6 Useful Tips for What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

By Staff Reporter Jul 27, 2021 09:53 AM EDT

Cycling is an eco-friendly exercise that can improve a person's overall health. Sadly, no matter how safe and alert you are on the road, you can still be involved in a collision or accident, which can leave you severely injured. It is important that you know what to do in the immediate aftermath to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive proper compensation for your injuries. Listed below are the things you need to do in the unfortunate event of a cycling accident.

Wait for the authorities

After the accident, you must remain at the scene regardless of whether you or the other party were injured. Notify the police right away and try to move to a safer location until help arrives. However, if you cannot move, try to ask the other party to turn on their hazard lights or place emergency flashers to alert oncoming vehicles of the accident. Ensure that the responding officer will take down your version of events. Report all your injuries, regardless of how minor they seem. Remember to get a copy of the police report, as it will help you once you pursue a legal case.

Get medical attention

Seek medical help as soon as you can, and never disregard your injuries. Keep in mind that some injuries will not manifest until after a few days, so you must get treated by a doctor immediately. In addition, only a medical professional can furnish a medical report which you will later need to file for compensation. Take several photos of your injuries and note down the symptoms that you will feel after the accident.

Never settle on your own

Under no circumstances should you accept any settlements or deals with the other party or their insurance company. Even if you feel pressured or intimidated, make sure to stand your ground and decline anything they offer. Remember that you are still not aware of the extent of your injuries, and it is also possible that the driver will recant their statement later on.

Obtain contact information

Exchange information with the driver and note their name, phone number, driver's license, plate number, and insurance details. Look for potential witnesses and write down their contact information as well. If you are unable to do so because of your injuries, ask a good samaritan to do it for you.

Preserve any evidence

At this point, the best evidence that you have are your bike, your clothes, and the personal items that you were carrying. Leave them in the state that they were in after the accident. Do not wash your clothes or throw anything that you had on you. Never attempt to fix your bike and take photos of all the damages before sending any evidence to your attorney.

Seek legal help

Before contacting your insurance company, consult with a legal expert first. Remember that anything you say can be used against you, and that applies to your insurance provider. They might try to downplay your injuries or give you a settlement that is way below the amount you deserve. If you live in Savannah, Georgia, make sure to get in touch with a personal injury lawyer in Savannah right away so they can assist you with your case.

There are many benefits to riding a bicycle, but it can also be a dangerous activity that can cause life-threatening consequences. What you do right after a bicycle accident can impact the outcome of your legal case, so it is vital that you are aware of the steps you need to take to ensure that you get the justice that you deserve.