If you or a loved one were in a bike accident in Kansas City, or anywhere in Kansas or Missouri, you probably have a lot of questions. You may be wondering how to pay your medical bills, recover lost wages or deal with the insurance company.
As you try to figure out what to do next, you may begin wondering if you need help. We always recommend that accident victims and their families consult with a Kansas City bike accident attorney, but hiring an attorney is not necessary in every case.
For instance, in cases with small property damage or minimal medical bills, you may be able to resolve your claim on your own. However, in cases with more serious injuries or damages, an experienced bike accident attorney can help guide you through the legal process after such a traumatic experience.
Signs You May Need Our Kansas City Bike Accident Attorney
If any of the following applies to your case, it's likely that you will benefit from hiring an experienced bike accident attorney in Kansas City.
1. You have injuries that require significant medical treatment. If you suffered injuries after the bike accident and your medical care costs more than a few thousand dollars, it probably makes sense to at least consult with a bike accident attorney before settling your claim. If more serious injuries resulted, such as broken bones, a brain injury, a neck or spinal cord injury, you should certainly consider hiring a bike accident attorney. An experienced bike accident attorney should review your case and ensure that your rights are protected and you are able to recover fair compensation.
2. The driver of the car that hit you denies fault. Unfortunately, even if the driver of a car caused the accident, he or she may deny or outright lie about liability. In these situations, an attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to support your claim. This is especially important because, if you are unable to prove that the driver caused the accident, your legal right to recover compensation will be limited or even barred.
3. You suffered substantial lost income or are unable to work due to your injuries. Economic losses like lost wages or lost future earnings capacity can be significant components of a personal injury claim after a bike accident. To prove these losses, you may need documentation from your employer or even the engagement of economists and experts in the field to value the loss of your future earnings. An experienced bike accident attorney can help prepare your claim so that you receive fair treatment from the insurance company.
4. You have significant injuries, pain, suffering or permanent disability. In any of these situations, there is a lot at stake. An experienced bike accident attorney can help evaluate your injuries and obtain experts and medical documentation to support future care and lost earnings in order to maximize the value of your claim. You only have one chance to recover the compensation that you deserve after an accident, so you want to make sure that you do everything you can to protect your rights.
Think Twice Before You Sign a Release
A final word of warning. Be careful if you have received a quick settlement offer from the insurance company, or if the insurance company is pressuring you to sign a settlement release agreement or other documents. If the insurance company is pressuring you to sign forms or accept their first offer, it is likely that they see risk and exposure in your claim.
Our experienced bike accident attorney can help you evaluate their settlement offer to make sure it is fair and the documents that they are proposing that you sign. Once you settle your claim and sign a release, you cannot go back and ask for more money later, even if your injuries or condition worsen.
Call Our Kansas City Bike Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, our Kansas City bike accident attorney can help you through the complex medical and legal issues that can arise. Call our experienced Kansas City bike accident attorney today at 816-203-0143 for a free, no obligation consultation.
We have helped many injured victims of accidents throughout Kansas and Missouri and can offer guidance and information as to next steps to take to protect your rights.
