According to a recent report from the Wall Street Journal, Tampa Bay is one of the most dangerous places for riding a bicycle. In fact, Pinellas County, home to St. Petersburg, was reported as the deadliest of all. With 108 cyclist fatalities in Florida in 2017, that number is only expected to increase. Not every accident ends in a fatality, however. Many victims end up with extensive injuries and benefit from the counsel of experienced injury attorneys.
What to Do If You Are in a Bicycle Accident in St. Petersburg
If you are in an accident while riding your bicycle in St. Petersburg, the first thing you should do is check for injuries and seek medical treatment. As a bicyclist, you are more vulnerable than motorists, so the risk of injury is higher. Even if you don’t believe you have any major injuries, you should still visit a medical professional. It is best to document the treatment you received in case you decide to file a claim.
Gather Evidence
You should also file a police report after the incident. Take care only to report the facts of the case, even if you are angry or stressed by the events. You may say something the at-fault party could use against you. While you are at the scene, take pictures or video of the accident scene, injuries, and property damage. Don’t forget to collect the insurance and contact information for any others involved, including their name, address, phone number, driver’s license info, insurance info, and VIN. It is important to gather contact information for anyone who witnessed the incident as well. If you go to the hospital before you can gather evidence and information, ask a trusted individual or contact your injury attorneys for assistance.
The more evidence you can document from the accident in St. Petersburg, the better your injury attorneys may be able to defend your case if you file a personal injury claim.
Contact Insurance
After you seek treatment and file a police report, the next step is to contact the insurance company of the responsible party and file a claim. Often, the at-fault party’s insurance will concede liability, which means the next step is to determine how much compensation the victim will receive. The insurance company may attempt to settle, but consult your injury attorneys before accepting any settlement or signing any agreement. Accepting a settlement will disqualify you from bringing a claim in the future.
Work with the Injury Attorneys at Berkowitz & Myer
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the injury attorneys at Berkowitz & Myer in St. Petersburg, Florida. Our team can help you understand your legal options as well as help you file your personal injury claim. We will use our experience and skills to help you receive fair compensation. Call us today at (727) 344-0123 or contact us online to schedule a no-cost consultation.
