What to Do if You Get Hit While Riding Your Bike

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website (iihs.org), about 2% of people who die in car accidents each year are riding bikes. Getting hit by a car while riding your bike can be scary and overwhelming. If you know what to do right away after an accident, you can protect your rights, keep yourself safe, and get the compensation you may be entitled for any injuries or damage.

A Wesley Chapel personal injury lawyer says in the event of an accident, a lawyer can protect your rights throughout the whole process. These legal professionals help negotiate with insurance companies and determine who are the liable parties in the accident.

The following are the things you must do after being hit while riding your bike.

Assess Your Injuries

Check your injuries right after an accident. Inspect for cuts, bruises, and swelling. Locate the area of the injury and assess the severity of pain. Sleep may help if you’re shaken.

Severe injuries may cause inability to move limbs, true pain, and faintness. You should limit your movements if you suspect head, neck, or bone fractures. Some injuries don’t show immediate symptoms, so be cautious about your feelings after the accident. Some injuries may not manifest immediately so it is important to consult a medical professional to do a thorough check on you.

Call an ambulance. Adrenaline can numb pain so it is important to constantly observe yourself and your body after the accident.

Move to Safety

After assessing your injuries, make sure you’re safe from traffic. Try to carefully exit the road. Your bike or you may need to be carried to a sidewalk, parking lot, or grassy area.

If you are completely incapacitated with serious injuries, ask bystanders for help or attempt to call 911. Keep out of oncoming traffic to avoid accidents.

Sit quietly and breathe deeply while waiting for help. Walking excessively may cause more damage. Avoid moving until the medical professionals arrive if you are bleeding or in pain.

Gather Information

Collect relevant information related to the accident to support your claims. Exchange contact and insurance information with the involved party or individual. Ask witnesses for their contact info. Their statements may prove useful for your case.

Showcase the accident scene, your bike, and vehicle damage with clear photos. Take photos of road signs, signals, and other conditions that may have caused the incident. Photograph your injuries.

Record the accident’s time, date, and weather, which could help explain the incident.

A bicycle accident lawyer says it is important to write down the accident details and driver actions while it’s fresh in your mind. This information provides a solid foundation for legal action.

Report the Incident

Contact the local police and see to it that a report is made. This documents the incident officially and can be used in court.

Maintain composure and cooperate with police. Be honest when relating the incident to law enforcement authorities. A false account could jeopardize an official report. Don’t forget to keep a copy of the police report.

After reporting the incident, the road condition or other factors that caused the accident may be investigated.

Contact Your Insurance

Immediately inform your insurer after reporting the incident to streamline the processing of your insurance claim.

Start by gathering police reports, witness statements, and nearby accident scene photos.

When contacting your insurance, be concise. Have them know you were hit while cycling and add any coverage details, such as if the driver caused the accident.

Request details on how policies apply to bike accidents. Be sure to mention your health insurance, which covers some accident injuries.

Record all insurance conversations, including dates, times, and rep names. Don’t hesitate to clarify things that confuse you. Understanding the coverage and your rights helps you in your recovery.

Conclusion

If you are involved in a bike accident, you can protect yourself and your rights by using this article as a guide. Invest in a personal injury lawyer to be informed of your legal options and guarantee fair compensation for your injuries.