Being hit by a car while cycling is a frightening and often overwhelming experience. An individual's life can change in a matter of seconds, causing great worry and uncertainty about their future. Victims should understand and become aware of the necessary steps to take when being hit by a vehicle while cycling, to help maintain their safety and well-being moving forward.
The Immediate Aftermath: Safety Comes First
Individuals who have suffered injuries from a bicycle accident should ensure their safety after the initial impact has occurred. It is important to move out of traffic to a safe location and wait for emergency services to arrive. This is crucial even when injuries seem minor. It is also recommended to obtain a police report that can often become important for investigators and the court later on.
Medical Evaluation: Why It Matters
Medical evaluation and care are crucial as they can help victims work toward recovery. Bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries that may become life-threatening if left untreated. Individuals involved in a bicycle collision may experience the following injuries.
- Head injuries or concussions
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal injuries that are not immediately visible
Seeking medical care early on can create a record that ultimately connects your injuries to the accident and helps ensure that delayed symptoms are identified early.
What Information Should You Gather?
Individuals should consider gathering the following information when being involved in a bicycle collision.
- The driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details
- Vehicle information, including license plate number
- Names and contact information of any witnesses
- Photos of the scene, your bicycle, the vehicle, and any visible injuries
Witness statements can become crucial pieces of evidence later on in your personal injury case. Victims should collect the names, contact information, and a recorded statement from witnesses to provide a neutral perspective on how the accident occurred and the types of injuries involved.
Understanding Your Rights as a Cyclist
In most states, cyclists have similar rights and responsibilities as drivers. It is important for both drivers and bicycle riders to operate their vehicles safely on the road and follow all traffic signs. Drivers who have failed to follow traffic laws or exhibit behaviors of negligence may be held accountable for causing an accident. Determining responsibility can be challenging when a bicycle accident occurs. The following are factors that may help investigators and the court determine who may be held accountable for an accident.
- Traffic signals and right-of-way
- Road conditions
- Driver behavior (e.g., speeding, distraction)
- Cyclist positioning and actions
Insurance and Financial Considerations
Depending on the case, compensation for losses may come from:
- The driver’s auto insurance policy
- Your own auto insurance (if applicable, such as uninsured motorist coverage)
- Health insurance
- Homeowners or renters insurance
Common types of damages that may be considered include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Property damage (such as a damaged bicycle)
- Other related costs
The Role of Documentation
Documentation plays a key role after a cycling accident. It is important for individuals to maintain detailed records to stay organized and provide clarity if questions occur later. Victims should consider preserving the following after suffering injuries from a bicycle accident.
- Medical records and bills
- Receipts for related expenses
- Repair estimates for your bicycle
- Notes about how the accident occurred
- Communication with insurance companies
Legal Options: What You Should Know
The following legal options should be considered when you have suffered injuries from a bicycle accident. An attorney can help victims by
- Investigating the circumstances of the accident
- Calculating damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a legal claim if necessary
Many cases are resolved through insurance settlements rather than court proceedings. In addition, statutes of limitations are crucial to understand, as they may affect one’s ability to pursue a claim.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The following are common mistakes that victims should consider avoiding after experiencing a bicycle accident.
- Leaving the scene before exchanging information
- Failing to seek medical attention
- Not reporting the incident to the police
- Admitting fault without full information
- Posting details about the accident on social media
Moving Forward After an Accident
Seeking the advice of an attorney can help victims move forward after a bicycle accident. Oftentimes, individuals and their family members are left feeling a sense of worry and uncertainty about their future when dealing with the aftermath of a bicycle accident. An attorney can help evaluate your case, speak to insurance companies, and guide victims toward the necessary steps to take in their personal injury claim.
How KAASS LAW May Help
The experienced personal injury attorneys of KAASS LAW want to help victims who have suffered injuries from bicycle accidents. It is important for individuals to understand their rights and responsibilities throughout their case to help them receive the proper compensation and justice they deserve moving forward. If you have suffered injuries from a bicycle accident, call KAASS LAW today to learn more.