Riding a bike, whether it is for leisure, fitness, or commuting is not only a fun way to get around, but it also offers the rider numerous health benefits. Unfortunately, the open road is not a particularly friendly place for bike riders. Bike accidents are an unfortunate reality for anyone when they get on a bike ride, and it is critical that you understand what steps you should take after you have been in a bike accident.
In the aftermath of a bicycle accident your mind is scattered and you are thinking of a million different things. What should I do? Am I hurt? Do I need to get medical treatment? Is the other driver okay? All of these thoughts are understandable but they can distract you from the critical steps that you need to take at the scene of your accident, specifically gathering evidence.
If you are pursuing a personal injury claim for any injuries you have received from a bike accident you will need evidence, but what evidence do you need to collect? Here at LifeLaw Trial Lawyers we love to bike, and we are dedicated to helping educate our biking community on what to do after a cycling accident. In this article our Utah bike accident lawyers will be breaking down what your next steps should be after an accident, as well as what evidence you need to collect.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Health
There is nothing more important than your health and safety, and your first step after an accident should be to make sure that you are safe. After an accident take a moment to assess yourself for injuries. If you have blacked out after the crash (possible TBI) or have any severe injuries (broken bones, dislocated shoulder or knee, serious bleeding) call an ambulance and go to the hospital immediately.
If your injuries are not severe and it is safe to do so, then try to move the scene of the accident out of the way of traffic, and off to the side of the road or trail. This helps to ensure that no other accidents may occur and injuries will not worsen.
Step 2: Call the Authorities
A bike accident should always be reported to the police, and here in Utah this is required by law. Contacting the police will ensure that an official police report has been created for the crash which is imperative to a personal injury claim. A police report captures all of the incident’s details from the officer’s perspective as well as who the officer believes to be at fault for the accident. Typically an insurance company will use this document to assign fault and liability to an accident. Make sure that you get a copy of this police report, or the report number before you leave the scene of the accident.
Step 3: Gathering Evidence
Evidence is crucial to any personal injury claim, and it is especially vital in a bike accident. Try to collect as much evidence as you can while you are still at the accident scene. This evidence should include:
Step 4: Seek Medical Evaluation
Even if you have initially assessed your injuries at the scene of the accident, it is absolutely critical to have a qualified medical professional evaluate you. A professional medical evaluation may reveal injuries that are not visible on the surface, and can help create a treatment plan for your recovery.
Your medical treatment is what gives your case value, as it is one of the main aspects that an insurance company evaluates when assessing your personal injury claim. This makes medical treatment and medical records essential evidence for your case. Your medical records document in writing the extent of your injuries and the impact that they have on your life. As Utah bike accident attorneys we strongly recommend following all of the advice that your doctors give you for handling your injuries, and make sure you consistently attend your appointments!
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
If you were injured you will need to inform your insurance company about your bike accident, but do so with caution. An insurance adjuster does have your best interests in mind and if you are not prepared for speaking with an insurance company you may shoot your claim in the foot. Reaching out to a skilled Utah bike accident attorney can help alleviate this stress as they will open a claim on your behalf, and help guide you through giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlements. Your bike attorney will work with you through the process to ensure that your rights are protected.
Step 6: Consult a Bike Accident Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of a bicycle accident, especially when you are pursuing a legal claim, can be complex and challenging. The help of a Utah bike accident attorney can provide you with invaluable assistance, from advising you on medical treatment and settlement options to representing your interests in negotiations or court. An attorney will ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses that you incurred throughout this process.
Getting into a bike accident can be a traumatic and often life-altering event. Having proper documentation of the accident is critical for protecting your rights and ensuring that you receive the compensation that you deserve. By following the steps outlined above you will be able to navigate the aftermath of your accident with less stress and while making your injury case stronger.
It is important to remember that you do not have to go through this complicated process alone, if you or someone you know has been injured then do not hesitate to reach out to the best bike accident attorneys in Utah at LifeLaw Trial Lawyers. Our team is led by David Francis who is a former member of the U.S cycling team. This knowledge and love of bicycling allows us at LifeLaw to navigate a bicycle accident and all its complexities. Let our team of bike accident lawyers help you throughout every step of the legal process fighting for your rights every step of the way. Give us a call today for a free consultation and to discuss your next steps!