If you are involved in a bicycle crash and you take the necessary steps afterwards, you can make a sizable difference in the potential compensation you may be able to receive for your case. When you are involved in a bicycle crash with a car or a truck, it can be confusing and traumatic. Our lawyers at ACTS LAW understand what you are going through and can help during your time of need.
Here are some of the key steps that you can take after a cycling incident to set yourself up for success:
Move Out of Traffic
If it is safe and you are able, the most critical thing you should do is move to avoid traffic and further potential harm. Make sure you and the people around you are safe. From a safe area, call 911 and wait for the police and emergency services to arrive.
Call 911
During this time, cooperate with investigating officers and request that a traffic collision report be taken. Some witnesses, and even police officers, hold biases against cyclists. A traffic collision report can be very helpful for your attorneys when advocating on your behalf, as your side of the story will be written down and will be considered in the case. Typically, the first statement you make is considered the most reliable, as people tend to forget facts and details as time passes. Depending on the incident severity, some injuries may be treated on-site while others will require transportation to an emergency room for further treatment and care.
Don’t Negotiate with the Motorist
Negotiating with the motorist will not help you with a case and could potentially be dangerous. A police officer or medical staff member can serve as a valuable mediator in these situations.
Get the Driver’s Information
If possible, get all the information you can from the other driver, including:
Get Witness Information
If you are aware that other people have witnessed the crash, try to get their contact information. If they’re willing, have them speak with the authorities on-site so that they can share their perspective on the events. Witnesses may have seen additional details that you don’t remember or are unaware of.
Document What Happened
It’s important to document what happened during the time of the event and to gather evidence if possible. Write down all the details that you can remember and take photos of the crash scene, your bike, and any injuries that you sustained. If there is anything that you can remember before the crash or leading up to the crash, write it down or try to remember facts as best as possible until you’re able to document them.
Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible.
Go to the emergency room or make an appointment to see a doctor as soon as you are able. All your injuries should be evaluated after the initial impact. During the time of medical treatment, keep track of all medical care that you receive. This may include emergency care, medical transportation, specialty care, physical therapy, and/or rehabilitation. Similarly, you should document any suffering such as home-life stress, missed work, physical limitation, and other difficulties you are experiencing aside from strictly medical issues.
Preserve the Evidence
Preserving evidence can be helpful in the long run when looking at the details of your case. Retain your bike, clothing, and accessories and preserve them. Our experts can inspect these evidentiary items to reveal important details of the crash and/or your injuries. If you cannot gather these items, have a family member or friend do so on your behalf. Don’t wash your clothes and take photos if possible. Leave your bicycle in its unrepaired state and give it to your lawyer. Your lawyer will be able to evaluate the damages with the help of experts to make sure you are getting the compensation you deserve for all your damages.
Contact a Lawyer
A lawyer will be able to simplify the process and advocate on your behalf with qualified experts. Do not combat insurance companies or at-fault parties by yourself. Our team of attorneys at ACTS LAW specializes in bicycle cases and has the expertise to help you through every step of the process so that you can focus on your recovery, get back to what you love to do, and become secure to begin your cycling journey again.
If you or someone you know has suffered a bicycling injury, contact us today at 833-228-7529 or at info@actslaw.com.
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