the Compensation and Justice You Deserve
Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents
In Newport Beach, bicyclists can comfortably ride throughout the city year-round. But the sheer number of days cyclists spend on the road alone makes them more likely to be involved in a serious accident. While we’d all like to believe that a driver who strikes a cyclist will stop to help, the horrible reality is that drivers often speed off after striking a cyclist. This leaves many cyclists with the incorrect impression that there is nothing they can do to ensure that they receive financial compensation for medical bills, lost work days, and other losses. If you are in a hit-and-run situation, don’t lose hope. Working with a Newport Beach hit-and-run bicycle accident attorney like Jamal Injury Law P.C. is the best way to get the justice you deserve.
What to Do After a Hit-and-RunAfter a hit-and-run accident, far too many victims do nothing because they think there is no way to recover compensation for their injuries or to locate the driver who struck them. Often, people fail to seek essential medical attention because they are worried about the costs.
There are several steps you can take if you are struck while driving to protect yourself and ensure that your legal rights are upheld. First, call the police and file a police report. The police will collect the names and contact information of any witnesses who may have seen something you didn’t.
Your next step should be to get medical treatment. You may have a serious internal injury that is externally visible. Get prompt medical care at an emergency room, even if you are unsure whether your injuries are serious. By getting medical help right away, you’ll be able to detect any life threatening injuries and have documentation of your injuries that you can use to support your case.
Once you have been cleared by your doctor, your next step is to visit a hit-and-run bicycle accident lawyer in Newport Beach. It’s a good idea to choose a local firm like Jamal Injury Law P.C. because a local firm will have experience with cases like yours in the area.
How a Lawyer Can HelpA good lawyer will be able to help you in a variety of ways to ensure that you are financially covered for medical bills and other losses. First, they will do a thorough investigation to find the driver of the vehicle that struck you. They can also help you file an uninsured motorist claim through your insurance company.
Because today’s world is so technologically advanced, a key part of the investigation for law enforcement and your legal team will involve gathering witness statements, cell phone or camera footage, footage from street cameras, and security surveillance from businesses. All of this evidence will be of great help to the police as they work to find the hit-and-run driver.
A good Newport Beach hit-and-run accident lawyer will work closely with the police and frequently provide you with updates on your case. They will also advise you on next steps to take if the driver is located.
Uninsured Motorist InsuranceDepending on the language in the car insurance policy, cyclists who are victims of hit-and-run accidents may be compensated through their own uninsured motorist insurance. It surprises many people to learn that this type of insurance , in certain instances, can be used when you are not driving your car, but some policies, depending on their language, will pay for hit-and-run injuries sustained while on your bike.
Even if your uninsured motorist insurance covers your injuries, however, it is sometimes still necessary to work with a lawyer. Insurance companies often underpay in an attempt to save money. It is also possible that your policy may not cover certain costs you are legally entitled to recover. Working with a lawyer provides you access to an expert who can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact UsIf you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident, Jamal Injury Law P.C. can help. Our experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers serving Newport Beach have successfully fought for the rights of many injured cyclists. Consultations are free and will give you a sense of your rights, the types of compensation you are entitled to, and whether or not you have a case.
Get in touch with us today at 714-907-1021.