Over the past decade or so, as cycling becomes more popular, a bike accident attorney knows that the number of bike accident victims has also increased. we have helped countless accident victims obtain the financial compensation they deserved for their injuries. If you have been hurt in a bike accident, consider contacting an experienced lawyer, like a bicycle accident lawyer Salt Lake City, UT trusts, to discuss what your legal options may be.
Steps after a Bike Accident
Just as in any type of vehicle accident, it is critical to obtain all relevant information when you have been hurt in a bike accident. The more information you can provide that will prove your claim, the more successful you will be in obtaining the full amount of damages you may be entitled to.
The first thing you want to do when you have been hit by a vehicle is to get off the road. You do not want to risk more injury by other vehicle drivers who may not see you. If you are physically able, call the police and wait for someone to arrive at the scene, even if you do not think you have been injured. It is not uncommon for symptoms of injuries to not show up for several hours, sometimes even for several days. The police officer will take down all relevant information and may even cite the driver. This police report can help should you need to file a personal injury claim.
While you are waiting for the police to arrive, you should take the driver’s contact information, including their license number, vehicle insurance information, and their registration. Use your phone camera to capture a photo of their license plate.
You should also take photos of any damage done to the vehicle and your bike, as well as photos of the area that the accident occurred in. If you have been injured and are unable to do these things, ask any witnesses or bystanders to do them for you. And if there were witnesses to the accident, make sure to get their contact information, too.
The at-fault driver may try to talk you out of filing a claim and offer to pay for any damage to your bike or medical bills right at the scene. Do not agree to anything. You do not know what the extent of your injuries are at that point and many drivers who hit cyclists feel badly at the scene, but then later try to put blame on the victim or deny they were even at the site of the accident.
Although you may be tempted to get your bike repaired or dispose of it if the damage cannot be fixed, keep your bike until your case has been fully resolved.
Consider speaking with a bike accident attorney and letting them pursue your claim for you. Insurance companies do not like to pay damages because it cuts into their profits. When they find out you have an attorney, they will know they need to negotiate a settlement in good faith or risk having the case decided by a jury in a personal injury lawsuit.
Thank you to Rasmussen & Miner for providing their insight on bicycle accidents.