Things You Should Do After a Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents can be traumatic and overwhelming experiences. While bicycle accidents are mostly caused due to minor collisions, knowing what to do afterward is very important. You will have to follow the right steps to ensure your health and safety and practice legal rights.
To help you understand how to respond in the aftermath, we are here with this long-form guide. This guide will explain all the essential steps you should take after a bicycle accident to protect yourself and your interests. Let’s dive right in!
Ensure Your Immediate Safety
If you’re on a busy road, ensure your immediate safety as soon as you can. Move to a safe area if possible. If you’re injured and unable to move, try to signal to bystanders or other drivers for help.
Once you’re out of harm’s way, check for any signs of injury or fractures. Even if you feel fine in the heat of the moment, some injuries may not become apparent until later due to the adrenaline rush.
Head injuries, fractures, and internal injuries might be delayed in showing symptoms, so always be cautious. If you’re unable to assess your injuries or don’t know what to do, it’s wise to wait for medical help rather than risk worsening the situation by moving unnecessarily.
Call Emergency Services
If you see or feel any injuries, or if significant damage has been done to your bike or vehicle, call 911 or local emergency services. This ensures that medical help is on the way and that law enforcement is notified of the incident.
Police officers can help document the scene and create an official accident report, which can be important if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action later.
Even if injuries appear minor, you should still consider having the authorities involved. Having an official report of the incident can serve as a valuable record if disputes arise regarding liability or compensation. Moreover, by law, certain accidents must be reported to authorities, so you’re also fulfilling a legal obligation by doing so.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay after a bicycle accident, it’s critical to get medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious, especially internal injuries or concussions. A medical professional can properly assess your condition and ensure any injuries are treated right away.
It’s also important to have a documented medical evaluation if you decide to go for compensation for your injuries later. Having an official record from a doctor right after the accident can help connect your injuries directly to the incident. This will eventually make it harder for the opposing party to dispute the cause.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Collecting evidence is an important step in the aftermath of a bicycle accident, especially if you plan on filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action. You can take pictures of the scene, including your bicycle, any vehicles involved, and the surrounding area.
Make sure to also photograph any visible injuries, damage to your bike, and other relevant details such as road conditions, signs, and traffic signals.
If there are witnesses to the accident, try to note down their contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony if a legal or insurance dispute arises. Also, make sure to collect the information of the other party involved in the accident. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
Document Everything
Beyond photos and witness information, make sure to document your own experience and observations as soon as possible. Write down every detail of what happened during and after the accident. Include specifics about the location, time, weather, traffic conditions, and any actions taken by others involved.
Keep a log of any symptoms or injuries you experience after the accident, even if they seem minor. You should also document any time off work, medical treatments, and other inconveniences caused by the accident. All of this information can strengthen your case when filing a claim for damages or compensation.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Even if you believe the accident wasn’t your fault, notify your insurance company right after the incident. Reporting timely ensures that you comply with your policy requirements. On the contrary, failing to do so might hurt your ability to file a claim later.
Provide your insurer with all the relevant details. This will include the police report number, photos, and any documentation you’ve collected. Be sure to stay honest about the incident, but avoid speculating on who was at fault or making statements that could be used against you in the future.
Consult with a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If the accident resulted in significant injuries or damages, it’s wise to consult with a bicycle accident lawyer from the local vicinity. For example, if the accident occurred in Las Vegas, hiring a local Las Vegas bicycle attorney will help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim and negotiating with insurance companies.
They will ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
A lawyer can also help you understand the specific laws that apply to cyclists in your area. These things can be important in determining liability. In many cases, insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or the value of your claim, but having legal representation can ensure that your case is taken seriously.
Follow Through with Medical Treatment
After the initial medical evaluation, it’s important to follow through with any recommended treatments from the doctor. Doing this will not only help ensure your recovery but also be evidence that your injuries were serious enough to warrant ongoing medical attention. If you fail to follow your doctor’s orders or skip appointments, it could weaken your case when seeking compensation. The other party may argue that your injuries weren’t as severe as claimed, which could reduce the amount of compensation you’re eligible for.
