Auto insurance covers bicycle accidents when the insured driver was at fault. If you got hit by an insured driver who was speeding, driving recklessly, distracted, or drunk behind the wheel, an experienced Birmingham bicycle accident attorney can help you file a claim and seek just compensation for your accident-related losses.
All drivers in Alabama must carry liability insurance. This type of insurance covers victims’ financial and non-financial losses when an insured driver causes a collision.
While liability insurance covers other drivers and passengers, it also covers cyclists. As a result, if you were injured in a collision while riding your bicycle, you may be entitled to just compensation. To make sure you do everything necessary to seek the full compensation you deserve, consult an experienced Birmingham bicycle accident attorney promptly.
How Do You File an Insurance Claim After a Bicycle Accident in Alabama?
Filing an insurance claim after a bicycle accident in Alabama is a multi-step process. To seek the financial compensation you deserve, you will need to:
- Gather evidence that proves the driver who hit you was at fault in the accident;
- Gather evidence that proves you suffered your injuries in the accident;
- Submit your claim to the at-fault driver’s insurance company;
- Calculate the compensation you are entitled to receive for your accident-related losses; and
- Navigate the insurance claims process while making sure you do not settle for less than you deserve.
Gathering evidence of fault involves conducting an on-scene investigation. Depending on the circumstances, it may also involve gathering evidence through various other means. Once you hire an experienced Birmingham bicycle accident attorney, your attorney can take the steps necessary to prove you are entitled to coverage.
With that said, you will also play an important role in the process. From getting the medical treatment you need (which will help prove the cause of your injuries) to documenting the day-to-day effects of your injuries (which will help prove the compensation you are entitled to receive), you will need to do your part to establish your claim for damages. Your attorney can walk you through everything you need to know and help if you have questions along the way.
What if the Insurance Company Says Your Bicycle Accident was Your Fault?
One reason why it’s important to work with an experienced attorney after a bicycle accident is that the insurance companies are not on your side. If you file an insurance claim related to your bicycle accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will try to avoid paying by all legal means available.
For example, a common tactic that insurance companies use in bicycle accident cases is to blame riders for their own injuries. Under Alabama law, if you are even one percent at fault in a bicycle accident, you are not entitled to any compensation for your accident-related losses. As a result, accusations that you were at fault are serious, and you will need clear evidence showing the at-fault driver was solely responsible for the collision.
Should You Accept a Check from the Driver’s Insurance Company After a Bicycle Accident?
If you receive a check from the driver’s insurance company after a bicycle accident, you need to be very careful. While it may be safe to cash the check, it may not be.
In this scenario, you need to know whether the check represents a partial payment or is intended as a full settlement of your insurance claim. If it represents a partial payment (i.e., to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your bicycle), accepting the check should be fine. However, if the insurance company is trying to settle your claim, accepting the check could waive your right to seek additional compensation.
FAQs: Seeking Full Compensation for Injuries from a Bicycle Accident
Am I entitled to full compensation if I got hit by a negligent driver while riding my bicycle?
If a negligent driver hits you while you’re riding your bicycle, you are entitled to just compensation under Alabama law. Negligent drivers can (and should) be held accountable, and seeking accountability typically involves filing a claim with a negligent driver’s insurance company.
How do I prove that my bicycle accident was the driver’s fault?
Proving that your bicycle accident was the driver’s fault involves gathering evidence of liability. This could include evidence from the crash site (i.e., tire marks or debris) and from other sources (i.e., traffic camera footage or the driver’s cell phone records). An experienced bicycle accident attorney can determine what evidence is available and take the steps needed to collect it for your insurance claim.
Should I hire an attorney to help with my insurance claim after a bicycle accident?
Yes, if you were injured in a bicycle accident, you should hire an experienced local attorney promptly. From gathering evidence of liability to calculating the compensation you are entitled to for your present and future losses, filing an insurance claim requires experienced legal representation.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
At Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers, LLC, we help victims recover after serious accidents. If you were injured in a bike accident, we can help ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve. We can handle the at-fault driver’s insurance company while you focus on recovery, and we can provide the advice you need to feel confident in your decisions throughout the insurance claims process.
Talk to a Birmingham Bicycle Accident Attorney for Free
To discuss your insurance claim with an experienced Birmingham bicycle accident attorney, contact us today. Call 205-855-2745 or inquire online to arrange a free consultation.