Cyclists in Nevada are among the state’s most vulnerable road users. With little protection—save for a helmet—those in the saddle can suffer serious injuries when they are struck by drivers.

If you were hurt in an accident, you may be wondering how you can hold the at-fault motorist accountable for the damage they’ve done. Considering the nature of such accidents, your losses are probably adding up at an alarming rate, so a financial award could make all the difference in the days ahead.

However, before you receive compensation, you will have to build a compelling case. In this article, we look at a few steps you can take to help ensure your claim starts on a strong foot:

1. Compile Evidence in a Safe Place

Whether you were able to take pictures of the wreckage, obtain surveillance camera recordings of the moment of impact, or take down the contact details of eyewitnesses, you should make sure to store all of this information in a safe place. Your attorney will likely want to see this proof during your first meeting.

2. Don’t Provide a Recorded Statement

If the claims adjuster contacts you for a recorded statement, you should probably refuse their request. In most cases, their goal is to obtain answers they can use to dispute aspects of your case, so it’s likely that they will ask questions engineered to elicit specific types of responses. Additionally, until you’ve had a chance to investigate the wreck, assess your damages, and recover from your injuries, there’s a high risk of you saying something that is either inaccurate or untrue.

3. Document Your Recovery in a Personal Injury Journal

In addition to economic losses such as your medical bills and lost income, injured cyclists in Nevada have a right to seek compensation for non-economic damages they’ve sustained, such as loss of enjoyment in life, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. However, as these types of losses cannot be seen with the naked eye, you will have to provide many different types of evidence to demonstrate the impact they’ve had on your life.

One important step is logging daily entries in a personal injury journal. This diary is your space to describe the nature of your injuries, your pain levels, and the limitations you’ve experienced.

4. Abstain from Posting on Social Media

While your claim is pending, you will probably want to lay low on social media. The claims adjuster will likely be looking for any reasons to challenge your claim, so you can be reasonably certain that they will monitor your online accounts for possible evidence.

As such, you should rather seek support from friends and family over the phone or in person. Doing so on social media could give the insurance company evidence to challenge your credibility.

Contact Us Today to Discuss Your Case with a Las Vegas Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you were struck by a negligent motorist while out riding, turn to Maier Gutierrez & Associates to discuss your options. Our legal team has decades of collective experience representing accident victims, arming them with the knowledge and resources necessary to prevail under almost any circumstances. Contact us today at 702-629-7900 or head over to our contact form HERE to request a free case evaluation with a Las Vegas bicycle accident attorney.