What To Do If You’re Involved In A Bike Accident
Taking the appropriate steps after being involved in a bicycle accident can make a tremendous difference in the future of your potential case. We understand better than anyone how traumatic and unsettling it can be to be involved in an accident with a car or truck. However, trying to make wise choices immediately after the accident will have a positive effect on your case.
Many accidents are caused by motorists who are inattentive and simply don’t see bicyclists on the road. In the event you are involved in a bike accident, here are a few helpful hints from EB Cycling Law:
- Move out of traffic and away from further danger. The most important thing you can do after being in an accident is to move yourself out of harm’s way.
- Remain calm, assess your injuries. Call 911 if needed and wait for emergency services to arrive. Some injuries can be treated on site while others require an emergency room visit.
- Wait for Police. A police report is one of the most useful documents an accident lawyer can have when prosecuting your claim. For best results, having your side of the story taken down on the police report is key. Often, your first statements are held in the highest regard, as small facts and details will be forgotten down the road. Further, police serve as a valuable mediator between yourself and the other party involved. Unless you are receiving necessary medical attention, you should wait for the police to arrive on the site.
- Get the license plate number of the motor vehicle involved.
- Get the driver’s contact information.
- Get the driver’s insurance information.
- If anyone witnessed the accident, get their contact information and encourage them to speak with the appropriate authorities.
- Notate the details of the accident and take photos of the scene, your bike, and your injuries. Write down what you remember leading up to and during the event, if possible. Commit these events to memory until you have the means to record them.
- Make an appointment to see your doctor to have your injuries evaluated. Often times with musculoskeletal injuries, the most significant pain occurs 24 to 48 hours after the initial impact.
- Document Injuries by keeping track of all medical treatment, including emergency care, ambulance transport, and any subsequent hospitalization, rehabilitation, medication, or suffering you experience as a result. This may include missed work, family stress, debilitation, or other similar issues.
- Keep a journal or diary of her injuries and how the accident has affected your daily activities.
- Preserve Evidence. Keep clothes unwashed, take photos if available, and leave your bicycle unrepaired to give your lawyer and other experts comprehensive access to evidence.
- Get a Lawyer. Do not battle insurance companies, police, or at-fault parties alone. EB Cycling Law has the expertise and knowledge to stand by your side and walk you through every step of the process. This allows you to focus on recovering from injuries, getting back to work, and regaining the confidence to begin cycling again.
If you witness a bike accident you can do the following to help:
- Call an ambulance if anyone is badly injured.
- Avoid moving an injured person, especially if you suspect they may have a spine or neck injury.
- Never try to remove the helmet of someone who may have spine or neck injury.
- Call the police if the accident is serious or if there is debris in the road.
- Do not leave the scene until the police arrive and have taken your statement.
Choosing the Right Cycling Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accident claims require knowledge in areas such as bike traffic laws, prejudice against cyclists among jurors and drivers, bicycle manufacturers, handling insurance claims and a network of expert witnesses who are knowledgeable in bicycle-related matters such as motor vehicle physics and injury rehabilitation. No one has more experience handling bicycle accident cases than EB Cycling Law.
The California bicycle accident lawyer team at EB Cycling Law is dedicated to protecting the rights of cyclists. Take advantage of our free, confidential consultation. Contact us today! (619) 295-0035