The WHO estimates that over 41000 cyclists worldwide die yearly in road accidents. In Canada, 71% of the deaths of cyclists occur due to bicycle accidents. Survivors remain with lifelong impairments and injuries. Some injuries can have serious health issues or cause financial ruin.
It is why contacting a personal injury lawyer is essential. They will help you negotiate a fair settlement with your insurance company. Here is what you need to do when you get involved in a bicycle accident.
Call the police
Call and wait for the police to arrive and file a report of the accident. Answer all the questions diligently and give your version of what happened. If the accident caused injury and damage to the bicycle or car, it is important to document them.
The documentation will be helpful if you file a claim with an insurance company. Take the driver’s information and witnesses of the accident if you can. Write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as you are physically able to.
It will help you to keep more records of the accident. Take pictures of the injuries and damage to your bike for further evidence. Don’t repair any damages because you might want to use the bicycle as evidence.
Check for any injuries and seek medical assistance
Check for any visible injuries immediately after. Some people might not feel any pain immediately but may be seriously injured in the accident. Call for an ambulance or seek medical attention within 24 hours of the accident.
Keep all the medical records, even if you have had minor injuries. Some injuries can progress later on to become serious conditions.
Contact a personal injury lawyer
If the damages can affect your everyday activities, contact personal injury insurance. It is better to get an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to explain what you need to do. They are law specialists that deal with accidents, including bicycle accident cases.
Professionals in this field can help you initiate a claim. They also help you to negotiate with an insurance company. You will have a better chance of getting a better settlement with a lawyer than alone.
Insurance companies can negotiate a lower rate which may not cover the medical bills. Most first appointments with bicycle accident lawyers are free. Carry all the evidence gathered, including the medical records, to the lawyer.
These will help them build a solid case to help you get a better settlement. A bicycle accident lawyer talks to the insurance company on your behalf. They negotiate compensation worth the damages and injuries which you choose to accept or not.
Accidents are unpredictable, so knowing what to do in such a situation is crucial. Some bicycle injuries might not look severe but can develop further complications. Document any accident and keep the necessary records for future reference.
Negotiations with an insurance company with a lawyer can get you higher compensation. Contact a professional to help you with the legalities as you recover.