On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | September 8, 2024 | Bicycle Accidents
Around 6,000 bike incidents were reported in Florida in a recent year. To make things more stressful for victims, a good number of bike-related incidents involve hit-and-run drivers. Being injured in a hit-and-run bicycle accident can be a challenging experience, as it leaves you in pain and uncertainty.
Consult with a Port St. Lucie bike accident lawyer to help you determine the proper steps to take immediately after the accident to protect your rights.
What Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident
What you do after a hit-and-run bike accident is very important to ensure you are in the best position to seek compensation. Here are some steps to take after being hurt in a hit-and-run bicycle accident in Florida:
Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your immediate priority should be your safety. Move to a safe location, away from traffic if possible, and assess your injuries. Even if you feel okay, you need to visit a doctor for a comprehensive evaluation. This is because the shock from the accident may mask some injuries, and your condition could worsen over time. Importantly, this medical evaluation will also serve as key evidence of your injuries during the legal actions.
Report the Accident to the Police
Florida law requires you to report a bicycle incident to the police that involves an injury, hit-and-run, loss of life, or $500 worth of damage within 10 days. A police report establishes an official account of the accident. Therefore, be sure to provide a detailed report of the incident to the responding officers.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Even if the at-fault driver is unknown, you should notify your insurance company about the accident. Florida is a no-fault state, so your own insurance may cover some of your treatment expenses and property damage under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage. Be honest in your report, but avoid making unnecessary or inconsistent statements, since they could be used against you later by the insurer.
Contact a Hit-and-Run Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer after a hit-and-run bicycle accident can greatly boost the chances of a fair outcome of your case. In a hit-and-run case, identifying the other driver can be difficult, but your lawyer will work to uncover any available evidence. This could involve interviewing witnesses and engaging with a accident reconstructionist, among other ways.
If the driver is identified, your Port St. Lucie bicycle accident lawyer will file a personal injury lawsuit against them. If the driver remains unknown, they can help you explore the option for uninsured motorist claims. Having a lawyer handle the legal aspects lets you focus on your recovery.
Contact a Port St. Lucie Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you have sustained injuries in a hit-and-run bicycle accident in Port St. Lucie, Florida, you still have options to seek justice. You may, however, must engage a hit-and-run bicycle accident attorney to help explore the options available. At Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa, our legal team has experience handling such cases and is ready to support your claim.
Remember, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case. Contact us today to request a free case evaluation.
Gerald A. Rosenthal
Retired
Since opening the firm now known as Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa more than 40 years ago, Gerald A. Rosenthal has been a dedicated champion of the everyday hero – police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, construction workers, farm workers, and more. Passionate about preserving the civil rights of laborers, he has fought tirelessly against giant insurance companies who deny the injured workers their benefits. It’s not just the lawsuit Rosenthal fights to win – he is driven by the opportunity to restore his client’s quality of life.
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