A bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience, but anyone involved in such an accident must take appropriate steps following the incident to avoid legal issues or complications in a future lawsuit. A bicycle accident can easily lead to severe damages for serious injuries, fatalities, and permanent disabilities. The bicycle accident lawyer you speak to and steps you take after a bicycle accident can dramatically impact how much you recover from future legal action.
First Steps
Your first priority after any type of accident should be your personal health and well-being. Check yourself for serious injuries and do not move if it is painful to do so; attempting to move when you have a serious injury could make it worse, sending you into critical condition.
Wait for the police to arrive at the scene. If another driver ran you off the road or committed a hit-and-run, call the police immediately and provide them with as much information about the driver as you can. If the other driver remained at the scene, one of you must contact the police to report the accident. While waiting for the police, try to take pictures of the scene including your injuries, the damage to your bicycle, and the immediate area.
The police will conduct a preliminary investigation of the accident scene, interview you, and ask any nearby witnesses questions about what happened. Be certain you do not admit any fault during your questioning by the police, even if you know you bear even a little bit of liability for the accident. Answer their questions truthfully and concisely and wait for them to allow you to leave.
Before leaving, secure the personal information and insurance details of the other drivers involved. You may need to file a claim against their insurance policies, and you will also need their contact information so your attorney can file a Complaint if you decide to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Obtain a Medical Report
Once you have what you need from the accident site and the police allow you to leave, see a doctor as soon as possible even if you think you only suffered minor injuries. A physician can check for internal injuries that may not display symptoms immediately and address your known injuries.
Your physician should provide you with a medical report that outlines the extent of your injuries, potential for future complications, and the physician’s treatment plan. This is a very important document that will help you prove the extent of your injuries in a lawsuit.
Seek Professional Legal Counsel
If another driver caused you injury in a bicycle accident due to negligence, criminal activity, or intentionally dangerous actions, you can secure compensation for your resulting damages through a personal injury claim. Contact a bicycle accident attorney with a strong track record of success in bicycle accident claims.
A successful personal injury claim can yield compensation for:
- medical expenses
- repayment of lost income from time spent out of work in recovery
- property damage
- pain and suffering compensation
Your attorney will likely consult with expert witnesses who can support your case and help a jury fully understand the scope of your losses to maximize your compensation.
A personal injury lawyer can assist with your legal issues but also handle correspondence with insurance companies. Your bicycle accident may require filing a claim against your own medical insurance policy or an at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. Claims adjusters generally look for any reasons they can find to reduce or deny your settlement, and having an attorney handle your issues with them lends authority to your claim and minimizes the chances of pushback from adjusters.
