Riding a bike can help keep your heart healthy and give you an enjoyable alternative to driving when you want to run to the corner market or commute to your nearby workplace. However, while bicycling can be fun, it also presents the danger of being struck by a vehicle while crossing a street or biking in traffic. An incident like this can be even more stressful if the driver does not stop after striking you. If you were injured in such an accident, there are several reasons why hiring an attorney may be to your advantage.
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1. Clear Planning
After you are injured in a hit-and-run bicycle accident, it can be difficult to know how to proceed. This can be especially frustrating if you have serious injuries that keep you hospitalized. An attorney can consult with you at the hospital or therapy center, giving you peace of mind that your case is moving forward. He or she can also advise you about your options, give you information on hit-and-run laws in your state and what can be done until the driver of the vehicle is found.
2. Proper Gathering of Information
Building a court case includes the gathering of valuable information, such as contacting witnesses to your accident. However, this can be challenging if you have injuries that affect your mobility. When you hire an attorney, he or she can locate and speak to witnesses, some of whom may be able to provide valuable information, such as the make and color of the vehicle that struck you. Your attorney may also work to find witnesses that did not come forward initially or who did not leave their information at the crime scene.
3. Professional Investigation
It can be difficult to gain compensation for your injuries when you do not know the identity of the person who hit you. An attorney can work with witnesses and law enforcement to find the individual, allowing you to recover with greater peace of mind. It is important that you provide your lawyer with as much information as possible, but avoid exaggeration or embellishment about how the vehicle collided with your bike.
4. Efficient Gathering of Information
When you are injured in a hit-and-run bike accident, broken bones and head trauma can make it difficult to gather the information you need to build a court case, should the driver be caught. An attorney can complete much of this work for you, keeping data organized as he or she strengthens your court case.
5. Settlement Assistance
If a commercial vehicle is responsible for your accident, the company may attempt to settle out of court. If you were seriously injured, you may not be in the proper state of mind to fight for a fair settlement. A personal injury lawyer can represent your interests and protect you from a guilty party who wants to settle for much less than you deserve.
Being involved in a hit-and-run bike accident can change your life forever. Having an attorney on your side can help you build a strong court case and protect your interests, no matter the extent of your injuries.
