the injured party’s rights
- Being well prepared to take a case to trial if the insurance company refuses to negotiate a just settlement
Post-accident, an injured person should focus on their health and well-being. During this recovery period, a bicycle accident lawyer can guide a claim forward and oversee the negotiations with the insurance company.
Contact a Stockton Lawyer Who Can Help After a Bicycle Crash
The dedicated, caring attorneys at Valero Law Group understand what to do after a bicycle accident in Stockton. We will work tirelessly to defend your rights and to pursue your rightful compensation. Securing legal representation to handle your claim skillfully and quickly is essential to maximize your settlement, so please do not wait. Contact our team online or call today.