What To Do After a Bicycle Accident?
People in California commonly use bikes as a way to commute to and from work as well as a means of exercise. The unfortunate reality is that sharing the road with motor vehicles often means accidents occur, and when they do, they can be incredibly serious, even fatal, for the person on the bike. Knowing what to do after an accident in Roseville to protect your health and your legal rights is essential.
Get to Safety and Call 911
One of the most important steps you can take is to get away from any further danger as soon as possible after your accident. This means getting out of the middle of the road and away from oncoming traffic. Once you’ve done this, it’s important to call 911 and request an officer on the scene.
They will create an accident report, speak with witnesses and involved drivers, and take notes about what they observe at the scene and whether anyone received a traffic citation. All of this information is helpful for any future legal case you decide to pursue.
Seek Medical Attention
Immediately If medical attention is offered to you on the scene, don’t turn it down, even if you don’t think you’re that hurt. The fear and adrenaline you experience after something as serious as a bike accident can prevent pain from showing up right away. See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident as well to get looked at and document any injuries you’ve experienced.
Document the Accident Scene
Collecting evidence after a bicycle crash and what damages occur is important. Use your phone to gather visual proof whenever possible. Try to take photos and short videos of anything relevant, including:
- Damage to any vehicles or bike equipment
- Condition of the road, including potholes, debris, or faulty signals
- Injuries you or anyone else has from the collision
Get contact details for anyone who saw what happened and keep any broken gear, like your helmet, damaged bike parts, or ripped clothing. These physical items may later show just how severe the accident was.
Exchange Information With the Driver
By California law, in any accident involving injury or significant property damage, both parties must exchange information. Collect the other driver’s full name, current address, phone number, license plate number, driver’s license details, and insurance info. You’re also required to supply your own information to the other driver.
Don’t Argue, Apologize, or Admit Fault
Avoid apologizing, speculating about the cause, or arguing about fault at the scene. If tensions run high and the other party gets aggressive, don’t engage – wait calmly until law enforcement arrives. Avoid saying anything that could make it seem like you’re admitting fault. If it’s determined that you’re partially at fault, you’ll likely still be able to claim compensation, but it will make your case more difficult, and any compensation you recover would be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Contact a Bicycle Wreck Lawyer from Rosenthal Law
After a bicycle accident, one of the other important steps you can take is to reach out to an experienced Roseville bicycle accident lawyer. These accidents are often serious, leading to significant medical expenses and lost wages. Working with a professional gives you a better chance of filing a successful insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit to recover the damages you’ve experienced as a result.
If you have any questions about a possible bicycle accident claim, call our team today to schedule a free case evaluation.