Biking, whether it is for leisure, fitness, or commuting, can offer you numerous benefits and joys. However, the open road is not always friendly to bike riders and it does come with its fair share of risks. Bike accidents are an unfortunate part of our lives, and it is crucial that you understand what your next steps should be if you happen to find yourself in such an unwelcome situation. Having proper documentation of your accident can be crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring that you will be able to pursue any legal recourse for the damages that you have incurred. Here at LifeLaw Personal Injury, we love to bike, and we are deeply committed to ensuring that any cyclist understands the steps that they need to take to navigate the aftermath of a bike accident with confidence. With that in mind please feel free to follow this comprehensive step by step guide on what you should document from your bike accident scene, and what your next steps should be.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Health
The number one priority you should have following an accident is making sure you are safe, and minimizing any additional injuries. If it is safe to do so, move the scene of the accident to a safe location aside from traffic, but only do this if it is safe to do so and you will not worsen any of the injuries you have received. Then, check yourself for any injuries that you may have suffered and seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. The adrenaline after an accident can sometimes mask pain, and not seeking medical treatment immediately can lead to injuries worsening.
Step 2: Call the Authorities
Always report the accident to the police. In some states and counties it may not be required to report an accident to the authorities, but here in Utah it is the law. Contacting the police will ensure that an official police report is created for the accident. This is crucial for your potential case as this document captures all of the incident’s details from the officer’s perspective, and will detail who the officer believes to be at fault. An insurance company will typically use this document to assign fault and liability to an accident, so ensure that you get a copy of the police report or the report number before you leave the scene.
Step 3: Gather 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 scene of the accident. This evidence should include:
- Photographs and Videos: If it is safe for you to do so, try and take as many photos and videos of the accident scene from various angles. Try and capture the road conditions, traffic signs and signals, your bike, any vehicles that were involved in the accident, as well as any visible injuries that you have sustained. These photos act as crucial evidence in an injury claim as property damage is a significant factor that an insurance company takes into account throughout the claims process.
- Contact Information: At the scene of the incident it is very important to get the contact information and details of all parties involved in an accident. When collecting contact information make sure it includes the names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, insurance details, vehicle registrations, as well as the makes and models of any vehicles involved. If you can, try to collect the contact information of anyone else who witnessed the accident as well, as their accounts of what happened can be invaluable to your case.
- Personal Account: Consider writing or typing out your own detailed account of the accident when you are able to. Try and include the time, date, location, and how it occurred. Writing these details down can help you preserve any small details from the accident that may fade away over time.
Step 4: Seek Medical Evaluation
Even if you have initially assessed your injuries at the scene of the accident, it is absolutely critical to your health to have a qualified medical professional evaluate you. A professional medical evaluation may reveal injuries that are not skin deep, 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 many aspects an insurance company will evaluate when paying for a personal injury claim. Medical records will be essential in documenting the extent of your injuries as well as the impact that they have had on your life. Make sure that you follow through with all recommended treatments and be sure to attend all of your appointments.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
You should inform your insurance company about the accident but be sure to do so with caution. If you seek out the help of a skilled bike accident lawyer they will be able to open a claim with your insurance for you, as well as help guide you through giving a recorded statement or accepting any settlements. An attorney will work to guide you through the process to ensure that your rights are protected.
Step 6: Consult a Personal Injury 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 skilled bike accident lawyer 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 these steps after a bike accident, you will be put into a much better position and will be more prepared to navigate the aftermath of an accident. It is important to remember that you do not need to go through this process alone, if you or someone you know has been injured do not hesitate to contact the best bike accident lawyers in Salt Lake City at LifeLaw Personal Injury. 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. We are your Salt Lake personal injury law firm, contact us today for a free consultation and to discuss your options further. 801-206-4002