Bicycle accidents are on the rise in the United States. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, bicycle fatalities increased by 16 percent from 2010 to 2012. In addition, during that same period, there was a 62 percent increase in bicycle injuries requiring hospitalization. With the roads as busy as ever, the risk has only increased for those not maintaining their bikes correctly, not wearing the right clothing, and ignoring many of the rules of the road.
The increased likelihood of any kind of road accident means that we should already have in our minds what to do after a bike accident. If not, then there is no time like the present to learn it. There might, after all, be a personal injury claim to think of. Then you will want to get the lawyers involved.
How Can I Prepare In Case There is an Accident or Act Correctly When There Is?
First, it is important to know the procedure to follow if you are involved in a bicycle or bike accident. If you are able, try to get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. Take photos of the scene if possible. Get the name and insurance information from the driver of any vehicles involved in the accident. If the driver does not stop, try to get a description of the vehicle. It is also important to get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not think you are injured. This will prove useful should you make a claim later for personal injury.
How Do Lawyers Make Use of the Evidence Collected from the Scenes of Accidents?
Bicycle accidents are often serious, and they can result in serious injuries or even death. When these accidents happen, it’s important to know what to do, as talked about above, including calling 911 and requesting emergency assistance. Then you should gather evidence from the scene for not just an insurer but potentially a lawyer to make use of on your behalf.
This evidence collected from the scene of a road or even pavement accident can be used by lawyers to help prove that the accident was caused by the negligence of another party other than yourself. Various kinds of evidence can be gathered from the scene of a bicycle accident that will prove to be permissible in court. A lawyer can advise you on what types of evidence will be useful to them and make a difference to the outcome of court cases. Also, the level of compensation received.
Apart from the photos that you have managed to take concerning the accident, and the details you have collected from those on the scene, there will also be the following of use to a personal injury lawyer:
- The police report and witness statements they have taken.
- Medical records.
The police may well have gathered evidence that you were unable to collect at the time which can later prove useful to your lawyer during a court case. Your medical records, as long as you received attention, can prove invaluable in raising compensation levels when it comes to claiming from insurers for injuries sustained.
What Should I Do After an Accident?
After an accident, it is important to contact a bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced bicycle accident lawyer will be able to help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. If you do not have a bicycle accident lawyer, you may want to consider contacting one of the many bicycle accident law firms that offer free initial consultations.
A bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience. However, by knowing what to do in the event of an accident, or after one, you can help ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. If you have any questions about bicycle accidents or the legal process, you will appreciate all that personal injury lawyers know.
