In 2019, 843 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles, and that’s just deaths. There are countless other people who have bicycle accidents and sustain injuries, whether cars are involved or not. This might be a frightening statistic, especially if you bike a lot. And the truth is, no matter what precautions you take, you’re at risk of a bicycle crash. Of course, it’s unrealistic to just stop biking altogether. So if you’re ever in a bicycle accident, here’s what you need to do.
Call 911
If there are injuries and/or damage, you need to call 911. You might not think you’ve been injured, but the adrenaline that courses through our body after something shocking can dull the pain. So you might actually have sustained an injury, which you might need an ambulance for!
Exchange Information
While waiting for the police, exchange information with everyone involved, including the motorist, other cyclists, and any witnesses. You should get:
- Full names
- Phone numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Makes and models of all cars involved
- License plate numbers
- Insurance policy information
Don’t Negotiate
One of the most important things you should remember is you should never negotiate with the driver, even if they’ve fully accepted the blame. They’re looking out for themselves, which means you’ll most likely get the short end of the stick.
Write Down Everything You Remember
The more time passes, the more details you’ll forget. So jot down everything you can, ASAP. Take tons of pictures from various angles and even draw maps if needed.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Before you contact your insurance company, speak to a bicycle accident lawyer first. While you pay a premium to your insurance company every month, they don’t actually have your best interests at heart. They want to keep as much money in their pockets, after all.
A bicycle accident attorney can help negotiate with your insurance and also represent you in a lawsuit if it comes down to that. They’ll be your advocate so you can get the compensation you deserve to recover from any injuries or mental health issues that result from the accident.
If you want to find out more about bike accident lawyers, The Law Offices of Daniel Kim has great information.
See the Doctor
No matter how minor your injuries, always see a doctor afterward. They might be able to find something you weren’t aware of. And if you’re filing a lawsuit, evidence of you seeking out medical help right after the accident is key.
Besides, if you catch minor injuries early on, this can prevent them from becoming more serious ones in the future.
Recover From a Bicycle Accident Efficiently With Our Tips
Having a bicycle accident can be frightening, and no matter how much you prepare for one, it can be traumatizing. But by knowing what to do if you have a bicycle accident, you’ll be able to recover from your cycling injury in the best way possible.
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