Bike accidents can happen at any moment especially if you commute daily to work. At some point, you can be in an accident involving a motorist or a car.
Hence knowing what you can do after a bike accident will save you from many losses at the same time you will be able to preserve your rights. Also, make sure that you check the companion that was riding with you. If they are safe or if anybody involved in an accident is seriously injured.
Moreover, to preserve your rights and get compensated for your loss you can contact a lawyer or consult a Sacramento personal injury lawyer.
What Steps Must You Follow After Getting in a Bike Accident?
Here are some of the steps that you must follow after getting into a bike accident.
1. Check for injury
First and foremost check yourself and your companion for any injuries. If there are any severe injuries, call for medical help.
If there is any serious bleeding make sure that you stop the bleeding until the help arrives.
2. Call the police
Once you have called medical help make sure that you contact the police too. You and motorists must stay in the same place until the police arrive if there is any injury or property damage.
Even if there is no injury it is better to wait for the police to arrive as it may be difficult to track the opposition party once you leave the scene.
3. Do not negotiate with the motorist
Don’t negotiate with the driver even if he or she accepts their mistake. You may not be aware of the extent of your injury and the damage that is caused to your bike and there are chances that the opposition may change their statement later.
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4. Obtain driver information
Note down the information of the opposition party including name address, phone number, license plate number, and more.
5. Note down the contact information of the witnesses
Note down the phone numbers of the witnesses and others around you.
6. Document what happened
Documenting what happened during and immediately after the bike accident is of utmost importance. Make sure to note down every detail of the accident, including the road conditions, weather, time of day, and any contributing environmental factors like poor lighting or road obstructions.
Remember to detail the sequence of events leading up to the accident as accurately as possible. This could include the speed you were traveling at, your direction, actions you took to avoid the collision, and the behavior of the other party involved. Also, take note of any immediate physical sensations or injuries you experienced.
Furthermore, if there were any conversations with the other party involved or witnesses, jot down the gist of those exchanges as well. Capture the emotional and physical state of the other individuals involved, as this could be relevant. If the police arrive at the scene, record the officers’ names and badge numbers, and ask how you can obtain a copy of the accident report.
It’s also beneficial to document your post-accident experience, including medical consultations, treatments, and any impact on your daily life, work, and mental health. Keeping a journal of your physical and emotional recovery, noting any pain or difficulties you encounter during your daily activities, can provide a comprehensive picture of the accident’s impact on your life.
This detailed documentation will be invaluable later in the legal process, as it provides a thorough and chronological account of the accident and its aftermath. It can support your case in insurance claims and legal proceedings, ensuring that you have a strong foundation for seeking compensation for your losses and damages.
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7. Gather evidence
Keep all the damaged items and evidence from the bike accident intact, and refrain from touching or moving them. This includes your bike, any protective gear you were wearing, and even smaller items like a water bottle or phone mount that may have been damaged in the crash.
Preserving these items in their post-accident condition is crucial as they can serve as physical proof of the impact and the severity of the collision. Let the police record all the details upon their arrival.
They will conduct an objective assessment of the scene, which is essential for the official accident report. Until the police arrive, if you are able, you can take proactive steps by photographing the accident scene from various angles, capturing the position of the vehicles involved, the condition of the road, any skid marks, traffic signs, and the overall traffic conditions.
Also, document your immediate physical condition and any injuries you sustained. If there are any witnesses, try to collect their contact information and, if possible, record their initial observations.
This could be invaluable, especially if there are discrepancies in accounts later on. Remember, the more evidence and information you can gather, the stronger your case will be when seeking legal redress or dealing with insurance claims.
However, always prioritize safety and medical needs over gathering evidence. If you’re severely injured, focus on getting the medical attention you need first and foremost.
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8. Seek help from a lawyer
Make sure that you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to claim your losses after a bike accident. An experienced lawyer in this field will be crucial in guiding you through the legal maze and ensuring that your rights are fully protected.
They will use the evidence collected from the accident scene — such as photographs, police reports, and witness statements — alongside all relevant documents, including medical reports, bills, and proof of any other expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
Your lawyer will meticulously prepare and file a lawsuit on your behalf, aiming to claim compensation for medical expenses, lost wages if you’ve been unable to work, and potentially for pain and suffering or other non-economic damages. They can also negotiate with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement, and if necessary, represent you in court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
It’s important to remember that each case is unique, and the amount of compensation will depend on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and the laws in your jurisdiction.
A skilled personal injury lawyer will not only aim to cover the costs and losses caused by the accident but also advocate for your future needs, especially if the injuries have long-term implications on your health and livelihood.
