After a fatal bicycle accident, you might be wondering, "what are the first steps I should take?" Bautista Leroy LLC can provide you with the information. Our attorneys have been serving the public in Southern Illinois and the surrounding areas of St. Louis. We have been representing clients in cases related to wrongful death, medical malpractice, nursing home, personal injury, sexual abuse/assault litigation and railroad crossing litigation.

In this article, we will talk about the several causes of fatal bicycle accidents, who can file a wrongful death case and how they can handle insurance companies effectively.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Fatal Bicycle Accidents?

It is heartbreaking to lose a loved one due to any traffic accident. Cyclists are the most vulnerable to experiencing an accident while on the road and it can happen due to many reasons, including

• Driver negligence
• Poor visibility
• Unprotected infrastructure
• Road defects or hazards
• Failure of vehicle design 
• Defective equipment
• Lack of safety gear

Who Can File A Wrongful Death Case?

It can be really hard to suffer the burden of losing someone you love, especially if you heavily depend on them emotionally and financially. To understand better, here are the lists of people who can file a wrongful death case after a fatal bicycle accident:

• Spouses or domestic partners
• Children
• Parents
• Siblings 
• Legal dependents

How To Deal With Insurance Companies After A Fatal Bicycle Accident?

Insurance companies have many strategies to undervalue your claim because one of their goal is to minimize payouts. Many times, they pressure grieving families to accept early settlements that fall below their actual losses. However, you can have a strategy too, to face this difficult process:

• Avoid giving recorded statements
• Do not sign any documents
• Demand full disclosure
• Compile documentation
• Let your attorney handle negotiations

Why Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney Is Beneficial?

You might think that you can handle the legal process on your own and it can save you money. However, that is not the case because you might face different professional people and deal with many obstacles in the long run. Additionally, you might still be grieving the loss of a loved one to get through this whole process. A wrongful death attorney's guidance can bring many advantages to your case:

• Deep knowledge of laws
• Maximizing your claim's value
• Stronger negotiation power
• Handling complex procedures

When Is The Time To Hire An Attorney?

Early involvement of a personal injury attorney can strengthen your case because they can properly gather evidence and talk with witnesses as well as meet the deadlines of filing a wrongful death case.

It is time to hire an attorney:

• Right away after the death
• Before dealing with insurance adjusters
• Evidence is lost
• Contested liability
• Unreasonable settlement offers

What Criteria Must I Keep In Mind To Choose An Effective Attorney?

Hiring the right attorney can have a great impact on your case. Make wise decisions by considering these criteria:

• Years of specialization in personal injury law and wrongful death cases.
• Impressive case results, particularly regarding fatal bicycle accidents.
• Knowledge about local laws and statute of limitations.
• Skilled communicator who can explain the process clearly.

Why Choose Bautista LeRoy LLC?

The legal professionals of Bautista LeRoy LLC understand what families might have been through after losing someone dear in a bicycle accident. That is why we do our best to get the grieving families justice and compensation to support their needs today and for their future. For years, we have represented wrongful death cases and have achieved favorable settlements on behalf of our clients.

Our legal team works with other specialists to assess the accident and build a stronger case. We place great importance on communication and take a client-centric approach so that the individuals we represent aren't left in confusion during the legal process. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you will only pay if we win your case. This can help families alleviate major financial burden while securing justice.

Suggested Action Steps

As a family member, you have the option to pursue justice. You also have the responsibility to take these actions after the death of a loved one due to a bicycle accident:

• Seek immediate legal advice
• Report the accident to the authorities
• Preserve and secure all evidence
• Avoid direct negotiation with insurers
• Gather documentation

Families have the right to file a wrongful death case as it is one of the first steps to secure justice, accountability and financial support. With the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney, you can increase your chances of recovering losses and favorable case outcomes. Contact us today at 833-381-6589 or send us an email on our Contact Page. Serving St. Louis and the surrounding areas of Boone County and Benton County.