After a bike accident where a car hit a cyclist, the rider is likely to be dealing with not only a chaotic scene, but serious and painful injuries too. Victims in these types of accidents may not realize that they could receive substantial monetary compensation for medical bills, loss of wage, pain and suffering, and more. This article will answer common questions about what to do if you find yourself involved in a bike accident, and why getting medical care promptly is so important to your health and case.
What if the driver flees?
If the person who hit you starts driving away, you may be tempted to hop on your bike and track them down. However, this may only escalate the problem and cause you to get injured further. What you should do is try to remember what the driver looked like, a description of the vehicle, which way the driver was headed, and whether they turned off to a side street. If you can memorize at least a few digits or numbers in the license plate, this can help the police track down the driver who hit you. Call 911 immediately and wait for an officer and ambulance to arrive.
What evidence should I collect?
If you aren’t nursing a serious injury while waiting for the ambulance to arrive, then you can take time to gather evidence. Remember, if you are seriously injured then you should not be overly concerned with anything else other than keeping yourself stable until medical personnel can arrive. If you are of stable enough health, then take pictures and video recordings of the scene, your bike damage, the car damage, debris in the road, witnesses, and anything else relevant to the incident.
Do I need to get medical attention?
Yes, you should at the very least get an exam from your primary doctor the same day as the bike accident. There are two reasons for needing to get medical care, even if you don’t think you were injured. First, there is a chance that you are actually injured but are in such a state of shock that you cannot detect your injuries yet. By going to the doctor, you can get early care before symptoms have fully developed. Second, if you take the driver to court for your medical bills and other losses, you will need as much evidence of your injuries as possible. Ask your medical provider for copies of any documentation related to your injuries, such as initial exam, diagnostics, and treatment plan.
When is it time to meet with an attorney?
If your bike accident happened because a driver or another party was responsible and you were seriously injured, then it’s time to speak with a bicycle accident attorney, about your case. Your attorney can let you know what kinds of damages and how much you could be entitled to if you chose to sue the offending party in civil court. Many reputable law firms offer free consultations, so there’s nothing to lose by meeting with a legal professional right away.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at JOHNSTON | MARTINEAU, PLLP