Knowing the steps you should take if you’re ever involved in a bicycle accident is very important for every cyclist on the road. In case you are involved in an accident that involves a motorist or a vehicle driver and are injured, you’re entitled to a fair compensation from the insurance company.
Here are 7 steps that you should follow to help you resolve a bicycle accident case:
Seek Medical Attention
After getting involved in a bicycle accident, the most important step you need to take is to seek medical attention especially if you’ve suffered injuries. Even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt in the accident, it’s very important that you see a doctor and make sure.
This is because sometimes, it might take a day or two for some injuries to appear. Additionally, if you put off seeking medical care, the insurance company might question the seriousness of your injuries.
Notify the Police
Next, you should call the police and notify them about the accident. You need to ensure that you remain there until they arrive at the accident scene. When the police arrive, file a report with them while the events of the accident are still fresh in your memory.
If you’re unable to call the police by yourself, you can always ask someone else to do it for you. Additionally, request a copy of the police report so that you can discuss it with your legal counsel.
Document the Accident Scene
If you have a smartphone with you at the time of the accident, use it to document the accident. Take pictures, and videos of the damage done to your bicycle, the vehicle involved, your injuries, and every other detail you feel might be useful for the case.
For example, you can also take pictures of streets, traffic lights, and signs. It is very important that you gather this evidence before someone else interferes with the accident scene.
Obtain Contact Information
Another vital step to take after getting involved in a bicycle accident is get the contact information of all parties involved. You need to get the driver’s personal details, including name, address, phone number, license information, license plate number, insurance provider, and policy number.
It’s also important to get the names and phone numbers of the witnesses present at the time of the accident.
Preserve the Evidence
After the bicycle accident, it is very important that you preserve any evidence that might prove helpful for the case. For example, you shu leave your bicycle and any damaged property in the same condition until you talk to a lawyer.
Also, do not wash the clothes or throw away the clothes you were wearing at the time of the accident. Ensure you leave them as they were when the accident happened if you’re incapable of taking any pictures.
Hire an Experienced Lawyer
After the bicycle accident, you need to seek the help of an experienced lawyer. They’ll be responsible for gathering more evidence for the case and ensuring that the driver is held accountable for the accident. Before you talk to your insurance provider, you should hire an attorney so that they can help you file a claim.
Suppose you’re involved in a bicycle accident in New York City. In that case, it’s only right that you hire a NYC bicycle accident lawyer to protect your legal rights and ensure you’re compensated fully.
Don’t Negotiate With Insurance Providers
If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, never negotiate with the driver or the driver’s insurance provider for a settlement regardless of who is liable for the accident. You need to ensure that you follow your lawyer’s advice at this stage.
Even if the driver’s insurance provider contacts you to discuss a settlement, do not do it. Your lawyer will gather all the evidence and information needed to file an insurance claim on your behalf.
Summing Up
As a cyclist, it is crucial that you should understand that you share the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and drivers. In case you’re involved in an accident, ensure that you follow the above steps to get the payment you deserve and protect your rights.
