Our bicycle accident lawyers serving victims in Olympia, Spokane, Vancouver, and other locations in Washington can help you figure out what to do after a bicycle accident.
They have compiled a list of steps you should take immediately after a crash.
It’s important to know what to do ahead of time. This knowledge will help ensure your legal rights are not violated. In addition, following these steps will keep you from saying or doing anything that might invalidate any future injury claims you might file.
The experienced attorneys of the Bernard Law Group have decades of experience working with injured cyclists in actions of this nature. So following this guide will sure to put you one step ahead of the game.
Immediately After The Crash, Get Off The Road
If you suffered minor injuries and can get up and move your bicycle and damaged gear, do so. Remaining in the middle of the road will make other accidents more likely to happen.
Exchange Information With All Parties Involved
Drivers who cause an accident may be nervous or in a hurry, and that makes them unpredictable. You will want to exchange all pertinent information immediately. Get the motorist’s driver’s license number, contact info, and insurance details.
Also, speak to any eyewitnesses and get their contact data as well. If you run into trouble with an insurance company and need to file a claim, eyewitnesses can be invaluable.
Write Down License Plate Numbers
Sounds like a simple step, and it is. Still, many bicycle riders will forget all about it.
Call 911 And Ask For Help If Injured, Or The Police To File A Report
Although the motorist involved in the incident may want to handle the matter privately without involving the authorities, it is in your best interest to call the police and to have an official report on file. The report will help to corroborate your story and will serve as a comprehensive incident record. Even if you think that you are not hurt, take this step to protect yourself. Make sure that you give your version of events to the officer. Do not let the motorist be the only one to tell “the story.”
Take Notes Of All Details After The Bicycle Accident
Remembering when and how the accident happened is important. Can you recall what direction you and the driver were going? Notice skid marks and debris around the scene. If you have a camera or a camera phone take photos. You never know what piece of evidence will be useful to you in the future. As soon as possible, sit down and write out everything you remember about the sequence of events. Do this while your memory is still fresh.
Seek Medical Attention
Regardless of how you feel, seek medical attention. Remember that some injuries take time to manifest. A little soreness may be evidence of a developing injury that will get worse if not treated. If you are injured, you need a complete record of your medical condition.
Let Insurance Companies Know About The Bicycle Crash
Do not rely on the car driver to report the crash. You will want to notify your insurance company and contact the motorist’s insurer as well. Write down the claim number they give you. Be very careful about how you speak with the insurance companies involved. You will want to limit what you say and make sure you do not admit fault for the crash in any way. In reality, you are far better off engaging the services of a qualified lawyer and letting a professional handle these sensitive conversations.
Don’t Fix Your Bike Or Any Other Damaged Equipment Just Yet
Instead of getting your bike fixed immediately after the bicycle accident, take a deep breath. The best way to go about it is to make sure the accident was resolved first.
Retain the Services of an Experienced Attorney
Any time an accident occurs, there will be conflicting opinions and complicated paperwork to file. The best way to safeguard your rights is to have an experienced lawyer working on your behalf. The Bernard Law Group serves all of Washington state and has a 98 percent success rate in personal injury cases. Call us today for a free evaluation of your accident claim.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON – CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
