Every year in North Carolina, about 1,000 people on bicycles are hit by cars. These crashes can cause serious injuries or even death. Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always treat these victims fairly. Instead of helping, they often try to avoid paying money to cover the damage.
Here are four common tricks insurance companies use to avoid paying, and how a bicycle crash attorney can help you.
Blaming the Cyclist
In North Carolina, if a cyclist is even a little bit at fault for the crash, they might not get any money at all.
Insurance companies know this and try to blame the biker, even for small things like not using a hand signal or riding too close to the edge of the road. They may even twist your words to make you seem careless.
A good bicycle accident attorney can gather the facts and fight back to prove the driver was the one at fault, using expert witnesses and strong legal strategies.
Saying Your Injuries Aren’t That Bad
Sometimes, insurance companies say your injuries aren’t serious or try to argue that they happened before the crash ever occurred. They might even send you to a doctor who works for them. They do this so they can offer less money.
But a bicycle crash attorney will help prove that your injuries are real and were caused by the accident by using medical records, tests, and professional opinions that support your claim.
Offering a Small Settlement
Insurance companies often try to settle cases quickly by offering a small amount of money. They know you might be struggling to pay medical bills or missing work.
They hope you’ll take the money and not ask questions. But those low offers usually aren’t enough to cover everything.
An attorney can help you figure out how much your case is really worth and make sure you get the full amount you need for medical bills, future care, and lost income.
Delaying the Process
Insurance companies sometimes stall on purpose. They hope you’ll get tired of waiting and take a low offer just to be done with it. They may ignore your calls or take weeks to respond.
A bicycle accident attorney knows how to keep things moving and push for a faster resolution by applying legal pressure and following up regularly to avoid delays.
4 Reasons to Hire a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Legal proceedings can be complex to navigate, especially in accident cases. A bicycle accident attorney can help you claim the insurance money you deserve.
They Can Prove You Weren’t at Fault
Because of North Carolina’s strict laws, showing that you didn’t cause the crash is super important. A lawyer will collect evidence like photos, witness statements, and expert opinions to help prove your case. They can also work with investigators to recreate the scene and clear your name.
They Get You More Money
Attorneys know how to calculate all the ways the crash has affected your life, like medical bills, lost wages, pain, and future care. This helps make sure you get the full amount you deserve. They also include hidden costs like therapy, home care, and emotional stress.
They Know About Extra Coverage
Even if the driver who hit you doesn’t have enough insurance, a lawyer might find other ways to get you paid, like using your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. They’ll review all your policies to make sure you don’t miss out on extra money you’re entitled to.
You Don’t Pay Unless You Win
Most personal injury attorneys don’t charge anything upfront. They only get paid if you do. That means there’s no risk to you in getting legal help. You can focus on healing while they fight hard to win your case.
The End Note
Biking is healthy and eco-friendly, but unsafe drivers make it risky. If you're injured, don't face insurance experts alone—get the skilled support you deserve.
A trusted bicycle crash attorney can stand up for your rights, make sure you're treated fairly, and help you get the support you need to recover.
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