What Action Should You Take After A Bicycle Accident?
Bicycling is a popular way to get around and has many benefits. It’s good for your health and the environment, plus it can save you money on gas or public transportation. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents do happen, and when they do, knowing what action to take after an accident can be overwhelming.
It’s important to know that every state has laws regarding bike accidents, so make sure you are familiar with them before taking action. Generally speaking, though, there are some steps that most people should follow in the event of a bicycle accident. Knowing these steps can help ensure everyone gets the medical treatment they need while protecting their rights as cyclists.
1. Contact an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney
After a bike accident, it’s important to contact an experienced bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. When injured in a bicycle accident in Huntsville, an attorney can help protect your rights. They will also ensure that you are compensated for any medical bills, lost wages, or other damages you may have suffered due to the accident.
An attorney can also handle negotiations with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident, freeing up your time so that you can focus on recovering from any injuries. Furthermore, they can help ensure that all evidence is preserved and that any necessary legal action is taken promptly.
2. Stay at the Scene Until Law Enforcement Arrives
The most important thing to do if you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident is to stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives. This can be difficult if you’re feeling scared or overwhelmed, but it’s essential for protecting your rights as a cyclist and making sure everyone gets the medical help they need.
Not only does this give you access to medical treatment and help if needed, but it also ensures that all parties are held accountable for their actions. In addition, it helps to ensure that any evidence of fault or liability is preserved in case it needs to be used in a court of law.
3. Exchange Information with All Involved Parties
After a bicycle accident, exchanging information with the other person(s) involved is important. If applicable, this includes names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers. It’s also important to document the scene of the accident by taking pictures or writing down details about what happened.
This information can be invaluable if you file an insurance claim or pursue legal action after your accident. Keep copies of the information and any pictures you take in a safe place. Additionally, ensure you exchange contact information with any witnesses at the scene so they can provide statements if needed further down the line.
4. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Having a medical professional evaluate your condition can help identify potential injuries that may not be apparent immediately. It’s also essential to document any harm from the accident in case you need to pursue legal action later.
If your injuries are severe and require emergency medical attention, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital immediately. Additionally, if you think someone else has been injured in the accident, they must seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if they don’t think they’ve been injured.
5. Call Your Insurance Company
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. They can provide advice and assistance on filing a claim for damages and help to ensure that any necessary medical bills are covered.
In addition, they can also offer guidance on any applicable laws in your state that could affect the outcome of your case. It’s important to remember, however, that insurance companies are businesses and may not always have your best interests at heart. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of potential pitfalls when dealing with them.
6. Follow Up on the Accident
Following up on any potential legal action after your bicycle accident is important. This includes filing a police report, pursuing an insurance claim if necessary, and reviewing any applicable laws in your state that could affect the outcome of your case. Additionally, it’s important to keep records of any medical treatments or bills related to the accident and any communication with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident.
Doing all this can help ensure that you receive proper compensation for any losses from the accident. Furthermore, it will give you a clear understanding of your legal rights should you pursue legal action.
No one ever wants to be in a bicycle accident, but accidents happen. Knowing what action to take after a bike accident is important so you can get medical attention and the legal protection you need. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced attorney today to discuss your legal rights and options.