A bicycle crash can upend your life in seconds. Beyond the physical pain, you may face costly medical bills, time away from work, and an insurance system that feels impossible to navigate alone. That’s why understanding how to file a claim after a bicycle accident is so important.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., we know how devastating a bicycle crash can be. Our attorneys have over 30 years of combined experience representing injured cyclists across New Jersey and have achieved significant results for our clients. We help individuals like you take the proper steps early and pursue compensation under the law.
Here’s a complete guide on how to file a bicycle accident claim.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Injury
Knowing what to do immediately after a bicycle accident can make a significant difference in your recovery and in the strength of your legal claim. Follow these steps to safeguard your well-being and establish a solid foundation for a strong personal injury claim.
Call 911
After any bicycle accident involving a vehicle or resulting in injury, it’s essential to call 911 immediately. Emergency responders will treat injuries and secure the scene. The police will file an official report that includes details such as the time, location, parties involved, and witness statements.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, it is essential to get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Some conditions, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage, may not show symptoms right away.
Seeking treatment promptly helps with your recovery and creates medical documentation linking your injuries to the crash. This record will support your injury claim and demonstrate the accident’s impact on your health.
Collect Photos and Video
Visual evidence can play a crucial role in establishing how the accident occurred and determining who was at fault. If you’re able, take photos and videos of the following:
- Crash site,
- Damage to your bike and the vehicle,
- Visible injuries,
- Road conditions,
- Traffic signs, and
- Skid marks.
These images can help illustrate the events surrounding the crash and highlight contributing factors, such as poor visibility, driver negligence, or inadequate signage. Be sure to store backups of the footage in multiple locations to prevent loss.
Save Your Medical Records
Keep copies of all medical records, including ER visits, physician reports, imaging scans, prescriptions, and physical therapy summaries. These documents help demonstrate the severity and nature of your injuries, the treatment received, and the associated costs of care.
Insurance companies and opposing attorneys will scrutinize this information closely when assessing your claim. Staying organized will help your legal team build a more complete picture of your damages.
Order the Police Report
Request a copy of the police report from the local department that investigated your accident. The report may contain the officer’s description of the scene, statements from both parties, witness names, and sometimes a preliminary opinion on fault.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Notify your own auto or health insurance company about the accident, even if you weren’t driving at the time. Reporting promptly helps avoid claim denial for delayed notice. Keep your communication factual and avoid speculation or statements about fault. Let your attorney handle the negotiation and liability discussions.
Hire a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Hiring an experienced lawyer is one of the most critical steps in protecting your rights after a crash. An attorney can handle every aspect of the insurance and injury claim process, determining all potential sources of compensation. They’ll also ensure you meet all deadlines under New Jersey law and guide you through how to correctly file a claim after a bicycle accident, from start to finish.
The Bicycle Injury Claim Process
Once you’ve hired a lawyer, they will initiate the legal process of pursuing compensation for your injuries. The steps below describe what your attorney will typically handle on your behalf.
Review the Evidence
Your attorney will start by thoroughly reviewing all available evidence related to the accident. This evidence includes medical records, police reports, photographs, witness statements, and any video surveillance or dashcam footage.
In complex cases, they may consult accident reconstruction experts to clarify how the crash occurred. The goal is to establish a clear understanding of who is at fault and document the resulting damages.
Formulate a Demand Letter
Once your attorney has compiled all necessary documentation, they will draft and send a formal demand letter to the insurance company. This letter outlines the facts of the case, details your injuries and losses, and includes a request for compensation. The demand letter serves as a starting point for negotiations and demonstrates to the insurer that your case is being taken seriously.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but your attorney will work to counter low offers and fight for fair compensation. They will present the evidence gathered to demonstrate the value of your claim. Many cases settle during this phase, avoiding the need for a lawsuit.
File a Claim in Court
If negotiations stall or result in an inadequate offer, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file suit. Filing a claim shows the insurance company that you are serious about pursuing fair compensation and helps preserve your right to recovery before the statute of limitations expires.
Go to Court If Necessary
If your case proceeds to trial, your attorney will represent you in court and present the evidence to a judge or jury. They will argue your case, cross-examine witnesses, and seek to prove the other party’s fault and your damages. While most bicycle accident claims settle before trial, having a skilled litigator can make a significant difference.
Let Us Help You File a Bicycle Accident Claim
Filing a bicycle accident claim is rarely straightforward, especially when insurers try to minimize your injuries or shift blame. Having experienced legal counsel ensures that you’re not left to navigate a complex system alone.
At Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C., our team has earned the trust of injury victims across New Jersey for our tenacity, responsiveness, and ability to take on even the most complex claims. We don’t hand off cases to assistants or treat clients like files. We take a hands-on approach from consultation to resolution.
Our attorneys will stand by you every step of the way. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
David Pierguidi and Jared Glugeth understand how hard it may be for you and your family following an accident resulting from someone’s negligent actions. Get the medical treatment you need right away and then call our law firm at any time of day for answers to your questions.
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