If you’ve been injured in a cycling accident in Charleston, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. You may be wondering if you need to call a lawyer, and if so, why.
Here are four reasons you should call a lawyer after a cycling accident.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation
If you’ve been injured in a cycling accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You will need to find personal injury lawyers in North Charleston to help you navigate the legal system and get the compensation you deserve. Not only this, but the local attorneys know the ins and outs of the local law and can give you the best chance of winning your case.
Additionally, if the accident was caused by poor road conditions, you may have a case against the city. For example, if there was a pothole or debris on the road that caused you to crash, you may be able to sue the city for negligence.
This sort of case can be complex, so it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. The compensation you can usually expect to receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, how much work you missed because of the accident, and other factors.
You May Need to File a Police Report
If the other driver doesn’t stop or exchange information, you may need to file a police report. This is especially important if you want to file an insurance claim or sue the other driver. An experienced lawyer can help you file the police report and gather evidence to support your case.
For instance, if there are witnesses to the accident, your lawyer will know how to get their contact information and take their statements. If there’s video footage of the accident, your lawyer will know how to get it and use it as evidence.
On the other hand, if you try to handle the case on your own, you can face many obstacles in getting all the documents and evidence you need. The police report can be complicated, and you may not know how to get witnesses’ statements or video footage.
Hit-and-run cases tend to be more complex than other personal injury cases, so it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side.
You May Need to Negotiate With the Insurance Company
If the other driver has insurance, you will likely need to deal with their insurance company. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not on your side and will try to minimize the amount they pay out on claims. This is because they are in business to make money, not to help accident victims.
Additionally, insurance companies will often try to get you to settle your claim quickly and for a low amount. If you accept their offer, you will waive your right to sue the other driver or get more money later on. Luckily, your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and will know how to deal with their tactics and fight for the compensation you deserve.
On the other hand, your insurance company may try to lowball you on your claim as well. This is especially common if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
You May Need to Go to Court
If you can’t reach an agreement with the other driver or their insurance company, you may need to go to court. This is usually a last resort, but it may be necessary to get the compensation you deserve.
Even if you don’t end up going to trial, the threat of litigation can be enough to get the other side to take your case seriously and offer a fair settlement. If you try to handle the case on your own, the other side may not take you as seriously and may lowball you on any settlement offer.
Additionally, if you do need to go to trial, it’s important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. Trials can be complex, and you will need someone who knows how to present your case and argue in court. Of course, you always have the option to settle your case before it goes to trial.
No matter what, if you’ve been involved in a road crash while cycling in Charleston, SC, it’s important to call an experienced lawyer. They can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve and will know how to deal with the other driver, their insurance company, and the court system.
