Speeding Up a Claim for Los Angeles Bicycle Accidents: A How-To Guide

If you’ve been in a bicycle accident in Los Angeles, you know how painful the process, both physically and mentally, can be when trying to get compensation for your injuries. Essentially, you pay twice: first with the injury and second with the treatment you get from the insurance company. It’s no secret that the claims process can be long and drawn out. This is compounded when you attempt to navigate the process on your own. Meanwhile, you have medical bills piling up and you may not be getting paid while on leave from work. You can’t afford the time delay that is inherent in the insurance claims process.

You don’t have to put up with the slow, bureaucratic process of dealing with insurance. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make things go much faster when it comes to Los Angeles bicycle accidents.

First Things First

At the time of the accident, if you can, always take pictures of your damaged bike and the surrounding scene, get the other party’s insurance information, and see a doctor right away to document your injuries. Don’t talk about your case with the insurance companies until you consult with an attorney, as whatever you say can be used against you. Point any witnesses to the police. Get the witnesses’ contact information if you can.

Partnering with an Experienced Attorney

Right off the bat, you need to secure yourself a qualified, shrewd attorney with extensive experience in handling bicycle accident cases in Los Angeles. Opting to take on the insurance companies yourself or hiring a cheap, fly-by-night lawyer will get you nowhere in the fight for compensation. The insurance companies have fleets of lawyers at their disposal ready to do battle in the conference room or, if need be, in the court room. They know all the loopholes, know all the tricks, and know how to take advantage of the weak.

They have the best possible lawyers to protect their best interests; so should you. Insurance company lawyers are well known for their stall tactics and will employ any and all ways to deter you from receiving more than a standard payout. This payout very likely won’t cover your ongoing medical issues, time off work, legal fees, and more.

Before you file your claim against the other party at fault, hire an experienced attorney. That’s the best piece of advice we can give you. In fact, as soon as you have received medical attention for your bicycle accident in Los Angeles, you should secure legal representation.

Know the Process

Once you reach out to a qualified attorney, you can better understand your rights and realistic expectations. Not all claims are valid or worth your time. Only a lawyer can determine this. When meeting with your attorney, it’s important to know the details of what to expect with your claim against the other party’s insurance company, such as:

• What the max entitlement under existing law is
• How long the claim may take
• What will be expected of you

A good Los Angeles bicycle attorney will be honest and up front with you about the chances of you winning or settling the case. After this initial discussion with your lawyer, you will have a better idea of what type of monetary compensation you can seek.

Thorough Documentation

Keep detailed notes about the accident and any subsequent contact you have with anyone in regards to your case. That includes your doctor. Keep track of prescriptions you are given. Your attorney will do what he or she can to gather evidence against the other party, as well as information in regards to hazardous road conditions. Your attorney will keep you apprised of all meetings and court dates, so do your best to show up to every single one. Failure to realize the gravity of the situation and miss important deadlines can cause delays or even prevent recovery.

Contact Power Legal Group

After a bicycle accident, you are understandably hurt, confused and looking for justice. It all starts with a phone call to a qualified bicycle accident lawyer in Los Angeles: Power Legal Group. We offer free consultations so call us at 800-323-POWER.