Cycling is a popular mode of transportation for many individuals around the world. It is eco-friendly, promotes physical activity, and can save on transportation costs. However, bicyclists are at an increased risk of accidents due to the lack of protection and visibility when compared to motor vehicles.
Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries or even death. In this article, a bicycle accident lawyer from Venerable Injury Law will discuss how to protect your rights after a bicycle accident.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Bicycle Accident
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, the first thing to do is to seek medical attention if necessary. Even if you feel fine, it is important to have a medical professional evaluate you for any injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
The next step is to report the accident to the police. Provide them with your contact information, as well as any witnesses or parties involved in the accident. The police will create an accident report that you can use later on.
If possible, take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your bicycle, any injuries you sustained, and the vehicles or objects involved in the accident. These pictures can serve as evidence in any legal proceedings.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in the accident, it is essential to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. A personal injury attorney can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for any injuries, medical bills, lost wages, or other damages resulting from the accident.
The attorney can also help you communicate with the insurance company to ensure that your rights are protected. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly, but it is important to make sure that the settlement amount covers all damages resulting from the accident.
Document Your Injuries and Expenses
Keep track of all medical expenses related to the accident, including hospital bills, medication costs, physical therapy, and any other expenses related to your injuries. Also, document any lost wages or income due to your inability to work after the accident.
If you have sustained any physical injuries, take pictures of your injuries over time as they heal. This documentation can be used to demonstrate the severity of your injuries and help determine an appropriate settlement amount.
Be Careful When Communicating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, which means that they will often try to pay as little as possible in claims. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when communicating with insurance companies.
Do not provide a recorded statement without first consulting with an attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to trick you into saying something that can be used against you later on. Also, do not sign any documents without consulting with an attorney.
Know Your Rights as a Bicyclist
As a bicyclist, you have certain rights that are protected by law. You have the right to use the road just like any other vehicle, and drivers are required to share the road with you. Additionally, drivers are required to maintain a safe distance from you when passing, and they must yield to you at crosswalks and intersections.
If a driver violates your rights as a bicyclist and causes an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.
Consider Filing a Lawsuit
If the insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement, you may need to consider filing a lawsuit. A personal injury lawsuit can help you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident.
To file a lawsuit, you will need to hire an attorney and gather evidence to support your claim. This evidence can include accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and other documentation related to the accident.
Contact Us for Help
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience, and it is important to take steps to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for any damages resulting from the accident. This includes seeking medical attention, reporting the accident to the police, contacting a personal injury attorney, documenting your injuries and expenses, being careful when communicating with insurance companies, knowing your rights as a bicyclist, and considering filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Remember, as a bicyclist, you have the right to use the road and be protected from drivers who violate your rights. By taking the necessary steps to protect your rights and seek compensation for damages, you can help prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future and ensure that you receive the justice and support you deserve.
Featured Photo by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/
Early in his journalism college years, Kerry Tucker had a revelation: there were not nearly enough law communicators. Peoples’ difficulties in understanding the law, procedures, and how the justice system worked stemmed from the fact that no one took the patience to explain complicated matters to them. Therefore, he took upon him the task of helping people navigate legal matters easier. He works with attorneys and other legal journalists, and spends time doing research so that everyone – from a mother whose child got a bike injury to a company needing insurance counsel – to find the actionable answers they are looking for.
