Bicycle accidents can happen to anyone, and it is important to know how to handle the situation properly. In this blog post, we will discuss six tips that will help you stay safe and protected after a bicycle accident. Follow these tips, and you will be on your way to handling the situation like a pro!
1. Always stay calm and assess the situation
To ensure you’re handling the situation properly, it’s important to stay calm and assess what has happened. This means taking a step back and looking at the entire accident, as well as your own injuries. By doing this, you can then better determine what needs to be done next.
If possible, try and get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. This can be helpful in proving what happened and who was at fault. And, if you need to, don’t hesitate to call the police. They can help to file a report and, if necessary, get you the medical attention you need.
Once you have a clear understanding of the situation, you can then start to take the appropriate steps to handle it.
2. If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately
In many cases, people involved in bicycle accidents don’t think they’re injured and choose to forego medical attention. This is a mistake. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, it’s important to have a medical professional evaluate you as soon as possible after an accident. Some injuries, such as concussions, may not present symptoms immediately but can still be serious.
Additionally, seeking medical attention will create a record of your injuries that can be helpful if you decide to file a personal injury claim later on. This is because insurance companies often require proof of injuries before they will approve claims. So, if you wait to see a doctor after an accident, the insurance company may deny your claim or argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
3. Document everything – take pictures of the scene and your injuries
There are a lot of details that can be forgotten in the days following an accident. It’s important to document as much as possible at the scene. This includes taking pictures of the road conditions, damage to your bike, and any visible injuries you have. Another reason why it’s important to document everything is that, according to the law gurus from www.bestbicycleaccidentlawyer.com, seven out of ten police reports claim the cyclist is at fault, which is not true. Those reports are usually wrong because police officers don’t know how the Vehicle Code applies to cyclists.
4. Exchange insurance information with the other driver
When you are involved in an accident with another driver, you will want to be sure to exchange insurance information. This will help to ensure that both parties are protected in the event that damages need to be paid.
It is also a good idea to take down the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident occur. Having eyewitnesses can be invaluable in the event that there is a dispute about what happened.
5. Contact an attorney to help you file a claim
Of course, you will want to get in touch with an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to help you file a claim. Your lawyer can give you the best advice on what to do and how to move forward.
An attorney can also help negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and make sure that you are getting the compensation that you deserve. And if your case does go to court, your lawyer will be there to represent you.
6. Don’t speak to the insurance company until you’ve talked to an attorney
Since insurance companies are businesses, they’re not always looking out for your best interests. In fact, they may try to get you to say things that can be used against you later. So, it’s important that you don’t give a statement to an insurance company until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Also, be aware that the other driver’s insurance company may try to contact you. It’s best to just refer them to your attorney as well.
Following these six tips will help you properly handle a bicycle accident and make the best out of a difficult situation. With the proper information and guidance, you can ensure that you take the necessary steps to protect your rights and interests. If you have any questions or would like more information about bicycle accidents, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Thank you for reading.