How Do Insurance Companies Investigate Bicycle Accident Claims?
After a bicycle accident, an insurance company may contact you quickly to ask questions about the crash, your injuries, and your medical treatment. While the adjuster may seem focused on simply gathering information, the insurer is also investigating the claim to determine liability and how much compensation it may have to pay.
Understanding how insurance companies investigate bicycle accident claims can help injured cyclists protect their rights and avoid mistakes that could affect their recovery.
Reviewing the Accident Report and Other Evidence
One of the first steps in a bicycle accident investigation is reviewing available evidence about how the collision occurred. The insurance adjuster may obtain the police accident report and examine photographs or video from the scene.
The insurer may also review:
- Statements from drivers, cyclists, and witnesses,
- Photos of the bicycle and vehicle damage,
- Traffic or surveillance camera footage,
- Medical and emergency response records, and
- Information about road, traffic, and weather conditions.
The goal is often to determine who caused the accident and whether the cyclist shares any responsibility.
Interviewing the Injured Cyclist and Witnesses
An insurance adjuster may contact an injured cyclist and request a recorded statement about the accident. The adjuster may ask where the cyclist was riding, how fast they were traveling, whether they saw the vehicle before impact, and what happened immediately before the collision.
These statements can become important evidence. Please note, though, that innocent comments or an estimate about speed, distance, or injuries could potentially be used later to challenge your claim. This is why we recommend that you talk to a skilled personal injury attorney before agreeing to give a recorded statement.
Witnesses may also be interviewed to determine whether their accounts support or contradict the cyclist’s version of events.
Investigating Your Bicycle Accident Injuries
Liability is only part of the investigation. Insurers also closely examine the injuries and damages claimed by the cyclist.
The adjuster may review your medical records to determine the nature and severity of your injuries, whether treatment was medically necessary, and whether any injuries existed before the bicycle accident. Gaps in medical treatment or inconsistencies between medical records and the insurance claim may also receive scrutiny.
Insurers may investigate other damages as well, including lost wages, reduced earning capacity, bicycle repair or replacement costs, and other accident-related expenses.
Looking for Evidence That Could Reduce the Claim
Insurance companies have a financial interest in limiting claim payouts. An adjuster may therefore look for evidence suggesting the cyclist contributed to the accident or that the claimed injuries are less serious than alleged.
Depending on the circumstances, an insurer might examine whether the cyclist followed traffic laws, used appropriate lighting, obeyed traffic signals, or took reasonable steps to avoid the collision. Insurers may also review publicly available social media content when evaluating injury claims.
Consider Speaking With a Bicycle Accident Attorney
A bicycle accident claim can involve much more than submitting medical bills to an insurance company. The insurer may conduct an extensive investigation before deciding whether to accept liability or make a settlement offer.
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer can conduct an independent investigation, preserve important evidence, communicate with insurance adjusters, document your damages, and negotiate for fair compensation.
If you were injured while cycling because of another person’s negligence, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney before providing detailed statements or accepting a settlement.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.