What Steps Should You Take After A Bicycle Collision?
The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be a stressful and confusing time. Cyclists may need to heal from severe injuries and replace damaged property. They may also be unsure of their rights and their options as a bicyclist involved in a collision with a car.
At VanMeveren Law Group, we are experienced advocates for injured people in Colorado, Wyoming and Arizona, including injured bicyclists. We offer guidance at every stage of the process, helping you make informed decisions and take steps to protect your rights and your access to compensation.
Seek Medical Attention
A bicycle crash can lead to serious injuries, and making your health a priority is vital. If your injuries are serious, contact emergency medical services immediately. Even if you do not believe that you have suffered severe injuries, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This creates a record of your injuries and helps ensure that your injuries receive the treatment they need.
Contact The Authorities
Reporting an accident to the police is often the first step toward getting the compensation you need to recover. Not only can the police prepare a report about the accident, but it can also be an essential piece of support for your claim with an insurance company.
Collect Information
The information you collect after an accident can be a key support for your claim with the insurance company. It can also lay the foundation for a strong legal claim against a negligent driver. Some of the information you should record includes:
- The name, address and insurance information of others involved in the collision
- The license plate number, make, model and color of any cars involved
- The contact information of any witnesses to the accident
- Information about the responding officers and a copy of the police report
- Any details you remember about the crash, including weather conditions, road conditions and other hazards
If possible, you may also want to take pictures of the details of the scene. These photographs should include as many angles as possible of the vehicle involved, your bicycle and any property damage at the scene. Photographs can also create a record of nearby street signs, the weather conditions and any roadway hazard you faced.
You should also collect information after you have left the scene. Keeping a journal of missed days of work, the pain you suffered and the challenges you face can help create a full picture of the impact that your injuries have had on your life. Preserving medical records, health care bills and other details about your care can also provide support for your claim.
Preserve Physical Evidence Where Possible
While it might be tempting to discard damaged bicycle components, a bicycle that cannot be repaired, any personal property damaged during the crash or helmets and other safety gear that is no longer safe to use. However, these damaged items could be vital evidence for your claim and could even help you prove fault.
Explore Your Legal Options
After a crash, you face many questions. An attorney with experience representing injured cyclists can help you address the unique concerns you face, explore your legal options, and fight for full and fair compensation. Not only can they help you protect your rights as you work with the insurance company, but they can also assess any documents provided and push back in court if necessary.
Get Experienced Legal Guidance Today
To discuss your case with an experienced bicycle law attorney, call VanMeveren Law Group at 970-792-2103 or reach out online to arrange for a consultation.