Bicycle accidents are not at all uncommon as statistics show that as many as two people die every day in a bicycle accident. Whether you are cycling in a small and quiet residential area, or a busy road, it is vital to ensure that you are maintaining optimal safety to help prevent an accident. Safety precautions such as wearing a bicycle helmet and even a reflective vest when cycling in the evenings can help drivers see you, which will essentially prevent a potentially dangerous accident. However, even if you are the most careful cyclist, it is still possible that a reckless driver could cause an accident.

If you have been involved in a bike accident, you will need to hire a professional lawyer immediately to ensure that you are on the right side of the law. Here is what you should expect after an accident.

Saftey Precautions For Cyclists

It does not matter what level of skill a cyclist has, anyone can be the victim of an accident because many bicycle accidents happen when motorists do not take proper precautions when driving on the roads. It is not uncommon for a motorist to not yield to a cyclist or not allow adequate space for a cyclist when attempting to pass them, which can result in an accident. Motorists are often the culprits as they forget to use turn signals and end up causing collisions when crossing a bicycle lane.

Unfortunately, cyclists need to take extra precautions because motorists often fail to abide by the rules of the road and they need to be extremely vigilant while cycling. Cyclists should always wear a helmet and protective garments for optimal protection. Reflective vests and a safety light should be used at night to ensure that you are visible. It is always best to avoid cycling in heavy traffic and on busy main roads as this will only increase your chances of being involved in an accident.

What To Do If You Have Been Involved In A Bicycle Accident

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, it is crucial that you try to remain calm and alert the police of the situation. Even if the accident was only minor, you will still need to phone the police and wait for them to arrive at the scene. This is because the motorist may later decide to press charges later on. You will need to follow the correct steps to ensure that you are protected throughout the unpleasant situation. It is important to tell the police the entire story and be sure to explain any and all injuries that you may have received, the police will need the most accurate report to evaluate the situation.

It is also a great idea to collect the names and telephone numbers of any witnesses that can confirm your statement and your injuries. This will serve as evidence in the event that charges need to be filed against the motorist and their insurance company.

Have Your Injuries Assessed By A Healthcare Practitioner

Even if your injuries are minor, you will need to be evaluated by a professional healthcare practitioner. This will serve as evidence that you did sustain certain injuries as a result of the accident and you will not be able to claim from insurance without a healthcare practitioner assessing your physical injuries. In addition to this, you should take clear photo’s with timestamps to add as evidence with the report after being assessed.

Contact A Professional Lawyer

It may not be your first thought to hire a lawyer, especially if your injuries and the accident was only minor, although, it is vital to hire a lawyer to ensure that you are handling the situation correctly and staying on the right side of the law. A lawyer will be able to walk you through the process of filing for an insurance claim and protect you in the event that the motorists decide to press charges. Avoid any contact with your insurance company before consulting a lawyer as your lawyer will handle all the legal paperwork and ensure that the process runs as smoothly as possible.

Being involved in any kind of accident will result in a dreaded and timely process. You may feel pressured to settle for a low-settlement on a claim, which is why a lawyer is important. All the legalities of the accident and any insurance claims will be handled in a professional manner and you will be treated fairly throughout the entire process.