Whenever a car goes up against a bicycle, the smart money is on the former. Needless to say, any cyclist who finds themselves struck by an automobile is likely to incur a number of serious injuries. Furthermore, effectively navigating the aftermath of such an accident is liable to facilitate quite a bit of stress. While there’s no question that seeking restitution can present a number of challenges, being made whole in the wake of a cycling accident doesn’t have to be an uphill battle – provided, of course, you equip yourself with the following pointers.
Make Safety Your Top Priority
In the immediate wake of the accident, you may think that rescuing your bicycle is a good idea, even if it places your personal well-being at even further risk. While not wanting to lose an expensive bike or a bike that holds tremendous sentimental value is perfectly understandable, no bicycle or material object is worth more than your health. As such, it’s imperative that you prioritize your personal safety over that of your bike after being struck by a vehicle.
Provided you’re able to do so, make a point of getting yourself out of the road and to a safe location as soon as possible. The more time you spend in the road, the greater your odds of being struck by another vehicle – which is particularly true in the case of busy roads. Furthermore, it’s important to note that the accident is liable to result in an adrenaline rush, which can cloud your judgment and cause you to think that any injuries you’ve incurred are less serious than they actually are. An adrenaline rush may also lead you to believe that going back for your bike is a good idea when, in fact, doing so would simply place you at further risk for injury – or worse.
Wait for the Police to Arrive
There are many reasons you should remain at the scene of the accident until the arrival of the police and emergency services. To start with, most states require that accidents be reported to police, so by failing to alert and/or wait for the authorities, you may be in violation of the law. In addition, if you wish to file an accident claim with your insurer or take the motorist to court, you’ll need to have an official police report of the incident. Leaving the scene of the accident before the police arrive will also provide the party responsible for causing the incident with an opportunity to shape law enforcement’s understanding of events. Additionally, EMTs will be able to provide you with an accurate assessment of your physical condition. You may discover that you’re more injured than you initially believed.
Exchange Insurance Info with the Responsible Party
Although many people don’t realize this, you needn’t necessarily be in an automobile at the time of an accident for that accident to be covered by your automotive insurer. For example, a fair number of policies provide coverage for auto accidents that occur when policyholders are on foot or biking. That being the case, you shouldn’t leave the scene without exchanging insurance information with the motorist who struck you. In addition, make a point of reporting the accident to your insurer at your earliest convenience. While many states provide people with a fairly large window of time to formally file accident claims, insurers typically encourage policyholders to make them aware of accidents as soon as possible.
Reach Out to a Lawyer
If you wish to pursue a civil case against the responsible motorist, a good lawyer can be an invaluable ally. When seeking out the proper legal representation, keep an eye out for attorneys who have experience in cases of this nature. For example, bike accident victims who reside in the Mile High City would do well to get in touch with a highly-rated Denver bicycle accident lawyer.
In the immediate aftermath of a bicycle accident, you’re likely to feel a combination of fear, intensity and immense relief. Furthermore, once you’ve processed the situation, your mind may very well shift to obtaining sufficient restitution. While it’s true that getting the compensation you’re owed may involve jumping over a few hurdles, it needn’t be a tremendously stressful or difficult experience – especially if you happen to be equipped with the advice outlined above.
