A Guide to Dealing with Bicycle Accidents
Cycling is a gratifying hobby that gives you a rush of adrenaline, especially when you’re doing it with friends. People love mountain biking and road cycling because it keeps them fit. But then, accidents can happen in a blink of an eye due to many distractions on the road.
Statistics show that bikes are one of the transportation modes used on trips amounting to a total of 1% of the trips. Sadly, up to 2% of motor vehicle accidents involve bicyclists, including tricycles, two-wheel, non-motorized vehicles, and pedal-powered unicycles. In other words, thousands of bicyclists are killed or injured every year.
While it’s only possible to avoid bicycle accidents partially because other road users are involved, understanding bike safety can save your life. The insight will help you at the accident scene, when filling the personal injury claim, and much more.
Keep reading. This guide will help you understand how to deal with bicycle accidents when they happen.
What to Do After a Bike Accident
No matter how safety-conscious you’re, another motorist can hit you. But knowing what to do after the crash makes a difference. There are instances when bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles can lead to complex legal concerns.
In fact, experts on personal injury lawyers in Tampa recommend and insist on the importance of talking to an accident lawyer after a bike accident. The experienced legal experts are there to help you and fight tirelessly for the justice you deserve. There are many issues to deal with.
For instance, when it comes to insurance for personal injury, insurance companies may want you to settle for less. But, the expert personal injury defense lawyer understands the right steps to follow for you to succeed.
Here is the checklist to help you maintain control and protect your rights:
- Wait for the Police at the Scene
The law requires the cyclist and the motorist to remain at the accident scene, particularly when there are injuries and property damage. So, you must wait for the police to arrive even when you believe you have no injuries. Otherwise, tracking the motorist much later when you realize you were injured may be impossible.
- Don’t Negotiate with the Motorist
Some motorists tend to apologize and accept the blame. But it’s not advisable to negotiate with them when you don’t know the full extent of the damage and injuries. Think about what can happen if the driver changes their mind later and decide to deny the accident.
- Exchange Contact Information with the Motorist
It’s vital to obtain the motorist’s information, such as their name, phone number, address, license plate number, driver’s license number, insurance policy number, and make of the car.
- Obtain Contact Information of Witnesses
Try to get the names and contact information of the witnesses. In some instances, the police report might need more information. You can ask anyone around to get the information for you.
- Write Everything Down
Documenting what happened can help you and your personal injury defense lawyer. Every detail about the crash is necessary, but because you may need to remember each detail, you can use your phone to document the scene.
Ensure you have the following details:
- How the accident happened
- The area where the accident occurred
- The time it occurred
- The situation on the road, including the weather conditions and the traffic
- Give the Police Your Report
In most instances, police focus more on recording the motorist’s side of the story than the cyclist’s. But it’s important to ensure they record your report. Tell them about your injury, even the smaller ones, because they can develop into a bigger issue.
- Consult a Doctor and Document Your Injuries
Most victims don’t seek medical assistance after accidents, which is a big mistake. However, a doctor can link your injuries with the accident and document the immediate effect of the bike crash on your body.
After the accident, ensure you get a written evaluation from a doctor, even when you have minor injuries. Take photos of the injuries, and record all the symptoms for some time.
- Preserve the Evidence
It’s necessary to gather and preserve your evidence. So, don’t wash any damaged clothes or bike parts. Before repairing your bike, take photos and get a written document of these damages.
- Don’t Negotiate with the Driver’s Insurer
The motorist insurer might attempt to negotiate with you before you gather enough evidence to support your claim. But you should avoid discussing them or accepting their offer. Instead, seek professional assistance from a personal injury defense lawyer for bicyclists.
- Seek Legal Advice
An accident lawyer for cars and bicycles is the best expert to talk to after an accident. The lawyer will negotiate with the motorist insurance company and represent you in a lawsuit.
An attorney for car accidents can hire an expert to investigate the accident and defend you against insurance companies that can use your statement against you. However, most bicycle accidents end well without going forward with litigation.
When Should You Seek Counsel from an Accident Lawyer?
In some cities, people use bikes for transportation and recreation. There are times when a cyclist is at fault, but that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve compensation. While your health is your priority, financial stability is also essential. Therefore you should hire a bike accident attorney after receiving medical attention.
The following are scenarios for hiring an accident lawyer for cars or bikes:
- Sustained Serious Injuries
A bike crash can cause severe injuries whose treatment costs and care can drain you financially. At the same time, if the insurance companies force you to settle for claims quickly and at a little cost, it can lead to inadequate compensation. As a result, you can’t cater for your ongoing care.
Legal representation is essential when handling claim terms. Your lawyer can help you get a substantial settlement that covers the entire treatment cost and much more.
- The Accident Involves Multiple Parties
A crash can involve many drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians. In such a case, each party should receive compensation for their losses, thus the need for legal advice. A knowledgeable accident lawyer can guide you on how to proceed with the claim process and the factors used to determine the amount of compensation.
- The Insurer Pressures You to Settle for Less
While some consider a bike accident minor compared to a car crash, the results can be catastrophic. You may have to deal with trauma, pressure from the insurance company, and overwhelming injury lawsuits.
They may begin to deny the claim or put pressure so that you can settle for less than you deserve. A personal injury defense lawyer will fight until you get what your claim is worth, even when the insurer is stubborn or uncooperative.
Wrapping Up
Bike accidents can cause severe injuries that are costly to treat and care for several years. On the other hand, insurance companies would always want to pay victims less than their claim is worth.
But, skilled personal injury lawyers can negotiate with the motorist insurance provider and represent you in court. Our guide above has given you the appropriate steps to follow when you get into a bicycle accident.
Talking to an accident lawyer specializing in bike accidents can be helpful. They can initiate a lawsuit when the insurance company fails to offer you a fair settlement. And, they can do everything else possible to ensure that you’re served with the justice you deserve.
