Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience, but following the right course of action afterward can significantly impact your ability to recover both physically and financially. If you are unsure what to do after a bicycle accident in Mankato, speak with a bicycle wreck attorney who can provide compassionate legal guidance.
Your lawyer will work to establish negligence on the part of the driver or other responsible parties, demonstrating how they failed in their duty of care to you as a cyclist. This is crucial for securing compensation for your damages.
If you are involved in a bicycle crash in Mankato, you can take action in the immediate aftermath to ensure your well-being and safeguard your legal rights.
If you are able and it is safe to do so, move yourself and your bicycle out of the immediate path of traffic.
Assess your physical condition and the condition of any other involved parties.
Report the accident immediately, and request medical assistance if needed.
Document the accident scene, including your bike, any other vehicles involved, visible injuries, and the surrounding conditions, such as weather, road hazards, and traffic signs.
Obtain the names and contact information of anyone who saw what happened.
Get the driver’s name, contact information, insurance details, and vehicle information, including license plate, make, and model.
Refrain from admitting fault or speculating about the cause of the accident at the scene.
Visit a doctor even if you initially feel fine, as injuries such as concussions or internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent.
Ensure law enforcement creates an official report, as this can be crucial for your claim.
Seek legal advice from an experienced attorney, especially if you sustained significant injuries or have doubts about how to navigate the process.
A lawyer can help you understand the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our legal team, which is based in Mankato but serves surrounding areas, can help you pursue compensation, potentially resulting in a settlement or a judgment in court.
Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means that if you are injured in a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, your medical bills and related expenses are first covered through Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits under an auto insurance policy. If you have your own car insurance, your PIP coverage applies. If you do not own a car, you may still be covered under a family member’s policy. If no household coverage is available, you can then turn to the at-fault driver’s insurance for benefits. The minimum PIP coverage in Minnesota is $20,000 for medical expenses and $20,000 for nonmedical expenses, such as lost wages and replacement services.
If your medical bills and other damages meet what is known as a “tort threshold” after a Mankato cycling accident, you can proceed to bring a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. This is commonly met by incurring at least $4,000 in medical bills (with some exclusions) or suffering a permanent injury.
You do not have to navigate the aftermath of a bicycle accident alone. Hiring an experienced lawyer can provide you with the legal representation you need to protect your rights and obtain the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages.
Our legal team can explain what to do after a bicycle accident in Mankato so that you understand the legal options available and how to proceed. Contact Maschka Personal Injury today to request your free consultation.
