When you have been involved in a bicycle accident, it is completely normal to feel a sense of confusion, fear, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. Many people are unsure of their rights or how to handle insurance companies who may seem helpful at first but often prioritize their own financial interests. At Victory Law Firm P.A, we understand how overwhelming this process can be. We are here to provide support, guidance, and legal representation to ensure that you are not taken advantage of during this critical time. If you are feeling lost or unsure about what to do next, know that you do not have to face it alone.
Attorney - Partner Attorney - Of Counsel
Franklin Domenech, Esq.
William Alexander Corzo, Esq.
Why Insurance Companies Can Be Challenging to Work With
After a bicycle accident, it might seem like the insurance company is on your side. Their representatives may contact you, express concern for your well-being, and offer assistance with your claim. However, it is important to remember that insurance companies operate as businesses, and their goal is to minimize payouts as much as possible. They may ask for recorded statements, request medical records, or offer a quick settlement that may seem helpful at first glance but is often far less than what you deserve.
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the company’s bottom line. They may attempt to downplay your injuries, argue that you were at fault for the accident, or delay processing your claim to pressure you into accepting a low settlement. This is why it is so important to have someone advocating for you during this process. Without an experienced advocate on your side, you risk having your rights overlooked and your claim undervalued.
The Importance of Understanding Your Rights After a Bicycle Accident
Many people do not realize that, as a bicyclist, you have rights similar to other motorists on the road. Florida law requires drivers to exercise caution and yield to bicyclists when necessary. If a driver’s negligence caused your accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Insurance companies may not always clearly explain your rights or the full extent of compensation you are entitled to receive. They may try to persuade you to accept a settlement before you have had a chance to fully understand the scope of your injuries. It is important to take the time to review your case, understand your rights, and seek legal advice before agreeing to any settlement offers.
Highly recommend victory law firm they've been nothing but great and and very presentable if you want to win a case I definitely I give it 5 stars” - Yari Yes Mr. Domenech, Mr. Leon, Miss. Katerina helped me and my family tremendously. They are knowledgeable, professional, laways available and most importantly care about their clients, I would recommend them 100% and more. Endlessly grateful." - Llubikza Kairuz Attorney William Corzo did an excellent job in assisting me with my car accident case. He was thorough and professional and the outcome was great- would definitely recommend him." - Patrick Dollar
How to Protect Yourself When Speaking With Insurance Companies
When you are contacted by an insurance company after a bicycle accident, it is important to be cautious about how you communicate with them. While it may be tempting to provide detailed information right away, doing so could harm your claim. Insurance adjusters often look for ways to use your statements against you, even if you do not realize it at the time.
One key rule is to avoid giving recorded statements. The adjuster may ask for permission to record the conversation, but you have the right to decline. It is also wise to avoid admitting any fault or downplaying your injuries. Even simple statements like “I’m feeling better today” can be misused to argue that your injuries are not serious.
If you are unsure of how to respond to questions from the insurance company, it is best to seek legal guidance. Having someone by your side to handle communications with the insurance company can prevent you from accidentally saying something that could weaken your claim.
Common Tactics Used by Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often use certain tactics to reduce the amount they have to pay on bicycle accident claims. One common strategy is to offer a settlement soon after the accident. While this may seem like a kind gesture, it is often an attempt to resolve the case before you have had a chance to understand the full extent of your injuries. Accepting an early settlement may prevent you from seeking additional compensation later if your injuries turn out to be more severe than initially thought.
Choosing a Car Accident Attorney Personal Injury Case ValueRelated Videos
Another common tactic is to dispute liability. The insurance company may argue that you, as the cyclist, were responsible for the accident. They may claim you were riding outside of a designated bike lane, failed to obey traffic signals, or did not wear protective gear. These arguments are often used to reduce the amount of compensation offered. This is why gathering evidence, such as photographs, witness statements, and police reports, is critical to counter these claims.
Insurance companies may also request access to your medical records. While they have a right to see medical documents related to the accident, they often attempt to access unrelated records to argue that your injuries existed before the accident. It is important to limit the information you share with them and to have legal representation when responding to these requests.
How a Lawyer Can Help You Deal With Insurance Companies
Handling an insurance claim on your own can be stressful and time-consuming, especially if you are recovering from serious injuries. A lawyer can take this burden off your shoulders by managing communications with the insurance company, negotiating a fair settlement, and protecting your legal rights.
An experienced attorney understands how to counter the strategies used by insurance companies. They will calculate the full value of your claim, taking into account not only your current medical bills but also the cost of future treatment, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. By handling these negotiations, an attorney ensures that you do not accept an offer that is less than what you deserve.
Serious Results
If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, a lawyer can take the case to court. This shows the insurance company that you are serious about seeking justice and often results in a more favorable settlement offer. Legal representation is essential to level the playing field and ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the process.
What Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident to Protect Your Case
If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, there are several important steps you can take to protect your case. First, seek medical attention right away, even if you feel fine at the moment. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, and having medical records from the start helps establish the connection between the accident and your injuries.
Next, try to gather as much evidence as possible. This may include taking photos of the accident scene, your bicycle, and your injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information so they can provide statements later if needed. You should also file a police report, as it provides an official record of the incident and may include the other party’s admission of fault.
It is important to avoid discussing the accident on social media. Insurance adjusters often monitor social media accounts for evidence that can be used to dispute your claim. Even a simple post about feeling okay after the accident can be used against you.
Finally, contact an attorney as soon as possible. The earlier you seek legal guidance, the better your chances of building a strong case. Your attorney can help you avoid costly mistakes, gather evidence, and ensure that the insurance company treats your claim with the seriousness it deserves.
What Happens If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim
It is not uncommon for insurance companies to deny claims after bicycle accidents. They may argue that you were at fault, that your injuries are not as severe as you claim, or that the policy does not cover your accident. If this happens, you still have options.
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Your attorney can review the reason for the denial, gather additional evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. In some cases, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit to pursue the compensation you deserve. Having a lawyer by your side increases the likelihood of successfully challenging a denial.
How Our Firm Can Help You Get the Results You Deserve
Dealing with insurance companies after a bicycle accident in Florida can feel like an uphill battle. It is easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you are trying to focus on your recovery at the same time. But you do not have to handle it alone. Our firm is here to help you fight for fair compensation and hold insurance companies accountable.
Our team understands how difficult this experience can be, and we are dedicated to making the process as smooth as possible for you. We will handle the negotiations, gather evidence to strengthen your case, and fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available. We know the tactics that insurance companies use and how to counter them effectively.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, do not let the insurance company pressure you into accepting a settlement that does not cover your full needs. Contact Victory Law Firm P.A. today for a free consultation. We are ready to stand by your side, answer your questions, and fight for the justice you deserve. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing and moving forward.