If you were injured in a bicycle accident in Texas, you should seek medical treatment right away. Even if you believe that you have no injuries, you should still see a doctor to undergo a complete medical examination.
A complete medical evaluation will allow your physician to identify any injuries related to the bicycle accident. If no injuries are found, you should monitor your physical condition over the next few days. If you discover any signs of injury, then seek medical assistance right away and contact D. Miller.
You should consult your doctor if you experience any of the following pain or suffering:
- Joint or muscle tension
- Headaches or dizziness
- Pain along the spinal column
- Pain in the shoulders or neck
- Tingling or numbness
- Pain in or around the abdomen
- Emotional distress
What Documents Should I Provide to Establish My Injuries Were Accident-Related?
You should document all injuries and damages as soon as the accident occurs. Keep careful records of all legal, financial, and medical documents throughout your recovery.
Documentation should cover the following:
The Scene of the Accident
If you are physically able, take photos of the scene of the accident, including any damage to your bicycle, and any immediate injuries to your body. Try to gather information from the at-fault party such as name, contact information, and insurance information.
While You Are in the Waiting Room
Take pictures to document any bruises, scrapes, or other visible injuries. Document any pain or other symptoms.
After Your Initial Hospital Visit
Once you visit the doctor, keep careful records of the emergency room and hospitalization medical bills, as well as all your medical expenses, bills, and receipts.
Follow Up Care
Document any pain you may feel in the days or weeks after the injury. If you notice any additional pain or discomfort, inform your doctor right away and schedule follow up care as needed.
Should I Contact My Insurance Company After the Accident?
Yes, you should contact your insurance company after your accident regardless of who is at fault. When you speak with an agent, you should provide the following information:
- The facts of the bicycle accident (avoid assigning or accepting blame)
- Date and time the accident occurred
- What caused the accident
- The at-fault party’s contact and insurance information
- Contact information of law enforcement who arrived on the scene
What Should I Avoid Discussing With My Insurance Company?
Avoid contacting the at-fault’s insurance company immediately after the accident occurred. You should wait until you are emotionally stable, and a physician has diagnosed your injuries.
Avoid discussing the following details with your insurance company:
- Taking the blame for the accident
- Your medical condition
- Establishing liability for the accident
- Negotiating a settlement
- Making an official statement
- Whether you have legal representation
You should also avoid submitting any documents such as police reports, medical records, or any evidence until you have consulted a bicycle accident attorney.
How Do I Establish Liability for My Damages?
If you decide to file a claim and pursue recovery for your damages, you must establish that another party was liable for your injuries. This can be done in the following ways:
Submit Evidence of Liability
You can provide the following evidence to support your claim of liability:
- Accident or police report
- Eyewitness testimony
- Photographs
- Video surveillance
- Medical records
- Proof of lost wages
- Expert witness testimony
Expert Witness Testimony
You can contact medical experts, accident reconstruction experts, and other expert witnesses who can testify about the cause of your accident or the effects of your injuries.
How Can a Bicycle Accident Attorney Help Me With My Case?
A bicycle accident lawyer can go over the facts of the case and answer your questions. A lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement, or, if necessary, help you file a lawsuit. An attorney can engage with all involved parties and act on your behalf through the legal process.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim in Texas?
Under Texas law, accident victims have just two years to file a personal injury case, as outlined in the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Title 2 § 16.033.
As an accident victim, the statute of limitations in Texas means if you fail to file your claim within two years, you may be unable to recover damages for your injuries.
Seek Legal Help From a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you do not have to face the legal process alone. D. Miller & Associates, PLLC may be able to help you file a claim and seek recovery for your injuries and other damages.
Call our legal team today at 713-850-8600.
Related Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Texas Have a Statute Of Limitations For Personal Injury Claims?
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- What Is a Deposition & How Do They Affect Personal Injury Cases?
- How Long Do I Have to Report a Car Accident to Insurance in Texas?
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