What Do You Do After A Bike Accident?
Bicycles can be a convenient, efficient, fun, and emission-free way to travel. Unfortunately, besides being a fun ride, they can also be a particularly risky one if you (or surrounding motorists and tourists) aren’t careful.
According to the International Institute for Highway Safety, bicycle accident injury and fatality rates have skyrocketed 36 percent in the last decade. This is a sobering statistic. With that in mind, what do you do in the event that you sustain serious injuries in a crash? Follow these six crucial steps to get to safety.
1. Call 9-1-1
You can’t afford to wait and be proactive after a bicycle collision. Lives could be on the line, traffic could still be passing on the road, and every passing second could mean another second more where your safety is jeopardized.
If you’re conscious and able to, it’s crucial that you dial 9-1-1 ASAP. Don’t hesitate to send first responders to the scene of the accident, first responders that can help you and your loved ones get to safety.
In the event that you’re not conscious or physically capable of sending first responders to the scene, then the responsibility will be on the negligent person(s) that sent you off balance or witnesses at the scene.
2. Stay On The Scene
Although no one wants to be hassled by a chaotic bicycle accident collision, it’s crucial that you refrain from leaving the scene of the accident until all necessary authorities arrive. There’s a reason why offenders in hit-and-run collisions are often subject to harsher punishments than offenders who stayed on the scene of the crash. Fleeing a scene can only hurt you – and a possible injury claim – more.
If you can, try to gather evidence while you are at the scene.Note everything around you in detail – in pictures, video footage, or writing.
3. Obtain Contact Info
If possible, try to obtain the contact and insurance credentials of all parties involved in an accident. This includes the negligent person(s) who caused the crash, any witnesses on the scene, and the first responder(s) attending to the scene.
If you are too injured to obtain this information, heed the advice of emergency medical professionals. You can obtain a copy of the police report at a later time, which should have information regarding others involved.
4. Seek Urgent Medical Care
We can’t stress enough the urgency that’s required to handle serious bike accident injuries. Wasted minutes, even seconds, could spell the difference between life and death. Take an ambulance ride if you need one or head to the emergency room for an evaluation right away. This is critical for your health and to recover financially for your losses.
5. Speak with a Bike Accident Lawyer Right Away
After your bicycle crash injuries are stable enough, it’s essential to seek the compensation you deserve from the liable parties, which could mean lost wages, medical expenses, or other essential expenses.
An experienced Tustin bicycle accident lawyer can assist with every step of this process, from filing the initial insurance claim to taking a personal injury case to court when needed to fight for your rights.