Biking, especially on a highway, is a fun and an adrenaline-filled way to keep fit and explore what California has to offer. At the same time, it’s also a dangerous activity as the chances of being rear-ended by a motorist in California are pretty high.
Unfortunately, when a bicycle accident happens, most cyclists often have no idea what to do next. That is why outlined five things every cyclist should do after a bicycle accident to ensure they receive the necessary compensation for the injuries and damages.
After a bicycle accident, most cyclists, probably due to the shock, tend to try and jump back on their bikes and get away from the scene as fast as they can only to fall again. While it’s okay to want to get to safety, you are only human, and there’s only so much you can do. So, after an accident, slow down, assess yourself to see if you can stand again before you move, so you don’t do more damage. If you can walk comfortably, move away from harm’s way.
Once safe, call 911. Even if you feel okay, make the call. Most people tend to downplay their injuries only to realize a few hours later or the next day that they were seriously injured. Call for professional help and let paramedics confirm that you are indeed okay. Besides, after an accident happens, 911 responders often record basic information that can come in handy when you make your claim.
Make sure you get the driver’s information. Write down their license plate number and insurance information. If anyone witnessed the accident, also make sure you obtain their contact info, and if the police are around, encourage them to give their version of the incident to the police.
Take photos of your bike, your injuries, and the accident scene. If possible, write down what you remember up to the time of the accident. These details will come in handy when you decide to seek compensation and will enable you to ensure your statement remains consistent throughout.
When a bicycle accident happens, most responding officers tend to only take the driver’s statement. You have the right to share your version of the story so make sure you exercise it. Ensure you mention all your injuries and stay consistent with what you wrote down above. Also note, police officers, do not always have to write a report.
They are only required to write one if there’s death, serious injuries, or when there’s more than $1500 in damage. So if you are not seriously injured, the officer might downplay the accident report. They may not even realize that your bike was worth more than $1500. Fortunately, it’s your right to request an accident report. So make sure you ask the officer to write one, as this will be incredibly important to your claim.
After a bicycle accident, chances are the at-fault driver’s insurance company will probably try to contact you. This might seem like a good thing, but it’s not. Their insurer might attempt to settle before anything else because it’s cheaper for them. If you accept their offer, they may make you sign a waiver preventing you from making any more claims in the future.
If their offer doesn’t work on you, they may use anything you say against you, or you may innocently admit liability. To sum it up, avoid speaking to the insurance company at all costs. Consult an attorney before you do, so they may guide you on the right steps.
Let a Professional Attorney Help
Although bicycle accidents are pretty common, they tend to be downplayed. For instance, most people know what to do after a car accident, but very few have an idea of what to do after a bicycle accident.
That is precisely why our bicycle accident and personal injury attorney team is here. Contact us today to know how you can get compensated after an accident.
blogs
Slip and Fall Injuries in Arizona and California
In desert climates especially, some property managers have a tendency to not count on inclement weather when it comes to the upkeep of their properties. This means that, over time, things like rain and seismic shifts can slowly wear away at all kinds of surfaces, making them unsafe to walk on. While property managers may […]
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Riding a motorcycle is exhilarating and freeing. It also can be quite dangerous. Equip yourself with preparedness to ensure every trip you take ends only with a smile and a safe arrival. As always, if the unfortunate does happen, navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is a large undertaking. We are here to help […]
Five Products for Truck Driver Safety
Truck drivers are the backbone of the economy, and their safety is of the utmost importance. Not only are they at special risk of trafficaccidents, but truck driving comes with a host of other dangers. The easiest way to stay safe while driving any vehicle is being aware of your surroundings and making sure your […]
Keeping Older Drivers Safe
A lot of us have had to have a talk with our grandparents or parents about how they are on the road. There comes a time when caring for yourself can become difficult, as an older person, especially when driving. What can you do to ensure the older person in your life is being safe […]
Holiday Travel Safety
As we get into the holiday season, it’s a good time to think of some relaxing times spent at home with loved ones. Having a nice meal, meeting new spouses and grandchildren, or just coming together finally after a long time apart- it is a period of joy and togetherness. For these reasons and more, […]
Lemon Laws and How They Have Impacted Jeep Car Recalls
Lemon Laws and How They Have Impacted Jeep Car Recalls Purchasing a car calls for careful consideration if you are to find a reliable model that suits your needs. More importantly, you need to understand existing laws concerning the warranty, equity, insurance, and various other crucial aspects. Lemon laws are designed to protect buyers from […]
Understanding California’s Lemon Law
Under California’s Lemon Law, you are protected as a consumer when a vehicle you have purchased is deemed defective and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of repair attempts. This helps keeps dangerous vehicles off the road, leads you with legal recourse if you are sold a faulty vehicle, and helps get you back […]
How Lemon Laws Apply to Defective Kia Vehicles
There is nothing more annoying than driving a car that is constantly having issues and needs repair on a regular basis. Kia, which is one of the fastest growing auto manufacturer in North America, is under scrutiny because some of its models have recurring problems that continuously need repair. If you have a Kia vehicle […]
Personal Injury Claims: When Do you Need a Lawyer?
In cases where there are severe injuries, toxic exposure, or malpractice, you will need a personal injury lawyer. However, there are also instances when you don’t need a lawyer. Although you might need a lawyer to represent you in court if there are complex legal issues that need to be handled, other injury claims might […]
Top 4 Personal Injury Myths
Personal injury cases are more rampant than you can ever imagine. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 31 million of the injuries that occur every year often call for medical care. Considering their prevalence, it comes as no surprise that there are so many myths and misconceptions surrounding personal injury. Think you got […]
contact form
