Basic Steps to Take After Your Bicycle Accident

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you are probably concerned about how you will pay all of your medical bills, especially if you have had to take time off of work for your injuries. Being injured in a bicycle accident is stressful and understanding the basic steps you will need to take after the accident to recover the compensation you deserve can help you significantly.

When cyclists are injured in an accident, many do not know the procedure for pursuing compensation. Because of this understandable lack of knowledge, it can become more challenging to gather the evidence needed to prove liability and obtain compensation. We will discuss seven steps you can take to protect your rights and resolve your bicycle accident lawsuit, giving you the highest chance possible of success.

If you can safely move after the accident, use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and your damages. Write down information, such as the driver's license of the driver involved and the contact information of any available witnesses. Make sure you gather the name, phone number, and address of the person at fault, including their auto insurance information. When law enforcement arrives, be sure to get the officer’s name, badge, number, and the number of the police report. When you discuss what happened with the police officer at the scene, tell them what happened as accurately as possible but without admitting fault. It can be easy to admit fault due to the shock of the accident unintentionally.

When you call 911, ask for an ambulance to come to the accident scene. Go to the hospital as soon as possible and make sure you tell the doctor about all your symptoms. If you do not undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation right away, it can hinder immediate treatment and potentially worsen your injuries. It can also increase the recovery time it takes to go back to riding your bicycle. Waiting to undergo medical treatment can give insurance adjusters and defendants a reason to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or were not as serious as you are claiming. Keep all your medical records because they will become critical evidence in your case.

After you have been released from the hospital, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a local personal injury attorney. Bicycle accident cases are complicated, and an attorney can help you navigate the process while negotiating for the most compensation possible. The more serious the bicycle accident, the more critical it is that you hire an attorney.

If you broke a bone, have road rash, or have other serious injuries that required time off work, and your medical bills will cost you more than $1,000, it is worth it to contact an attorney. The Charlotte personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC offer clients a free case evaluation to discuss legal options without the burden of paying for the consultation.

The next step is the investigation process. Your attorney will review what happened, ask you questions about the event, and begin gathering documentation. It is crucial that you share all the documents you collected, including your hospital invoices and doctors’ notes, and give them to your attorney. Your attorney will also begin interviewing witnesses, taking depositions, and working with experts as needed. Many bicycle accident claims settle before they even go to court. Your attorney may be able to negotiate a fair deal for you, allowing you to obtain compensation without the cost of litigation.

In other cases, a settlement offer is not a possibility. You may need to take your case to court. After your attorney files the petition, the trial process will begin. The two sides will question one another, question witnesses, and continue to negotiate a possible settlement. Sometimes the case can be settled outside of court, but a judge or jury will decide your case if this is not possible.

Resolving a bicycle accident may seem overwhelming, especially soon after being injured. However, the attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC law, understand how frustrating it can be to not be able to bicycle due to an accident. We are determined to resolve your case in the best way possible so you can move forward with your life. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about your rights.