What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
It is estimated that only about one percent of all trips involve bicycles as the majority of Americans prefer traveling by personal vehicle or public and/or private transportation. Still, hundreds of people suffer serious, life-threatening injuries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013, about 900 people died in bicycle accidents and nearly 500,000 more were injured.
Hurt in Bicycle Accident, What to Do Next
The moments after an accident can be scary. Even if a rider is not knocked unconscious, they are likely to be extremely disoriented. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, here is what to do next.
- If possible, call the police and ambulance
- Seek medical attention
- If possible, exchange information with the driver
- Try to get the contact information of any witnesses
- Write down any details from the accident you remember as well as details like what intersection the crash happened at, which direction you were headed in, etc.
- Preserve all evidence, including the bicycle, medical reports, police report, etc.
In cases of a hit and run, a victim should try to get as much information as possible about the vehicle, including the make, model and color. Any distinguishing information about the driver is also helpful.
Seeking an Attorney
Most will believe that they can settle this manner on their own through the insurance companies. However, these companies only have their only interests in mind and will often diminish the value of a victim's claims. If the company believes the cyclist in any way contributed to the crash, they will also pay out much less.
An experienced attorney can help investigate the claim, obtain medical records and police reports, meet with an Accident Reconstructionist and more. By having someone on your side, you can rest assured that your best interests are being put first.
