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Riding your bike is a great activity. It's a very effective workout, plus it gets you where you need to go. Some people ride bikes for pleasure, others for fitness, and still others use a bicycle as a mode of transportation to get to work or the bus station. The only thing all bike riders have in common is that they deserve to make their route in peace and safety.

Over 45,000 bicyclists are injured or killed each year by collisions with motor vehicles. If your world has been rocked by a bicycle accident, you're probably wondering what to do next. According to legal experts, like Covington personal injury attorneys, these should be your next few steps:

1. Call 911. A cycling collision with a car, truck, or roadway hazard can result in serious injuries. Always call 911 after an accident with a motor vehicle. Tell the dispatcher you were hit by a car while riding a bike, if you’re injured, and the location of the accident. Some injuries don't present themself right away and it's best to be checked out by medical professionals just to be sure.

 

2. Gather Information at the Scene. If you can, ask the at-fault driver for their full name and contact information, auto insurance company and policy number, and driver’s license. You'll need their vehicle's make and model and if possible, their licence plate number. This is particularly helpful if they leave the scene and don't stick around to speak with police. Point out to the police officers and ambulance drivers any witnesses to the accident. If you don’t let the officers know who they are, you may lose the opportunity to have their statements included in the police report. Use a camera or your cell phone to take as many pictures and videos of the accident scene as possible.

3. Get Treatment and Document Injuries. Most settlement offers arranged by a personal injury lawyer in Covington, LA are based on the claimant’s medical bills. Getting prompt medical treatment and documenting your injuries is essential to building a strong bike accident claim. Never say “I'm alright” and refuse medical care at the scene. Immediately after a collision, your blood and adrenaline will be pumping. This adrenaline suppresses pain and can even mask serious injuries. You could feel okay today, but wake up tomorrow feeling like you've been hit by a truck- because you have been! Refusing or delaying treatment after an accident will seriously undermine your personal injury claim, even if you end up flat on your back in the hospital later. The insurance company will jump at the chance to deny your claim by arguing your injuries are unrelated to the accident.

If you or a loved one was hit by a car while riding your bike, the first thing you need to do is ensure you are healthy and uninjured. Afterwards, it is time to ensure justice is served. A personal injury lawyer in Covington, LA will make sure this happens.

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