What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

by: Kigan MAugust 13, 2024
What to do after a bicycle accident

Bicycle accidents can be frightening and disorienting, leaving you unsure what to do next. Knowing the right steps after a bike crash is essential for your safety and ability to pursue any potential claims.

Immediate actions, such as moving to a safe spot and calling for help, can change the outcome of the accident report and your case. At BAM Personal Injury Lawyers, we are here to help you follow the right steps after a bike crash.

Understanding why bicycle accidents happen and how to respond can help you stay calm and protect your rights. Whether you're dealing with injuries or just shaken up, following these guidelines for bicycle crashes will help ensure you get the care and compensation you need.

Why Do Bike Crashes Happen?

Bike crashes can happen for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help in raising awareness and taking measures to protect cyclists on the road.

Here are some of the primary reasons why bike crashes occur.

  • Distracted driving: Drivers texting, eating, or not giving their full attention to the road can easily miss a cyclist. This often leads to dangerous collisions that could have been avoided if the driver had been more focused.
  • Poor road conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces can cause riders to lose control of their bicycles. These hazards are particularly dangerous in areas with no designated bike lane, forcing cyclists to share the road with vehicles. Bike safety must come first; even seemingly minor injuries can lead to major complications.
  • Failure to yield: Many bicycle crashes occur when drivers fail to yield the right of way to cyclists. This is especially common at intersections or when making turns, where drivers may need to look out for bikes.
  • Speeding: Excessive speed reduces drivers' ability to react to unexpected obstacles, including cyclists. Speeding increases both the likelihood of a collision and the severity of the resulting injuries.
  • Drunk driving: Impaired drivers pose a serious risk to cyclists. Alcohol and drugs will worsen a driver's judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making it difficult to navigate around cyclists safely. Drunk driving is a major concern locally.

Proper Safety Gear Could Save Your Life

Wearing the right safety gear while cycling is crucial for protecting yourself from potential injuries. Proper safety equipment can reduce the severity of injuries or even prevent accidents altogether.

Here are some essential pieces of safety gear that could save your life while riding.

  • Helmet: Wearing a helmet can protect your head in a crash. Helmets could prevent traumatic brain injuries, which are among the most severe outcomes of bicycle accidents.
  • Reflective clothing: Reflective clothing makes you more visible to drivers, especially in low-light conditions. Increased visibility can prevent accidents by ensuring drivers see you from a distance.
  • Lights: Front and rear lights are critical for night riding. Lights help you see the road ahead and make you more visible to others, reducing the risk of a collision.
  • Gloves: Cycling gloves can save your hands from scrapes and abrasions during a fall. They also provide better grip and comfort, which can help you maintain control of your bike.
  • Knee and elbow pads: Pads can protect your joints from impact in a crash. These protective gear items are particularly important for younger riders or those engaging in more extreme cycling activities.
  • Bright-colored clothing: Bright colors make you stand out on the road. This is particularly important when reflective gear may be less effective during the day.
  • Proper footwear: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes provide better control of your bike and protect your feet in case of a crash. Avoid sandals or shoes that could slip off easily.

What Should You Do After a Bike Crash?

What should you do after a bike crash

After a bike crash, it is crucial to stay calm and think about the steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. These steps will help ensure that you receive the medical attention you need and that your case is documented accurately.

Move Yourself and Your Bike to a Safe Spot, if Possible

If you can move, get yourself and your bike out of the road to avoid further injury or danger. Moving to a safe location is crucial to prevent additional injuries from oncoming traffic. If you're unable to move, try to signal for help or wait for emergency responders.

Call 911

Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it's important to have emergency services on the scene. The police can document internal injuries at the accident scene, and EMTs can assess your condition and provide necessary care.

Check Others for Injuries

If other people are involved in the crash, check on their condition. If anyone is injured, provide basic first aid if you are able, but wait for professional help to arrive. Ensuring everyone receives prompt medical attention is a top priority after a bike crash.

Give an Honest Police Report

When the police arrive, provide an honest account of what happened. Stick to the facts and do not speculate about the cause of the crash. The police report will be a crucial piece of evidence if you need to file a bicycle accident claim later.

Get the Contact Details of Witnesses

If there are any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony that supports your version of events. Make sure to get their names, their cell phone, numbers, and any other relevant details. This includes the driver's license number of any motorists involved.

Record the Crash Site

Take photos of the accident scene, including your bike, other vehicles involved, the vehicle involved, and any road hazards. Documenting the scene with photos can help establish the conditions during the crash. This evidence can be a cornerstone in your case. We need to prove liability and the extent of the damage.

See a Doctor, Even if You Feel Fine

Seek medical attention promptly, even if you don't feel injured. Some injuries, such as head injuries, may not show symptoms right away but can be serious. A medical evaluation will ensure that any serious injuries are diagnosed and treated early.

Contact an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Consult with a bicycle accident lawyer immediately. An experienced bike shop attorney can be your advocate, helping you file a claim and negotiate with insurance companies. Legal representation is critical for maximizing your compensation and protecting your rights.

How To Know if You Have a Valid Claim

How to know if you have a valid claim

Several factors must be considered to determine if you have a valid claim after a bicycle accident involving you. These include the circumstances of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the available evidence.

Insurance Claim

Submitting an insurance claim is frequently the initial step after a bicycle accident. This involves calling your insurance company and providing details about the accident. The insurer will investigate the claim and may offer a settlement.

You may need to negotiate if the insurance claims or settlement offer is insufficient to cover your medical bills, lost pay, and other damages. An attorney is critical in the negotiating process. They will ensure you receive fair compensation. If negotiations fail, a personal injury claim may be necessary.

Personal Injury Claim

A personal injury claim may be filed if another party is at fault for serious injury from the crash. This claim demands compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses. To file a personal injury claim, you must prove that the other party was negligent and that their negligence led directly to your injuries.

Personal injury claims can be complicated and require substantial evidence. Partnering with an attorney can boost your chances of a successful outcome. Your attorney will collect evidence, interview witnesses, preserve evidence, and build a strong case to support your claim.

Why You Need To Enlist the Help of an Experienced Attorney

When dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident, having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Their expertise and support can help you navigate the legal process more effectively and secure the compensation you deserve.

Here are some key reasons why enlisting the help of an experienced attorney is essential.

  • Legal expertise: An experienced attorney understands the complexities of bicycle accident cases. They know how to navigate the legal system and handle the challenges that may arise during the claims process.
  • Maximizing compensation: A lawyer will work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available. This includes negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing additional damages, if necessary, for our clients.
  • Evidence collection: An attorney will help gather all the necessary evidence to support your claim. This includes obtaining medical records, police reports, and witness statements.
  • Handling paperwork: Filing a claim involves a lot of paperwork and deadlines. A lawyer will address all the legal documentation, ensuring everything is submitted correctly and on time.
  • Representation in court: If your case goes to court, having a lawyer represent you is critical. They will fight on your behalf, articulating your case effectively to the judge and jury.

Reach Out To Our Idaho Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

Reach out to our Idaho bicycle accident lawyer for a free case consultation

At BAM Personal Injury Lawyers, our law firm is committed to helping bike crash victims recover the compensation they deserve. We have seen the disasters that bike accidents can create. We can also help you after your bicycle crash, even if you have a head injury.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us represent you in your bike accident.

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