What you need to do after a bicycle accident

If you ride a bicycle, chances are pretty high you will be involved in an accident at some point in time. Fortunately, most bike accidents are not fatal. In case you are the one riding, there are some things you need to keep in mind if you ever meet with such an accident.

You can take the help of bicycle accident lawyers if a motorized vehicle crashes into you or things get bad. They can help you get compensation for your damages.

Check for injuries

The first thing you need to do is check whether you are able to get up. If you can, stand up and get yourself out of the way and somewhere safe. Make sure you can feel all of your limbs and check if you are bleeding. 

Take your time and assess the severity of your injuries, if you have any. Don’t move too much to avoid any severe injuries, and try contacting the nearest medical facility for assistance.

Wait for the police

In case of a bicycle accident, you should wait for the police or legal authorities to arrive. Both parties involved in the accident (you and the motorist) are legally obliged to stay at the scene so the police can assess the damages and the injuries caused.

Deny any negotiations

The first don’ts of a bicycle accident is to never negotiate with the other party. It doesn’t matter if the motorist accepts the blame or apologizes to you; tell them to wait until the police show up. The majority of times, the driver denies the accident or might even change their mind.

Ask for driver details 

While the legal authorities are on the way, exchange information with the driver. Ask for their name, phone number, address, license, and note down the number plate as well. Gather as much information as you can so the motorist can be tracked down if they try to flee.

Take photos

One thing to always keep in mind is that you should always take photos of the accident site. Try to click as many photos as possible from different angles. You can also take pictures of the motorists’ number plate or the dirt marks on the road.

Try to gather witnesses

Talk to people and ask them if they saw the accident happen. In case they did, ask them if they want to act as witnesses. Witnesses can help you back your claim in case you need to go to court.

Preserve evidence

If you have any blood on your clothes or signs of damage on your bike, make sure you do not wash the clothes or have your bike repaired. In case it is necessary to fix your bike, make sure you take images of the damages and have it recorded. 

Approach a bicycle accident lawyer

If the accident is severe, make sure to contact bicycle accident lawyers before you call your insurance company. Most of the time, insurance companies will try to blame you and use anything you say.

Do not negotiate with insurance companies

This is the worst thing you can do to yourself. If you have an accident, the other party’s insurance company might try to contact you and settle it right there. In any case, just tell them you are not interested in any kind of negotiation.

Make sure the police record your statement

Most of the time, the police are more interested in taking the motorist’s statement than the bicycle riders. Make sure the police put everything you tell them on record, and don’t forget to include every intricate detail. Even the smallest of injuries matter.

Note down the accident report number after making sure your statement and claims are recorded.

Conclusion

We hope you remember the things mentioned above if you are involved in a bike accident. In the meantime, stay alert and stay safe! You should never forget that even as a bicyclist, you have the same rights as a motorist.

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