A bike accident with a person on the ground with their helmet off.
More than 18,000 cyclists are injured in road accidents across America every year.
If you’re one of them, you may find that the results can be overwhelming.
As well as the immediate shock, you’ll also have to deal with injuries, insurance claims, and legal proceedings later on. In this post, we’ll tell you how to handle all of that.
Read on to find out how to deal with a bike accident.
Steps to Take if You’ve Been Involved in a Bike Accident
With these essential tips for cyclists, you’ll always be ready for anything that comes your way.
1. Call 911
The first thing you should do after a bike or car accident is to call 911 and request both police and EMS.
Even if you don’t think you’ve sustained an injury, it’s important to seek medical attention. This is because some injuries, such as a concussion, may not be obvious at first.
Also, if you leave the scene without calling an ambulance, this may work against you when you later make a personal injury claim. Police and medical reports will provide proof of what happened and how it affected you.
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2. Get Information from Witnesses
To strengthen your claim, you’ll have to gather as much evidence as possible.
One of the best ways to do this is to speak to witnesses at the scene. Other driver or pedestrians on the road can vouch for you to back up your story.
If you’re too injured or unable to speak to witnesses yourself, ask someone else to do it for you. Then, pass that information on to the police.
3. Take Photos
Another crucial way to get evidence is to take photos.
Use your phone to take photos of the scene, including the damage both to your bicycle and the car, as well as any other vehicles involved. If you are showing physical signs of injury, take photos of those, too.
Of course, you’ll also have to photograph the license plate of the car you collided with. That way, you won’t have to remember it.
4. Call a Lawyer
You may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills, loss of earnings, and other expenses.
However, it can be difficult to get them without professional legal assistance. That’s why you should hire an attorney.
They’ll work with you to draft a letter that you can send to the insurer of the driver who’s at fault. Then, they’ll work on your case to make sure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
File a Lawsuit
A bike accident can result in devastating injuries, which often come with hefty medical bills.
In order to cover those, you may have to file a personal injury lawsuit.
At Hakim, Toma & Yaldoo, P.C, we specialize in cases like these.
Our legal experts are dedicated to fighting for the rights of our clients. We’ll guide you through the entire legal process, making it smooth and hassle-free for you.
Call our law office on 1 (855) 558-8250 to get a free consultation for your personal injury case.
