Washington state offers the ideal backdrop for cyclists. Many of the state’s major cities include bike-friendly roadways that aim to keep cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists safe. Unfortunately, biking accidents happen, and victims can suffer serious injuries that require lengthy and costly recoveries. If you’ve been injured in a biking accident in the Vancouver or Camas area, you have the right to seek compensation to assist with your medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses stemming from the incident. Here are some tips for getting started.
Seeking the Medical Attention You Need
It’s crucial to seek medical attention right away for the injuries you sustained in the biking accident. Even if you don’t think your injuries require immediate attention, you should still make an appointment with a doctor soon after the accident to look out for any harder-to-detect conditions, such as traumatic brain injuries. Visiting a physician will also create a paper trail of your injuries; these documents can be used to build a strong and effective personal injury claim once you decide to pursue compensation. If your treatment requires follow-up appointments or ongoing therapy, make sure you follow through with all of these recommendations.
Assessing Your Insurance Coverage
One of the confusing aspects of pursuing compensation following a biking accident is understanding which insurance company to contact. While your first instinct may be to contact the responsible party’s insurance company to seek payment, Washington state requires drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 in liability insurance coverage—which may not be enough to cover all of the damages. However, your auto insurance policy includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which also covers cycling accidents. Depending on your situation and the extent of your injuries, you may be able to collect the compensation you need from a combination of both sources.
Ask a Trusted Vancouver Accident Attorney to Assist You
The last thing you want to do while you focus on your physical recovery is to battle with insurance companies. Remember, insurance companies will do whatever they can to pay you as little as possible, so conversations with insurance adjusters are often difficult and frustrating. When you enlist the guidance of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, you can trust that they will negotiate a fair outcome on your behalf. Your attorney will work closely with you to understand the specifics of your situation so that they can help you obtain the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
If you’ve suffered an injury from an auto or biking accident in the Vancouver or Camas area, contact the compassionate personal injury attorneys at Henderson Taylor Law Firm today at (360) 737-1478.
