If you have been injured while riding a bike—whether you are hit by a motor vehicle or crash due to unsafe road conditions—you will want to make sure you follow these steps to take after a bicycle accident. Doing so will ensure your safety and also maximize your possible compensation should you choose to file a personal injury claim.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident | Receive Medical Treatment
If you can, make sure that you’re no longer in danger. You do not want to be in a place where you’re still in danger of other vehicles. If you’re unable to move yourself or your bicycle, make sure that you are visible to other drivers. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency. If you cannot call them because your phone is damaged or because of your injuries, ask someone nearby to call 911 for you.
If you do not have a medical emergency, call the police. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, you need the police to take a report of the accident. This documents the location, date, and time the accident occurred. It will also include information about the driver involved, as well as any witnesses. The police will give you their report number. They can also help you obtain the name, contact information, and insurance information of the driver involved.
Download Our FREE Bicycle Accident Guide
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident | Gather Evidence
Get the information of any witnesses who were present at the time of the accident. Witness statements are often an important part of settling or litigating this sort of claim. Take photos of the scene, if possible. Make sure that you include photos that document the road conditions, the location of the accident, the damage to the vehicle, the damage to your bicycle, and your injuries. Keep copies of medical expenses and either the replacement costs or the repair costs of the bicycle.
Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident | Hire a Lawyer
Call our New York bicycle accident lawyer to talk about your potential claim. An experienced New York bicycle accident lawyer at our firm can help you deal with the insurance company and the negligent parties. Our job is to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, time missed from work, and damage to the bicycle.
Were you or a loved one injured in a bike accident in New York? Contact a dedicated New York bicycle accident lawyer at Krause & Glassmith today to arrange a free confidential consultation. Let us deal with the insurance companies and paperwork so you can focus on your recovery.