The 3 Steps You Must Take Following A Bicycle Accident
Riding a bike is fun, liberating, and a great way to get exercise on the way to and from work. Unfortunately, with more cyclists and cars on the roads, bicycle accidents are all too common. Obviously, it is important to wear a helmet, but even when you do, much of your body is left exposed. With road crash statistics from the Association for Safe International Road Travel, we know that over 37,000 people die from road crashes each year in the U.S. alone. The dangers of road travel are well known, which is why it’s important to minimize risks on the road.
When riding a bike, you are partaking in a healthy alternative to driving, yet you may expose yourself ever further to the risks associated with road travel. If you or someone you know have gotten into bicycle accidents, especially one that involves a motor vehicle, it is important to know your next steps.
Step 1: Check For Injuries
If you have had a collision while on a bicycle, make sure to check yourself for injuries. In the event of a catastrophic personal injury, direct the driver that crashed into you to call an ambulance. If you have the presence of mind to do so, try to memorize their license plate. If they decide to hit and run, this will come in useful. If you are only slightly injured, but it will prevent you from biking to work, make sure to write this down as well.
No matter the circumstances, your first priority should be getting yourself to safety.
Step 2: Exchange Contact Information
If you are able to get to work and aren’t in need of immediate medical assistance, you should make sure to get the contact information of the person who hit you, just like you would after a car accident. If you weren’t responsible for the accident, this will help you recover damages to the bike and to yourself at a later date. Staying in communication helps streamline the often painful process of getting compensated.
Step 3: Call a Personal Injury Attorney
This is one of the most important things you can do following bicycle or motor vehicle accidents caused by a reckless driver. If you’ve been even slightly injured by someone else’s negligence on the road, a personal injury lawyer might be able to help you get the restitution you deserve. To make the case easier for them, write everything down as soon as you get a chance. These recollections are crucial. The more your attorney knows about the case, the better they will be able to help you.
Whenever people get into bicycle accidents on the road, it is a tragedy. Always make sure to take every safety precaution when traveling on public roads, but also know that it is possible to still get into an accident. Luckily, in these cases, there are laws that help protect innocent accident victims. A personal injury attorney can assist you in taking the next steps toward financial restitution.