Being in an accident can be traumatizing, the same is true for bicycle accidents. Here’s what to do after a bicycle accident in California.
Even though it can be overwhelming and a lot to process, remain calm and remember these steps after experiencing a bicycle accident. These tips will help down the road with legal procedures and financial compensation from the event.
5 Steps to Follow After a Bicycle Accident
1. Take Numerous Video and Photos
Immediately after the accident, remain calm and move out of traffic immediately. Record yourself recounting your side of the incident using a cell phone in detail. As time passes, your memory of the event will likely differ, so having a video is crucial in ensuring details do not change down the road. Take as many pictures as possible of the scene of the accident, your bicycle, the car that hit you, and all of your injuries. Text the videos and your photos to a friend or family member as a backup.
Keeping track of these resources will help you remember every aspect of the incident, including when, where, and how it occurred. Write all of this information down on paper as soon as possible, including road names, traffic, and weather conditions. Drawing a diagram or map showing the placements of all parties involved and the position of street signs and traffic lights can be helpful in the future.
Do not throw away or wash any damaged clothing you wore during the accident. Do not repair your bike or dispose of damaged bike parts, because they can be used as evidence. Take photos first and obtain a written document of damages for repairs.
2. Report the Accident to The Police
Use your cell phone to call the police immediately. Injuries resulting from accidents appear many hours or days after the event occurred. Also, have the driver stay and wait for the police to come. When the police officers arrive, let them know your side of the story. The benefit of having a police officer on the scene is that they may ticket the driver, which can benefit in settling a case with an insurance company. Having the police present also helps identify the at-fault driver.
Related: California Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Lawsuit
3. Collect Information from Witnesses and the Driver
Collect any information about the driver and witnesses, such as their names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s licenses and vehicle license numbers, and insurance information. Take pictures and videos of their identifying documents. Inspect yourself and indicate whether you have an injury, minor or severe.
4. Seek Medical Treatment If Needed
It may seem like nothing is wrong and you have no injuries at the moment of the accident, but still have a doctor look at you. As mentioned before, injuries from accidents can show up many hours after the collision.
Related: How to Prove an Injury Is From a Car Accident
5. Consult With an Attorney
Given the unprotected position of a bike rider or a pedestrian, serious injury can often result from a collision with a motor vehicle. Often, the vehicle driver is at fault rather than the bicyclist or the pedestrian.
Do not contact your insurance company before talking to a personal injury attorney experienced in bicycle accident cases. Insurance companies can use anything you say against you later. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, hire a bicycle accident expert to investigate the accident, and represent you in a lawsuit if necessary.
Remember, you have the same rights and responsibilities as the drivers of motor vehicles as bicyclists. Taking the proper steps after an accident ensures your rights are protected. Drivers need to respect the rights of bicyclists and be mindful of sharing the road and avoiding accidents.
Related: Determining Fault in a California Car Accident
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If you or a loved one would like to know more about what to do after a bicycle accident in California, get your free consultation with one of our attorneys today!