Riding a bicycle on Maryland’s picturesque country roads or bustling city streets can be an enjoyable way to get around. But what happens when a negligent driver causes a crash and you suffer serious injuries? Dealing with insurance companies in the aftermath can quickly become complicated and frustrating. This article provides tips on navigating the claims process and outlines why it’s critical to have an experienced Maryland bicycle accident lawyer on your side.
Understanding Insurance Claims After a Bicycle Crash
If you are injured by a driver who is at fault in Maryland, their liability insurance company should pay for your medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. But insurance adjusters are focused on minimizing payouts, not making you whole. They may dispute fault, offer lowball settlements, or deny your claim outright.
Negotiating directly with insurers puts you at a disadvantage. Adjusters handle claims every day and know how to manipulate unrepresented victims into accepting less than they deserve. You should never try to negotiate a bicycle crash settlement on your own. Hiring an attorney levels the playing field.
Why You Need an Attorney to Handle Negotiations
Bicycle accident cases involve complex legal and insurance issues. An experienced lawyer understands negligence laws, can prove fault, and knows how to maximize compensation under Maryland statutes. They also bring critical strategic advantages to settlement negotiations, including:
- Determining the full value of your claim – Your attorney will investigate the crash, prove liability, quantify all categories of damages, and negotiate a full and fair settlement based on actual losses under Maryland law.
- Dealing with multiple insurance policies – There may be coverage under the driver’s policy, your own auto or health insurance, homeowners’ insurance, and your employer’s policies. Coordinating multiple carriers is extremely tricky for an individual. An attorney will take on this job to ensure you receive the maximum amount you’re entitled to.
- Disputing unfair offers – Insurers often make unreasonably low initial offers, hoping victims will take the bait. Your lawyer can respond with a comprehensive demand package evidencing full damages.
- Taking legal action if needed – If negotiations stall, a lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit to pursue your claim in court and keep pressure on insurers. This often spurs better settlements to avoid court.
- Negotiating strategically – Experienced attorneys utilize negotiation tactics and leverage to maximize settlements. Without counsel, you won’t understand settlement levers or have leverage.
Without representation, you won’t receive full value. The few thousand dollars an attorney earns could mean tens of thousands more in your pocket.
Key Strategies for Negotiating Bicycle Injury Settlements
An experienced Maryland bicycle accident attorney will strategically negotiate using proven techniques, including:
- Establishing liability – Proving the driver’s fault is the first step. Police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction can help establish negligence.
- Valuing injuries and damages – Documenting medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, permanent impairment, loss of enjoyment of life, and other losses is critical to getting full compensation under Maryland law.
- Sending demand letters – Your lawyer will send a letter outlining all categories of damages, requesting a specific settlement amount, and backing it with evidence and calculations.
- Negotiating patiently – Your lawyer won’t accept lowball offers and will keep communicating with insurers, providing evidence of losses, and negotiating until the insurer makes a fair proposal.
- Threatening litigation – If talks stall, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit and pursue trial to motivate insurers to settle. The risk of a large verdict often brings insurers to the table.
- Involving mediators – Mediation with an experienced neutral third party can help move negotiations forward if they hit an impasse.
- Accepting structured settlements – Larger settlements can be structured over time to provide income streams and protect benefits. Your lawyer can negotiate these.
Having an advocate who knows how to strategically negotiate leveraging all available tools greatly improves your chances of maximizing your settlement.
Why You Should Consult a Maryland Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Maryland bicycle crash, it is strongly recommended to meet with an attorney before talking to any insurance companies. At Monge & Associates, our bicycle accident lawyers offer free, no-obligation consultations to injury victims and their families.
With 32 offices in 19 states, including Maryland, Utah, and Washington, our attorneys have deep experience with Maryland injury laws and dealing with insurers. We will evaluate your case, help you understand your legal options, and start formulating a strategy to recover full and fair compensation.