Orland Park Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicycle/Vehicle Collision Injury Attorney in Orland Park

Bicyclists are at high risk for injury because they are basically riding the least protected vehicle on the road. If you have been injured riding a bicycle and that accident was caused due to the negligence of another person or as a result of a defective mechanical part, you may be eligible to receive compensation for any medical and outpatient treatment costs, pain and suffering, lost wages and other expenses that may be associated with the injury.

Michael J. Brennan is an experienced bicycle injury lawyer in Orland Park, who represents victims of accidents in the Cook county region and across Illinois. Call our office today, and schedule a free case evaluation with our lawyers.

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WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER A BICYCLE INJURY?

Most people don’t know what to do after a bicycle accident. People are usually not thinking clearly, or they may be in shock or injured. If someone is hurt, of course, call the ambulance. If you are not sure if someone needs medical care, err on the side of caution.

• Get Basic Information – If the bicycle injury was caused by a collision with another vehicle, then it is important to get the information about the other person and vehicle; names, insurance information, and license plate number. If you are unable to, then ask someone else to gather this information for you. You will need this basic information in order to report the accident to the police and in order to learn what insurance company you may have insurance benefits through.
• Report Accident to the Police – Wait for the police to arrive. They will interview any witnesses and may issue a ticket against the person who caused the accident. The police investigation will hopefully preserve information about how the accident happened which can be used later in court.
• Go To the Doctor – It is a good idea to go to the hospital after an accident, especially if you have hit your head. Tell your doctor about all of your symptoms and how severe they are. In a settlement or lawsuit, the insurance company may try to use your clinical records against you and argue that a lack of medical notations is proof that your injuries are minor or not related to the accident.

PURSUING COMPENSATION FOR A BICYCLE INJURY

If negotiations with the insurance company do not result in a settlement that is in your best interest, you should file a lawsuit. This complicates things however, and it is important to seek professional legal guidance at every step of the way. Do not, under any circumstance, agree to the first settlement offer by the insurance company. This is the start of a negotiations and the payout will likely be higher if you are guided by an experienced bicycle accident lawyer.

In order to increase your chances for compensation, gather evidence. Follow the steps above if possible, otherwise make a complete documentation of all of the injuries that you have suffered, and carefully document all of the expenses and losses that you have suffered as a result of the accident. This includes medical bills, transportation expenses to and from the hospital, lost wages, and other financial expenses. This will help you arrive at an appropriate compensation figure that can help cover all of your losses as a result of the accident.

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED BICYCLE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Whether you have suffered an accident with moderate injuries, or whether your accident has resulted in more serious injuries like spinal injuries or head injuries, contact our law firm for an initial evaluation of your case.

Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a very traumatic experience. The last thing that you want to do, however, is to quickly agree to a settlement with the insurance company. Remember, a settlement is permanent, and if it is too low to offset many of the potential financial difficulties you can expect in the future, you may be financially devastated for the rest of your life.

Michael J. Brennan’s personal injury law practice was founded in Chicago in 1995, and over the past two decades, our firm has represented several victims of motorcycle accidents across Illinois. Call our firm today, and get a free evaluation of your case.