Having a bicycle accident can be very traumatic. It’s also time consuming to sort through insurance claims and recover costs for bike and equipment damage. Document everything as soon as possible. This is essential if you decide to take legal action against a liable party. This includes taking photos of the scene (ideally time and date stamped) and any vehicles involved.
Call for help
When you have a cycling accident, it’s important to call for help as soon as possible. The steps you take immediately after the accident can make a big difference in your recovery process and legal case.
Check yourself and others for injuries. Even if you feel fine, you could be disoriented or more seriously injured than you realize. Move yourself out of traffic if possible and seek medical attention, if necessary. Getting a medical evaluation right away can prevent injuries from worsening, and these records will be invaluable when you file a legal claim.
Get the names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance information from all involved. It’s also important to record all details of the scene, including road, weather and traffic conditions. Take pictures if possible, and try to draw diagrams of the scene. It’s also a good idea to get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Avoid engaging in arguments or apportioning blame at the scene. This can be construed as admitting fault and may hurt your case. If you have a smartphone with a camera, use it to photograph the scene of the accident. You can also use it to take notes and describe the situation in detail, if needed.
Once you’re sure you are not badly hurt, you should check your bike. This includes the wheels, levers, seat post, pedals and other parts of your bicycle for any signs of damage. If the damage is significant, it’s a good idea to call someone for a ride home.
It’s also a good idea to save receipts for any items you buy to replace or repair your damaged bike. This will be helpful when you file a personal injury claim to recover damages. Keeping track of any out-of-pocket expenses can help you prove the amount you should receive as compensation for your crash-related losses. It is always a good idea to consult an attorney before talking to any insurance company. An experienced lawyer can protect you from making any statements that could be used against you in court. Often, an attorney can negotiate with the insurer and settle the matter without going to court, saving you time, money and stress.
Get medical attention
Immediately after any crash, you should assess your injuries. If you can, move out of harm’s way, especially if your bicycle is in a position where it could be damaged further by moving traffic. Ensure you can feel all of your limbs and head, and that there is no significant bleeding or swelling. You should also check for signs of a concussion, such as blurry vision, dizziness, confusion, and headache.
Once you’ve checked yourself over, be sure to seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you have any major injuries. The impact of a crash can have lingering effects that don’t appear until hours later. You should also get a medical evaluation by a doctor, preferably a specialist in cycling accidents, so that you can have the condition documented and proven.
If possible, make sure to take photos of the scene and your injuries, as well as any damage to your bike. These will come in handy when it comes time to build your case. If you have witnesses, try to get their contact information as well. They may be able to help support your claim for compensation.
Avoid unnecessary conversation with the motorists and other people at the scene of the accident, as this could be used against your case. In particular, don’t embellish about your own involvement in the accident. It can be construed as you are trying to shift blame or to avoid responsibility for the crash.
Visit Website: https://www.united-solicitors.co.uk/road-traffic-accident-claims/cycling-accident-claims
Always give a full statement to the police, as this will provide an objective account of the incident. If the police refuse to include your statement, ask to have it amended later on. Likewise, don’t skip out on reporting your injury to the police, no matter how minor it appears. It might not seem important now, but it can have a serious impact on your claim later on. In addition to providing proof that you were injured, this will also help your insurance company identify any fault on the part of another party. This is crucial for obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Report the accident
It’s vital to stay calm and do everything you can to gather evidence from the scene. This can include obtaining the name, address, phone number and insurance information of any other person involved in the accident. You should also try to write down the exact details of the accident, including road, weather and traffic conditions. If you are able to, take photos of the accident site and any injuries.
In addition, it’s a good idea to get the contact information of any witnesses. If possible, you should also try to get a copy of the police report. While police are primarily concerned with recording the driver’s version of events, you should do your best to ensure that your statement is included. It’s also a good idea to report all injuries, no matter how minor they seem. Sometimes seemingly minor injuries may develop into serious and life-changing complications later.
A common type of cycling accident involves a motorist fleeing the scene of an accident they caused. This can be due to many reasons, including drunk driving or simply a lack of consideration for the cyclists’ safety. Regardless of the reason, you should always do what you can to track down the driver, even if it means calling the police for assistance.
While it’s important to remember that the primary concern after an accident is your personal health, you should never compromise this in order to get the evidence you need to file a successful claim. This includes not only getting the names and insurance information of the driver, but also making sure that all witness statements are recorded. It’s also important not to speak with insurance companies until you have spoken to an attorney.
If you have a lot of trouble tracking down the driver, it may be worth hiring an investigator to do so. This is an expert who will be able to obtain skid mark measurements, speak with additional witnesses and make diagrams of the accident site. In some cases, this expert can help settle the case without having to go to trial.
Consult an attorney
If you have a cycling accident, it is important to follow the proper steps. This includes seeking medical attention, complying with the law regarding accident reporting, and documenting damage to your bike and equipment. Doing these things can make your recovery and obtaining compensation for any damages you suffered much easier in the long run.
The first thing you need to do after a crash is check yourself and others for injuries. This may be as simple as ensuring that all your limbs move as they should. It is also important to take stock of your equipment and check that everything is intact. If you have a camera on your bike, take pictures of the scene and any damage. If there are any witnesses, get their names, address, and phone number. This information can be useful for any future legal or insurance claim.
Even if you don’t feel any significant injury, you should still call the police to file an official report. This will create an objective account of what happened, which is vitally important if you develop any issues later or when dealing with insurance companies. It is also helpful to have a police report if you need to sue for damages or if there is any litigation.
You should never admit fault to anyone at the scene of the accident. This includes the driver of any vehicle and other cyclists or witnesses. Trying to apportion blame or being defensive can hurt your chances of getting fair compensation for the accident.
As soon as the police arrive, try to remain calm and cooperate. If the motorist is there, exchange contact and insurance information. Also, write down everything that happened, including what time it occurred and the weather conditions. It is a good idea to have your helmet camera recording at the scene, but be sure that it’s turned on and not accidentally overwritten.
Keep track of any property damage that you incur as a result of the accident, such as repair or replacement costs. Also, document any out-of-pocket expenses incurred, such as transportation to and from the scene of the accident, food, drinks, lodging, and anything else that you have to spend because of the incident. In some cases, the driver’s PIP insurance might cover these expenses. However, if your injuries will require ongoing treatment or will affect your ability to work, you may need more compensation than PIP can provide. For this reason, it is best to consult a cycling attorney as soon as possible. Find a qualified lawyer near you by using Enjuris’ personal injury lawyer directory.
Visit Website: https://www.united-solicitors.co.uk/road-traffic-accident-claims/
