You have probably been in a minor car accident before, and even if you have not, you probably have a good idea of what you are supposed to do. It is usually always the same story—if the cars are not too badly damaged, remove them from the road, take pictures of the damage, and exchange information with the other driver. If there are injuries or damage totals over $500, you should call the police to report the accident.
If you are on a bicycle, the rules are not always as clear. You do not have insurance information on your bike to give to the driver of the car, and liability may not always be clear. If you like to hit the roads with your bike, keep reading to find out what you should do after an accident.
Your Checklist for a Bicycle-Car Accident
- First, call the police! Even if you do not think you have been injured at the scene, soft tissue damage may surface a few hours after the accident. Having an official police report can help you should you need to file insurance claims after the accident by identifying the driver, determining what happened, and detailing damage.
- Make sure that you get names and contact information for the reporting officer, the other driver, and witnesses.
- Take photos of your bike’s damage, the scene, the other car, and any injuries you sustained.
- Seek medical attention immediately for your injuries. This helps start an important chain of official documents that prove that you were injured as a result of the accident.
- Finally, do not communicate with the insurance company until you have spoken to a personal injury attorney. As police say in the movies, anything you say can be used against you, and insurance companies believe in this method, too!
If you are involved in a bicycle accident with a car, our law firm may be able to help you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries, property damage, and lost wages. Connect with us now by clicking on the live chat feature on this page, and learn what we can do for you after your accident.
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