Safety is crucial to all bicycle riders, especially the bicycle riders. You may try to stay safe, but sometimes odds can be against you, and you might get an accident. It can be a traumatizing moment, and knowing the steps to follow immediately is important. You’re eligible for compensation when you incur severe injuries, and the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. Below is a checklist that can guide you in the right steps to follow after incurring severe injuries in a bicycle accident.
Hire a Lawyer
Finding a lawyer to represent you in bicycle accidents can be tedious but worth it. When you hire a lawyer, they guide you on the best legal steps to follow and hold conversations with insurance companies. When looking for a great lawyer, check for their accreditation, licensing, reputation, and the number of cases similar to yours they’ve worked on. It’s also advisable to find a lawyer whose location is near your home to avoid commuting long distances to meet your lawyer. Ensure you clearly explain the bicycle accident events to your lawyer, so they can represent you reputably.
Wait for the Police
The first step after an accident occurs is to contact the police, so they can record a statement and determine the on-fault party. You and the other person involved should wait for the police to arrive if injuries and personal injuries are caused. When you get tempted to leave the scene, it might not be easy to trace the other motorist when you require compensation from them. As you explain to the officers what transpired, remember to be honest and detailed. As you wait for the police to arrive, ensure you record the other motorist’s contact and exchange information like names, make of the motorbike, insurance policy number, and license plate number.
Medical Attention
After you record your statement with the police, you can proceed to a medical check-up for any injuries. If the injuries are severe, you can be attended to by the doctor and given the right medication. It’s essential to keep the treatment records safe after seeing the doctor as they are evidence that can be used when making legal claims. If you suffer fractures, signing up for physical therapy will ensure you heal completely. If you lack funds to cover the physical therapy sessions, you can sue the on-fault party and claim compensation for you to be able to pay for medical expenses.
Check your Bicycle Status
The other step after a bike collision is to check that your bicycle is safe to ride home. You can check the following to determine if it’s roadworthy. Check whether the wheels are rotating properly and whether they are damaged. Test the gears by changing them to ensure they function, and check the handlebars and the frame. You can also call a professional bicycle mechanics company to inspect the bike and find the damages. Let them know you had an accident, and you’re looking forward to seeking compensation for the damages to your bike.
Avoid Negotiating with the On-Fault Party
Most people at fault after an accident often try to apologize initially to escape the blame for the accident or to try to underpay their damages. Therefore, you should avoid negotiations with the other party’s driver except when asking for insurance information and the name. Let your lawyer handle the conversations with the other party to get you the payment you deserve.
You can hire a bike expert attorney to help investigate the case. Taking photographs of the scene and having witnesses explain it can assist you in winning the claim. With the above-detailed steps, you can easily navigate a bicycle accident situation.
