Compensation for Bike Accident Victims in Hawaii
Bike accident victims are eligible to file personal injury claims. At the Recovery Law Center, our skilled bike accident attorneys can take you through the entire claim process, starting with compensation. Hawaii law dictates that cyclists hurt in car accidents are entitled to payment of their medical bills, regardless of fault, up to $10,000. If the motorist is at fault, the cyclist must be financially compensated for their injuries. This compensation comes in the form of damages, which can include:
- Emergency room visits
- Hospital stays
- Doctor’s appointments
- Prescriptions
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Daily expenses
- Property damage
- Loss of support
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
Time limits for Filing a Bicycle Accident Claim in Hawaii
Legal actions all have deadlines, known as the statute of limitations, that specify the time you have to make a claim for your injuries. Once that period passes, you forfeit your right to recover damages.
In Hawaii, the statute of limitations for car accident related personal injuries (which includes bicycle accidents) is two years from the date of the last payment for medical bills by the Personal Injury Protection insurance company. However, it is always advisable to talk to an attorney and begin your claim process as soon as possible.
At the Recovery Law Center, our legal team will walk you through everything you need to know about the statute of limitations and other deadlines that will apply to your case. Laws can also change quickly, and it is our job to stay on top of any matter that can potentially affect your claim.
We are familiar with all of the time restrictions and other critical legal rules, and we will put our knowledge to use while we work diligently to seek the maximum compensation available for your injuries.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt in a Bicycle Accident in Hawaii
If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident in Hawaii, your injuries and emergency treatment may seem overwhelming. First and foremost, make sure you get the medical care you need. Once you are safe and your injuries have been stabilized, the most intelligent move you can make is to call an attorney right away. The personal injury attorney and our staff can help you through each step of the legal process, starting with what to do immediately after your accident.
After any motor vehicle accident, including accidents that involve bicycles, make sure to call the police. Often, the police will be summoned if an onlooker dials 911, but do not assume this has been done for you. If you are able, make a call to the police yourself or request that a bystander make a call on your behalf. It is all right to be assertive at a time like this because what happens over the next few hours could determine a lot about your health and how smoothly a potential accident claim could go for you.
Being involved in an accident is stressful and upsetting, but you can improve your circumstances by setting yourself up for an easier claim process by gathering evidence. Take pictures of the scene of your accident if you are able. If your injuries are too severe and prevent you from doing so, have someone else on the scene get these pictures for you.
Photos of the vehicle that hit you, your damaged bike, and your injuries are all important. Also, be sure to photograph the overall scene of the incident, including the road, signs, traffic signals, and surrounding areas. There is no such thing as too many photos, as these can be very effective when negotiating for a satisfactory settlement.
It is also helpful to gather statements from witnesses if there were any. At the very minimum, get their names and contact information (this information may not be available on the police report) so that you can reach out to them at a later date.
One tip about something you should not do: Never discuss your claim with the insurance company unless your attorney is present. They may attempt to get you to say something that can be twisted or taken out of context and used to harm your claim. If you are a client of the Recovery Law Center, refer them to us.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Unfortunately, bicycle accident injuries are often very severe based on collisions with larger, heavier motor vehicles. Some of the injuries we see at the Recovery Law Center include:
- Spinal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Organ damage
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Strains and sprains
- Ligament damage
- Knee damage
- Road rash
- Wrongful death
If you have experienced these or other types of injuries as a result of a bike accident, the Recovery Law Center can help you pursue the compensation you need for your medical bills and other losses. We have helped many other victims in situations like yours, and we are ready to aggressively fight for justice in your case.
