Approximately 45,000 bike accidents occur throughout the United States annually, either causing injuries or deaths. Unfortunately, serious injuries are often the result when these accidents involve a collision with a vehicle, truck, or another roadway hazard.
Statute of Limitations for Bike Road Accidents
The statute of limitations for reporting bike road accidents in the U.S. changes from one state to another, but you have two years to file a claim in most states. For instance, it is two years in California, whereas, in New York, it is three. However, some exceptions apply, depending on the state:
- If the plaintiff is a minor, the statute of limitations begins at 18 years old.
- In cases where the plaintiff only discovers an injury after some time has passed, the statute of limitations begins after they find out about an injury. In this case, it is often hard to prove the bike accident caused the damage.
- If the defendant is in prison or lives in another state.
- The defendant is temporarily unfit.
- If the plaintiff passes away before the deadline, leaving the representative to file the claim.
- Finally, in most states, the deadline for filing against a public or government agency for the accident is much shorter; in California, it is 180 days and 90 days in New York.
Ensuring a Successful Claim
The steps you take after the bike accident are vital to the outcome of your claim with the at-fault party’s or your insurance:
Call the police to the scene
Even if you aren’t injured, call the police to the scene so that they can document the incident in a report. Ensure the police get your version of the accident and report all your injuries to them, even if they seem minor.
Sometimes your injuries may appear several hours or days after the accident, so it is crucial to identify the at-fault driver and have their contact details.
Often, at-fault drivers accept the blame at the scene, only to retract it later or try to say they weren’t at the place of the accident when it happened. Whatever the driver says later, the police report is essential to your claim.
Having the police arrive at the scene has a further advantage – if the driver of the vehicle is given a ticket for a driving offense, it makes it easier to settle with their insurer.
Collect All Contact Information
You must try and get the at-fault driver’s name, address, and phone number. Also, get the vehicle license number, the driver’s license number, and insurance information.
Get the contact information from witnesses at the scene of the bike road accident because the police report might not include this.
Get Immediate Medical Attention
See a medical doctor or go to emergencies at your local hospital to get medical attention for any injuries, even if they are small. Getting medical attention ensures a record is available of your injuries and their extent. You should also photograph your trauma.
Document The Event
This step can help to ensure you have a record of everything as it happened. When you get home, think about how, where, and when the accident occurred. Write everything down, including details like traffic, weather, and road conditions.
Keep all Evidence
Firstly, take photos of your bike, clothing, helmet, and other damaged property. Don’t attempt to fix your bike or wash the clothes you were wearing. Finally, let only your lawyer access all this evidence, nobody else.
Get Legal Advice
The legal issues that can arise from bike road accidents are complex, so look for an experienced bike accident personal injury lawyer.
Never communicate with any insurance companies because they might try to get you to say something they will later use against you. Instead, leave all communications to your attorney. When dealt with correctly, most personal injury cases are settled before trial.
Your lawyer might suggest hiring a bike accident expert to analyze the accident scene and all other evidence in complex cases.
Last Word
The value of your bike accident claim will depend on several factors, including your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, wage loss, long-term impairments, and both emotional and physical suffering. However, if you miss the filing date in your state, you won’t be able to file and get compensation, even if you deserve it.
