A bicycle accident can be devastating, even when you’re wearing a helmet and taking other safety precautions. That’s why it’s always important to follow the proper trail of steps following a bike accident. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the best practices following any crash on your bike.
Get Medical Treatment Right Away
The main reason why you need to get medical treatment right away after a bike accident is because it helps prevent further injury. If your injuries are not treated properly and promptly, then they may become worse over time. In some cases, people who do not seek medical attention after their injury may develop complications later on down the road.
Take Pictures of the Scene and Your Injuries
If you’ve been involved in a bike accident, it’s important to take pictures of the scene and your injuries. The photos can help show how bad the accident was, and they can also be used to prove your claim against the other party. The photos should include:
Your Injuries
As soon as possible after an accident, take pictures of any injuries that you suffered. This will help determine what kind of treatment is necessary and whether or not you have a case for compensation. You might also want to consider taking pictures of any damage that your bike sustained from the crash.
The Scene
If there were any witnesses at the scene, try to get their contact information so that you can ask them about what happened. If there are no witnesses available, then take photos of everything around you: street signs and nearby buildings can help determine where exactly the accident occurred.
Call the Police
If you’re injured, and there is a serious threat to public safety, call 911 immediately. If there is no threat to public safety and your injuries are minor, you may choose not to call the police. However, this is an individual decision that depends on the circumstances of your crash.
Generally speaking, if someone is seriously hurt or killed in a bike crash and it’s possible that another person may be at fault, call 911 immediately. You’ll want to make sure police know about any potential criminal activity or criminal vehicular homicide charges so they can investigate further if they think they’re warranted.
Exchange Information With the Other Party
In the event of a bicycle accident, it is important to exchange information with the other party. Even if you are not at fault, you may still be liable if you do not exchange information with the other party before leaving the scene of an accident. The following should be exchanged:
- Name and address
- Phone number
- License plate number and make of vehicle (if applicable)
- Insurance information
Tell Your Insurance Company
It’s important to tell your insurance company because they may be able to help with any costs associated with the accident. For example, if your bike was damaged in the crash, your insurance company may help pay for repairs or replacement. They may also be able to help pay for medical bills if you were injured during the crash.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you are involved in an accident, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They will be able to help you determine who is at fault for the accident, and they can also guide you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit against that individual or entity.
If you hire an attorney from the bike lane Chicago early on in your case, they will be able to help you obtain evidence that supports your claim. If you wait too long to hire one, then there may not be enough time to gather all of the information needed to win your case. This could mean that your case will get dismissed before it even starts due to a lack of evidence supporting your claim.
If you were in an accident that was not your fault and you were severely hurt, it is imperative that you contact a personal injury lawyer right away. These lawyers specialize in helping people who have been injured through no fault of their own get the compensation they deserve. The sooner you hire one, the better your chances are of receiving a large settlement and having your medical bills paid for.
