bike accident victimsKnowing the immediate steps you should take if you’re ever involved in a bicycle accident in the Pittsburgh area is critical for any cyclist on the road. Disorientation is common after a bike accident and riders who don’t have a plan may not fully protect their legal interests when it matters most. Don’t let this happen to you when you can follow our guide.

Steps to Protect You Rights After a Bicycle Accident

1. Call for medical attention immediately if you’ve sustained injuries of any kind. If you put off seeking medical attention, insurance companies may question the seriousness of your injuries and compensation may suffer as a result. Play it safe and get checked by a medical professional.

2. Contact the police while at the scene of the accident. File a report of the incident while the accident is still fresh in your memory. Request a copy of the report for your records and to discuss your case with your bicycle accident attorney.

3. Photograph the scene of the accident if you’re able. Be sure to document any injuries you sustained, the areas and roadways surrounding the accident, and the the damage to your bicycle and other vehicles involved.

4. Collect the information of all parties involved in the accident including:

  • Name
  • Phone Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Driver’s License Information
  • Insurance Provider & Policy Number

5. Check the area for witnesses. If there are any witnesses to the accident, be sure to collect their information as well. Testimonies may help determine liability.

6. Seek the advice of an experienced bicycle accident attorney immediately, before speaking with insurance companies.

Pittsburgh PA Bicycle Accident Attorneys

At Martin & Lerda, we believe nobody should suffer due to the negligent behavior of another. If you’ve been in a bike accident due to unsafe road conditions, a defective bicycle product or distracted drivers visit our office for a free consultation or call (412) 271-6800 and make an appointment to speak to an experienced bike accident attorney.

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who qualifies for social security disabilityIn order to automatically qualify for social security disability, your medical condition must be listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, or list of impairments. The list contains both physical and mental conditions that may deem the patient eligible for SSDI or SSI, providing they meet the criteria specified for the listing.

What Conditions Qualify for Social Security Disability?

The Social Security Administration’s list of impairments includes listings for every major body system. The adult listings (part A) includes the following impairments:

  • Cardiovascular System – including heart failure, heart transplant, symptomatic congenital heart disease, peripheral artery disease, aneurysm of major branches and recurrent arrhythmias
  • Musculoskeletal System – including disorders of the spine, amputation, major dysfunction of a joint and soft tissue injuries
  • Digestive System – including gastrointestinal hemorrhaging, IBD, liver disease, short bowel syndrome and liver transplant
  • Special Senses and Speech – including loss of vision, speech or hearing
  • Respiratory System – including asthma, chronic pulmonary insufficiency, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis and lung transplant
  • Skin Disorders – including burns, dermatitis, hidradenitis, Bullous disease and ichthyosis
  • Hematological Disorders – including chronic anemia, sickle cell disease, chronic thrombocytopenia and myelofibrosis
  • Endocrine Disorders – including diabetes and disorders of the thyroid, pituitary gland, parathyroid gland and adrenal gland
  • Genitourinary Impairments – including renal function impairment and Nephrotic syndrome
  • Neurological – including epilepsy, brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy and degenerative diseases such as Huntington’s
  • Mental Disorders – including schizophrenic and psychotic disorders, anxiety-related disorders, autism, personality disorders, substance addiction disorders
  • Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems – including non-mosaic Down syndrome
  • Immune System Disorders – including lupus, vasculitis, sclerosis, polymyositis, immune deficiency disorders, HIV and inflammatory arthritis
  • Malignant Neoplastic Diseases – including cancer

Medical Conditions Not Listed in the Blue Book

The Blue Book’s list of impairments automatically qualify a claimant for social security disability benefits, but impairments that are not listed in the Blue Book may also be considered. If the claimant’s condition is severe enough to interfere with his or her ability to work and the condition is well documented, benefits may still be granted by the Social Security Administration.

Have you been denied for Social Security benefits for which you think you’re eligible?  Contact our office in either Pittsburgh or North Apollo and speak with one of Martin and Lerda’s attorneys  who are experienced with social security disability claims about your exact situation and let us help you get the benefits you deserve!

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