Introduction
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a jarring experience. In this guide, we discuss the best ways you can protect yourself and maximize your chances at securing compensation.
Gather Evidence to Support Your Injury Claim
It’s crucial to gather thorough evidence to support your injury claim. Consider documenting:
- Details of the other party: driver’s license number, name, address, and license plate information.
- Car details: make, model, color, and year of the vehicle involved.
- Contact information for witnesses.
- Photos of your bike, the vehicle(s) involved, the accident scene, and the positions of the vehicles.
- Include any additional relevant information related to the collision, no matter how seemingly insignificant it may appear initially.
Minimize Communication at the Scene
In stressful situations like accidents, people often engage in casual conversation, which could potentially harm your case later on. Consider the following:
- Avoid making jokes or comments that could be misinterpreted.
- Refrain from expressing concern or sympathy, which might be misconstrued as an admission of fault.
- Decline any offers of cash settlement at the scene; insist on police involvement to document the incident accurately.
Accept and Document Medical Assistance
Remain at the accident scene until the police arrive and disclose all injuries to the responding officer. If paramedics suggest hospitalization, accept their assistance promptly. Even seemingly minor injuries could require immediate medical attention, linking them clearly to the accident.
Follow Medical Advice
To strengthen your case, demonstrate proactive steps to improve your health:
- Adhere to prescribed medications and attend all medical appointments and therapy sessions.
- Refrain from activities that could exacerbate your injuries.
Preserve Evidence
Maintain the condition of your damaged bicycle as it was post-collision. This preserves crucial evidence for accident reconstruction and refutes potential false claims by the at-fault party.
Regardless of fault, inform your insurance company promptly about the accident. This ensures coverage under policies like underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, which may assist with medical expenses and other losses.
Exercise Caution Online
Refrain from sharing any information online that could undermine your injury claim, even seemingly unrelated posts or photos.
Do not provide a recorded statement to the insurance company without legal advice. Such statements can be used against you later in the claims process.
Consider consulting with a lawyer specializing in bicycle accident cases immediately following the incident. Benefits include:
- Directing all insurance inquiries to your legal representation.
- Allowing you to focus on recovery while your lawyer handles communications and negotiations.
- Shielding you from potential pitfalls such as informal settlements or recorded statements that could jeopardize your claim.
Time is limited to pursue legal action for compensation. Act promptly to protect your rights and seek appropriate damages for your injuries and losses.
