Children and Bicycle Accidents

Learning to ride a bike is a rite of passage that quickly becomes a symbol of childhood freedom and independence. You no doubt have fond memories of riding your bike around the neighborhood, riding with friends the pool, or riding to the nearest convenience store to buy candy. For many, bicycles are an indispensable part of growing up. 

Unfortunately, riding a bike comes with certain inherent dangers. According to CBS News, hundreds of kids are injured on bicycles every day. Thankfully, helmets are inexpensive and modern designs make them convenient and easy to wear. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 840 cyclists were killed by cars in 2016. Statistics regarding non-fatal accidents aren’t readily available, but it is estimated that there were 45,000 accidents in 2015, 10% of which included children.

So what do you do if your child has beenstruck by a car and is injured? 

Collect as Much Information as Possible      

In the event that your child is involved in anaccident, it’s doubtful that he or she will be able to give you much detailabout what happened. As a result, you need to collect as much informationsurrounding the accident as possible.

• Get the names and contactinformation for any witnesses. Ask them to provide a written statementexplaining what they saw.
• Get the names and contactinformation for the driver and his or her passengers. Get the make and model ofthe vehicle, tag number, and insurance information.
• Get a copy of the police reportand any other documents prepared by first-responders.

Seek Medical Treatment

Even if your child has suffered only minor injuries, you want to be sure that they are going to be ok. Aches and pains can sometimes indicate more severe injuries that may not be apparent. In addition, keep in mind that some injuries do not always manifest themselves right away. If your child is experiencing pain days or even weeks after the injury, return to your doctor for a reevaluation.

You’re also going to have to make sure that your child follows the doctor’s orders. This may involve making sure they get plenty of rest and stay off of their bike for a while. Remember, official documentation of your child’s injuries is essential for any insurance claim you might make in the future.

Documentthe Accident

In the event that you have to pursue a claim against the driver, you want to be able to carefully document your claim. In addition to keeping copies of all medical records and bills, also be sure to track any other losses such as damage to the bicycle. In addition, take plenty of photographs of your child’s injuries and the scene of the accident. 

Contact a Southern California Bicycle Accident Attorney

Finally, we strongly recommend that you consult with a personal injury attorney regarding your child’s injury. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can evaluate your case and give you direction on how to proceed.

Attorney Gary A. Peterson has been helping accident victims in Tustin and throughout Southern California for over 14 years. He has the experience and the dedication to get you and your child the compensation you deserve. If you would like to speak with an experienced Tustin bicycle accident attorney, call us at 714-461-6003 or send us an email.