If you’re a cyclist, the chances are that you’ll be involved in at least one bike accident during your lifetime. And if you’re not careful, it could be a serious one.
This article will discuss what to do if you’re unlucky enough to be hit by a car while cycling. We’ll also cover how to report the accident to the police and get any necessary medical treatment.
So read on for all the information you need after being involved in a cycling accident.
Steps to take immediately after being hit by a car
Here are the steps you need to take immediately after being hit by a car while cycling.
Check yourself for injuries
The first thing you need to do is check yourself for injuries. If you can, move to the side of the road and assess your condition. If you’re in a lot of pain or think you may have suffered a severe injury, it’s essential to call an ambulance straight away.
Even if you don’t feel like you have been injured, when the EMTs arrive at the scene, it is in your best interest to accept the medical services they may offer you. Now is not the time to be concerned about money or medical care costs because denying medical help at the moment may result in you becoming seriously injured down the line.
By accepting medical attention from professionals, you may find out that you suffered injuries to your brain or other parts of the body that you may not have noticed and can prove to have devastating consequences later.
Call 911
Immediately following the accident, if you can, call 911 and ask for both the police and emergency medical services to be sent to your location. If you are unable to, see if the driver of the vehicle can or anyone that may have been in the proximity of the accident.
Both the police and EMS must arrive on the scene so you can file an official police report about the incident. So anyone involved in the accident can receive immediate medical care.
However, it is crucial that you watch what you say before the authorities arrive because anything you say may be used against you by the opposing insurance company or driver of the vehicle.
Never Negotiate With The Other Person
While waiting for the police and medical examiners, it is in your best interest to speak to the driver as little as possible. Although you may check on their well-being to see if they’re hurt, it’s never good to talk about what happened before and during the crash.
Furthermore, never negotiate with anyone trying to avoid getting insurance involved or try to pay you off with cash at the scene. This is illegal in most states. You could be opening yourself up to a personal injury lawsuit if you accept any money from the driver without consulting with an attorney first.
Don’t Disturb The Scene Of The Accident
Other than moving yourself off the road to safety, you should try your best to leave the vehicle and your bicycle exactly where they were following the accident.
You want the police to see the accident as undisturbed as possible. This way, they can write an accurate report about what looked like happened and not have to rely on both sides of the story to piece things together.
If the scene is laid out in front of them and not touched, it will be much more obvious to the authorities.
Get The Driver’s Information
If you can, get the driver’s information before the police arrive at the accident scene. This includes their name, driver’s license number, insurance company, and policy number.
In some cases, the police will arrive on the scene and get this information for you, but it’s always better to have a backup if they don’t or forget to ask for certain pieces of information.
You should also try to get any witnesses’ names and contact information to the accident. These people can be used as character witnesses in your favor if the case goes to trial.
Take Pictures And Videos At The Scene Of The Accident
Although the police might take photos and videos of the accident scene, it’s not always guaranteed.
So, if possible, try to capture the most detailed photos and videos of the aftermath accident as possible. This includes but is not limited to your bike, the vehicles, any injuries, road conditions, street signs, and anything and everything that could eventually be used as evidence.
It’s also crucial to take a video of yourself explaining your side of the story while it is still fresh in your mind because your recollection of the incident might change over time.
This is why many personal injury lawyers tell their clients to take pictures and videos right away and avoid talking about the accident with anyone until they have had a chance to speak with an attorney.
Consult With An Attorney
If your bicycle accident with a vehicle proved to cause serious bodily harm or personal damage, it’s always recommended that you reach out to a skilled personal injury attorney.
With the help of a legal professional, they can ensure that you are compensated for any pain, suffering, and damages that you lost as a result of your accident.
However, it is also important to remember not to speak to any insurance companies before listening to your lawyer’s best course of action for you and your case.
This is because anything you say to them can and will be used against you, and they will likely try to find any way possible to give you the least amount of money or compensation.
Keep all communication open with your attorney so that they can help protect you from making any mistakes during this difficult time.
Final Words
Although riding a bicycle isn’t always the safest mode of transportation, that doesn’t mean that you can’t take steps to be as safe as possible while sharing the road.
Unsurprisingly, many bicycle accidents with vehicles are avoidable. Therefore, you need to do your part and keep yourself safe. Typically this means following the road rules, wearing protective gear, and staying on high alert to ensure that you don’t find yourself on the wrong end of an accident.
By following the tips listed above, you can rest assured knowing that you are doing everything possible to build a strong case should you ever find yourself the victim of a hit and run or another cyclist/vehicle accident.
If you or someone close to you has been in a bike accident with a car, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer today. They will help guide you through every step of the process to focus on what’s important: your recovery.
