The pandemic led to a new normal, forever changing Texas and the world at large. It created supply line disruptions, a new standard of work from home, and a shift in buying habits. But it also led to one unfortunate statistic: skyrocketing bike road deaths.
A bicycle accident case can leave someone with serious injuries and a ton of medical bills. It can make them incredibly cynical and skeptical about ever switching their commute for a bike ride. Whatever the case, it’s essential that they file a bicycle accident claim to tie things off.
If you aren’t sure how the claim filing process works, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading as we discuss filing a claim for a bicycle accident injury.
Before You File a Bicycle Accident Claim, Know Your Rights
Bikes in Texas enjoy many of the rights as other motorists. You can ride your bike on the road and take up an entire lane to yourself. But you do not have free reign to do whatever you wish.
For example, the law requires you to wear reflective clothing at night and to use hand turn signals. Also, you cannot ride through an intersection with stopped traffic as in some other states.
All of this is to say that you should contemplate whether you might be at fault in a bicycle accident case. Speak with an accident lawyer to determine whether or not you should press charges.
Make Sure to Gather All Your Bicycle Accident Claim Documents
The key to any successful case is evidence. Evidence comes in many forms: medical documents, dashcam footage, and so on. Your bicycle accident case will have the most success if you assemble anything that could possibly work in your favor.
You may need the help of a lawyer and assembling these documents. They could recommend types of evidence you may not have considered. There is no such thing as too much evidence in your favor.
Meet the Claim Filing Deadline
Your claim will be worthless if you do not file it on time. Give yourself the biggest chance of success by filing ahead of time. You never know what issues may arise along the way that could delay things.
Also, be aware of the statute of limitations. In layman’s terms, this is the legal timeframe in which you must submit a case. If you submit a bicycle accident case long after the statute of limitations, a court will not consider it.
Further, you want to take care of this as soon as possible. The longer you drag things out, the longer the claim will take. And claims already can take quite a while.
Get the Help of McDonald Worley
If you plan to file a bicycle accident claim, keep the above tips in mind. Know first and foremost your rights on the road, and whether or not you may have broken the law. If you have a solid case, then be aware of the deadline and any statute of limitations.
McDonald Worley specializes in injury and accident cases. Call us or fill out our contact form and we’ll give you a free case review.