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Bicycle Accident Case Mistakes

Check out this video to learn about the common bicycle accident case mistakes made in Florida. Then call Norden Leacox for a legal consultation.

Question:

What are some common bicycle accident case mistakes that people make?

Answer:

One of the most important topics that I discuss frequently with clients is the mistakes that others have made in the past regarding bicycle accident claims here in Orlando. There are numerous mistakes that are made. Probably the largest one is that they fail to seek medical treatment when they’re injured. By waiting to seek medical treatment or not seeking it at all, they let the problem fester. It also prevents them from getting the medical treatment they need to improve.

The number two mistake is they talk to the insurance company and give a recorded statement before speaking with a lawyer. That is a huge mistake, as the insurance company is not your friend. They are not there to protect you. They are there to protect their insured. They’re there to protect their money and their bottom line.

The third mistake I see frequently is that they fail to contact a lawyer at all and try to resolve the matter themselves. Again, the insurance companies are extremely experienced in negotiating these claims. Their job is to settle these cases for the least amount of money possible. Most people don’t deal with insurance companies on a daily basis. They don’t negotiate with them. They haven’t seen hundreds or thousands of cases to know the true value of these cases. That’s why it’s extremely important to hire a knowledgeable, educated, and experienced trial attorney— someone that has evaluated these cases for years and can fight the insurance companies because they know the true value of the claims.

The extent of the injuries will impact the value of the case is the most important— and not just the physical injuries, but the emotional, the mental injuries, the pain and suffering, and how long they last. If someone makes a quick recovery and has a minor injury, obviously the value is going to be lower. On the other hand, if someone has a permanent injury, something that’s going to be life-long, that they’re going to experience for the rest of their life, that obviously has significant value. All of these injuries are factored in.

Other areas to look at when determining the value of the case include whether there was time missed from work. Are there lost wages? Is it going to impact your ability to obtain work in the future? Are you going to have a future lost wage claim? Then, we get into other factors such as comparative fault. Who is completely at fault? Is there any percentage of liability that’s going to be attributed to the client? If so, this obviously would then reduce the value of the claim.

Because all of these factors are unique to every single case, it’s important to hire a knowledgeable and experienced trial lawyer. We are here to help, should you have any questions regarding your bicycle accident claim.

Were you or a loved one involved in a cycling accident in Orlando and have questions about common bicycle accident case mistakes? Contact our experienced Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.