Unlike those traveling in motor vehicles, bicyclists don’t have seatbelts or airbags to protect them if they are ever in an accident. This is one reason why bike accidents can be so devastating.
If you are ever involved in a bike accident, you need to act fast, especially if you have suffered injuries. In fact, you need to take immediate action in order to protect your health and well-being, not to mention your legal rights. With that in mind, here are five steps you should take if you are ever in a bike accident:
- Call 911: Whether you need an ambulance or the police, you should call 911 right away following a serious bike accident. If your accident involves a motor vehicle, you may need a police report later to prove your claim.
- Seek medical attention: If you are injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you think your injuries are not serious, it is important to be checked out by a medical profession since you may be suffering from an internal injury and simply not aware of it.
- Take photos of the scene: Most phones have cameras on them, so if you are able, you should take photos of the scene of your accident. These photos can be vital when proving your claim. For instance, if your accident was caused by a dangerously designed street or bike lane, these photos can help support your claim.
- Collect information: Like the photos, you should also gather all relevant information if you are able, including 1) the names, addresses and contact information for all witnesses and anyone involved in the accident; 2) the drivers’ license and license plates of any motor vehicle involved, if applicable; and 3) the insurance policy information for anyone else involved, if applicable.
- Contact an attorney right away: If you want to ensure your rights are protected following a serious bike injury, you need to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. You have enough to worry about, so let your attorney take care of your legal issues.
It is important to remember, however, that every bike accident is unique, meaning the steps you need to take may be different from those listed above, depending on your circumstances. This is simply another reason why you should call a lawyer as soon as possible.