Bicycling is a popular form of transportation and exercise, but it can also lead to serious accidents. From 2010-2019, there were 8,052 bicycle crashes in Colorado where the rider was not considered at fault. Of those riders involved in these crashes, 75% of those suffered injuries.
If you've been involved in a bicycle accident, it's crucial to know the steps to take immediately afterward. These steps can protect your rights and greatly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries.
#1. Prioritize Your Safety
Your first priority after any accident should be your safety. If it's safe and feasible, move out of the roadway to avoid further harm. If you're seriously injured, try to stay calm and wait for medical help. Don't attempt to move if you believe you've suffered a significant injury, especially to your neck or spine.
#2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think your injuries are minor, it's essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent. A thorough medical examination will help ensure that all injuries are identified and treated promptly. Additionally, medical records can serve as critical evidence if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
#3. Report the Accident
Contact local law enforcement to report the accident. They'll create an official accident report, which can be vital evidence in a personal injury case. Be sure to give them a detailed account of the incident, but avoid speculating about what might have caused the accident. Stick to the facts as you remember them.
#4. Gather Evidence
If you're able, gather as much evidence at the scene as possible.
This might include:
- Taking photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damages to your bicycle.
- Collecting contact information from the other party involved and any witnesses.
- Noting details about the accident, such as the time, location, weather conditions, and any other relevant factors.
This information can be invaluable in building a strong personal injury case. Evidence from the scene can help determine who was at fault in the accident. This could include traffic violations, distracted driving, or other negligent behavior by the other party involved.
Photos of your injuries and the damage to your bicycle can serve as proof of the physical impact of the crash. This documentation can be essential when seeking compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other related expenses.
If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit, the evidence will be vital in supporting your claim. It can provide a clear picture of what happened, corroborate your account of the incident, and potentially influence the outcome of your case.
Insurance companies also require substantial evidence to process claims. The evidence you collect can expedite this process and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Remember, the more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be, whether you're dealing with insurance adjusters or pursuing a lawsuit.
#5. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
Before discussing the accident with insurance companies or accepting any settlement offers, consult with a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and an experienced attorney can help ensure you're adequately compensated for your injuries and other losses.
An attorney can help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and if necessary, represent you in court. They'll guide you through the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. At Clawson & Clawson, LLP, we understand how frightening both the accident itself and the aftermath can be. That's why we are committed to helping our clients navigate the legal process so that they can focus on healing and moving forward.
At Clawson & Clawson, LLP, we understand how frightening and overwhelming it can be to experience a bicycle accident. Our attorneys are committed to helping victims navigate the legal process so that they can focus on healing and moving forward. We have extensive experience representing bicycle accident victims, and we know the steps that must be taken to protect their rights and get them the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
Our attorneys will evaluate your case thoroughly, taking into account any evidence collected at the scene of the incident as well as medical records documenting your injuries. With this information, our attorneys will determine who was at fault for the accident and what type of compensation you may be entitled to receive from insurance companies or other parties involved in the crash.
At Clawson & Clawson LLP, we have decades of collective experience negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of our clients. We also represent clients vigorously in court if necessary to ensure they obtain fair settlements or judgments based on all relevant factors.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact us online or call us at (719) 602-5888 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. We will discuss the details of your case and determine the best course of action for pursuing compensation.