8 Steps to Take After a Bicycle Crash
A bicycle crash is always unexpected and can cause serious injuries. While there are plenty of websites that offer advice on what to do after a motor vehicle accident, information on bicycle crashes is sadly lacking. However, to get the compensation you need following an accident, it’s important to know what to do. When you are injured by a negligent motorist, an experienced bicycle accident lawyer can provide the insight you need to recover financial damages.
Always Carry Identification
Carrying your identification with you every time you go out on your bike is important. If you are in a bicycle crash and become unconscious or are seriously injured, this identifies you. It also makes it much faster to notify your family following a bicycle accident.
Remember Your Cell Phone
Take your cell phone with you when you leave home. If you are in an accident, having a cell phone along is important. This way, you can call for medical assistance and report the accident to the police.
Additional Items to Carry
Emergency contact information is a good thing to carry, along with your I.D. This can get the information about your accident and injury to your family faster. You should also carry a writing instrument and a small notebook. This is so you can write down the information you need about your accident.
Check for Injuries
Not all injuries are obvious, and adrenaline that runs through your body after an accident can mask pain. Call 911 if you are seriously injured. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) handles certain accidents. Others are handled by local jurisdictions. If you have pain in your back, neck or other trauma, stay still if you are not in danger by surrounding traffic and wait for help to come. Even if you do not have to go to the hospital, see your family doctor. This helps document the accident if injuries appear later.
Report Your Accident
If you were injured, call the police to report the accident. If the driver was at fault, the police will issue them a citation. This can be used to support a claim for financial compensation caused by your bicycle crash. The police officer should give you a copy of his or her report. If not, you can get one from the police department. While the officer is there, you should take down their name and badge number or ask for a business card if they have one.
Exchange Information
In any accident, those involved must exchange information. Get the driver’s license number and personal information, note the make and model of the vehicle and obtain the insurance policy number. If witnesses are present, obtain their contact information. Ask if they took a video of the accident or its aftermath.
Take Photographs of the Bicycle Crash
Photos of the vehicle and bicycle in their original positions after the crash can be helpful to the investigation. You may also want to photograph any of your visible injuries. Photos of any skid marks, signs that indicate the speed limit and other possible evidence may be useful also.
Retain the Physical Evidence
Keep the bicycle in its original condition after the crash until the accident has been resolved. You may also want to bag the clothing and shoes you were wearing. This provides additional evidence if you place a claim for compensation.
Elk Grove Bicycle Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, an Elk Grove bicycle accident lawyer. When a negligent driver injures you in a traffic accident, you have the right to claim financial compensation. This can be used to pay your medical costs, lost time from work, and other expenses. For my free and friendly advice, call me at (916) 694-0002. Outside the local area, reach me at (800) 404-5400, or you can contact me through our online form.
When seeking legal advice, It’s a good idea to know something about the law firm. You are welcome to look over my firm’s client reviews and cases at:
I’m a member of the Million Dollar Forum. It is reserved for trial attorneys who have won in excess of $1 million for a client. I also belong to the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. It recognizes those lawyers who have a high standard of excellence in their practice.
During my 37-year practice as an injury lawyer, I’ve helped many Elk Grove residents to get fair compensation for their injuries. Among my practice areas are any type of motor vehicle accident, traumas such as brain injuries and wrongful deaths.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_187521286_l-2015
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