Bike accidents can occur to anyone. Cyclists have the right to the road, and as a driver, you must obey certain rules to avoid serious or fatal injury. Understanding what to do after an accident is important if you want to file a damage claim. So here are some tips if you do not know where to start.
1. Hire a bike lawyer
Use a bicycle accident lawyer to help you understand the law. You may find this complicated, but it is essential that you check local traffic laws before proceeding with your claim. The rules vary from state to state, and a few factors may even be used to strengthen your claim. You should also know if there’s an insurance policy that covers bicycle accidents on public roads. If there isn’t any such thing, you’ll need the help of an experienced lawyer who knows how things work on the road in terms of cyclist rights. Hiring a credible law firm very important in this case. So if you know someone who has had to deal with the aftermath of a bicycle accident, seek legal advice. Don’t waste time on your health and safety.
2. The witness is important
While none of us are perfect, car accidents can be avoided by both drivers and cyclists.
This may not occur overnight, but once a police report is filed, you should also try to contact witnesses as soon as possible. They will give everything they need to support your request for compensation only, so do not miss this opportunity. Witnesses will also help you explain the accident, and can even offer you a clearer picture of the people involved. So it is vital that you call a bicycle accident lawyer to deal with your claim as soon as possible and gather the few witnesses that are there.
3. Document everything
When it comes to insurance claims, no seemingly insignificant detail can be ignored. Whether or not the accident was your fault, you’ll have to defend yourself in court if nobody can conform to an amicable settlement. This means that each detail counts to prove someone was negligent or contributed to the accident. With proper scene documentation, you will be good to go prove negligence no witnesses around. So, take advantage of the photos taken at the scene and write down all the facts that happened until a witness is willing to support your claim for damages to be paid by the negligent party.
4. Get yourself checked
The last thing you want to do is ignore your injury after a bicycle accident. You’ll need to show evidence of injury in court, so do not waste time and see a doctor right away. While you may feel fine after the accident occurs, some medical attention will tell you precisely how long it will take before you can begin working again. So ensure there aren’t any injuries left untreated and document everything from day one. In this way it won’t be difficult to prove that the accident caused serious damage to your health in addition to loss of salary because of being unable to work during the recovery procedure.
5. File a claim ASAP
If you wish to be compensated for damages, it is necessary that you file a formal claim as soon as possible. Most insurance companies and the defendants themselves will try to reduce their share in causing the accident or injury. So if you do not file a claim within two years of the date the accident occurred, there is no way to prove who was negligent and who wasn’t. For this reason, it is necessary that you hire a bicycle lawyer who will assist you in all aspects of your case. You will need everything to be perfectly documented, so that both parties can see eye to eye when making decisions about the amount of compensation due for medical expenses and lost wages.
6. Pay attention to local road conditions
Most bicycle accidents occur while the cyclist is on the road. One of the most common reasons because this is bad road construction so if you fall victim to bad conditions in your area it is necessary to pay attention to it. Road improvements can help reduce accidents and ensure safer driving conditions for all road users. So if you think the accident was caused by an unexpected road problem in your area, ensure the road is repaired as soon as possible. This will reduce the number of accidents in your area and make it easier to get compensation for damages.
There are several things you need to take into consideration in terms of bicycle accidents. The most vital advice you can get is from an experienced bicycle accident lawyer who can make sure that your interests are defended in court, and you are getting the compensation that was because of you by the other party. Don’t give up trying and look at the 6 tips listed above for extra help with your case!
