7 Steps to Follow if You Got Into A Bicycle Accident

Have you ever been cycling along the open road, enjoying the fresh air and feeling alive with the wind rushing past you–when all of a sudden, calamity strikes? You’ve been in an accident. It can be a frightening experience that leaves you shaken up for days after. If this has recently happened to you, don’t worry! 

We’re here to help guide you through what steps should be taken if it happens again in the future. We have devised a comprehensive 7-step plan to ensure that not only your physical health but also your legal standing is taken care of in case of bicycle accidents. Read on to find out more and leave better prepared than before!

1. Remain calm and take a few deep breaths to ease your stress

Unexpected events can cause stress to build up rapidly, leaving us feeling anxious and overwhelmed. In the case of a bicycle accident, physical pain and emotional shock can create a sense of panic. This is when taking deep breaths and remaining calm can make a significant difference in how we react and manage the situation. 

Deep breathing exercises can help regulate our heartbeat and lower our blood pressure, promoting a sense of calmness and restoring balance to the body. So, the next time you find yourself in a stressful situation, remember to take a few deep breaths and feel the tension ease away. You got this!

2. Ensure you and everyone else involved in the accident are safe

Riding a bicycle is a great way to stay active and reduce your carbon footprint. Unfortunately, accidents can happen even when you’re taking every safety precaution. If you find yourself in a bicycle accident, your first priority should be to ensure that you and everyone else involved in the accident are safe. This means calling for medical attention if necessary and moving out of harm’s way if possible. 

Remember that your health and safety are of the utmost importance, so don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. Regardless of how the accident occurred, taking steps to prioritize safety will help ensure that you can return to your normal routine as soon as possible.

3. Collect information, such as contact details and pictures of the scene

Bicycle accidents can be a shocking and traumatic experience for everyone involved. Whether it’s a minor crash or a major collision, the aftermath of a bicycle accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Collecting important information, such as contact details and pictures of the scene, can make all the difference in getting the help and compensation you deserve. 

Be sure to gather as much information as possible, including the names and contact information of any witnesses, the insurance information of other parties involved, and photos of the accident scene. With this information in hand, you can take the necessary steps to move forward and focus on your recovery.

4. Seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured

Bicycling is a fantastic way to stay active and enjoy the amazing scenery outdoors. However, accidents can happen, and sometimes they may leave us shaken, but without apparent physical harm. In such cases, many of us may be tempted to brush it off and not seek medical attention. However, this can be dangerous. 

Even if there is no visible injury, your body may have suffered from the impact or trauma in the bicycle accident. Therefore, it is crucial to reach out to medical professionals if you are involved in such an accident. Seeking medical attention can help you identify any underlying injuries that may not be immediately visible.

5. Report the accident to the police or your insurance company

Once you have assessed your injuries and ensured that you and the other parties involved are out of harm’s way, it’s crucial to report the accident to both the police and your insurance company. Reporting the incident to the authorities will help document the accident and provide evidence if needed in the future. 

Reporting to your insurance company is crucial because the policy may state that you have a limited amount of time to file a claim. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when dealing with accidents on the road. After all, it’s important to be clear and detailed when reporting the incident to both parties to ensure that the correct steps can be taken to provide appropriate assistance.

6. Gather evidence that can help prove fault, such as witness accounts

One of the most valuable pieces of evidence is a witness account. Witnesses can provide a firsthand account of what they saw, which can help determine who is at fault. For example, if a car didn’t see a bicyclist and hit them, a witness can provide crucial details about what happened. 

When gathering witness accounts, it’s important to get contact information so they can be reached later if necessary. Taking notes about what they say can also be helpful for future reference. In short, witness accounts can be the missing puzzle piece needed to prove fault in a bicycle accident case.

7. Contact a lawyer or an experienced bicycle accident attorney

If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek professional legal help to navigate through the complex process of insurance claims and possible legal action. A skilled lawyer or a seasoned bicycle accident attorney can fight for your rights and maximize your chances of getting a fair settlement. 

They can also be your advocate when dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and other legal matters, helping to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Furthermore, on the Pocrass & De Los Reyes website, and other similar ones, you can read about how exactly these lawyers can help you out. With their experience and legal expertise, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities of your case. Don’t hesitate to contact a knowledgeable attorney today to protect your rights and interests.

Takeaway

In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, it’s important to keep yourself protected as much as possible. Take note of who was involved and seek medical attention soon. Gather evidence that can help prove fault, like witness accounts and photos.

When you file reports and insurance claims related to the incident, having a lawyer or experienced attorney on your side is wise. They can provide legal counsel and build a claim for compensation to cover medical bills, time off work, pain and suffering, property damage, or any other spinal cord injury treatments you may already be receiving or may need in the future.

Don’t wait until it’s too late: contact legal help today if your bicycle accident has caused lasting damage.