Bicycle accidents have become more common over the past several years, especially with more commuters than ever taking to their bicycles as a mode of transportation. This article goes over the main steps to take after a bicycle accident and what strategies can maximize your chances of recovery.
1. Wait for the Police To Arrive
The police will provide a list of actions that need to be taken care of before leaving the scene. In the meantime, they will protect the accident scene from unauthorized personnel interfering with the evidence.
The police also aid in finding the cause of the bicycle crash. If you have questions or concerns about your rights after an accident, consult with one of the renowned Bicycle accident lawyers in Long Island immediately.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Insurance companies can help you deal with several different problems after an accident. These include roadside assistance, filing a claim for property damage, injury claims, and dealing with uninsured motorists. Be prepared to pay out of pocket if your insurance company fails to compensate you properly.
It is important to file a claim for damages before repairs are completed on your bike or other property. Contacting your insurance company immediately after an accident is very important because if you wait too long, your policy may become void, and your coverage can be denied.
Insurance companies often dispute claims filed by victims who did not call immediately after an accident. Some insurers are more concerned about personal injury claims than others. Therefore, it is essential to let your insurance company know about your experience as soon as possible.
3. Document What Happened
When you talk to the police officer who responds to your accident, make sure you ask them to take notes of what happened. Also, ask them to document all of the information regarding the accident and write down everything that happened in chronological order.
Try to take pictures at the scene and any documents left behind. Keep these records with you so that you can refer to them when filing your insurance claim.
4. Preserve the Evidence
The best way to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries is to preserve evidence after the occurrence of the bicycle accident.
You should make sure you get hold of the witnesses’ contacts who will testify during the court hearing. Ensure that the photos of the bicycle and the other vehicles involved in the accident are well preserved.
5. See a Doctor Immediately
Even if you feel fine after an accident, it is best to see a doctor right away. There are several reasons for this. If you do not seek medical attention immediately after an accident, there is a good chance that you will have permanent brain or spinal cord injuries.
An X-ray can help doctors determine whether there are broken bones in your body, including the spinal column. This can save you from suffering serious injury later. You should also get checked out by a doctor, even if you think you only have minor injuries.
People tend to overlook several common injuries, such as lacerations and abrasions, which can lead to permanent scarring and loss of mobility if left untreated. People often ignore their injuries and don’t even go to the hospital because they feel they don’t need medical attention.
You can prevent complications from developing later by getting checked out right away. In addition, it is always a good idea to visit a doctor for at least one day after an accident because they can assess the damage to your body and provide a treatment plan for your injuries.
One Step at a Time
Hopefully, this article has helped you better understand what to do after an accident and how to prepare for it. In addition to learning about what to do, you should also be familiar with what not to do while driving. Always respect the rules of the road and practice safe driving.
Author: With a law degree under his belt, Mark Scott understood very early that law communication was a relatively neglected area. He decided to help people by “translating” the language and offering information and advice in a clear, useful, and actionable manner. For this reason, instead of finding him in court, you will most likely find his name online, where he is very active and thriving as a legal columnist. His part of making the world a better place is to make the law a less convoluted maze. He aims to make it easier for people to understand when and how to seek legal counsel, how to proceed in a significant number of legal matters, and to find the proper resources so they can stand up for their rights.
