Things to Do Immediately After Getting Hit by a Car While Cycling
Have you ever wondered what you would do if a routine bike ride suddenly turned into a serious accident? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that hundreds of cyclists die in traffic accidents every year in the United States. Tens of thousands suffer significant injuries.
After a collision occurs, confusion, shock, and adrenaline make it difficult to think straight. The problem is that many cyclists do not know the proper steps to take after an accident, both for their own health and recovering compensation from those responsible for the accident.
The solution is to have a structured action plan that you can follow to ensure your well-being, preserve critical evidence regarding the accident, and protect your legal rights. Below are some of the most important things to do immediately after getting hit by a car while cycling.
Prioritize Your Safety and Get Out of Harm’s Way
The first thing you should do is make sure you are safe. If you can, physically move away from oncoming traffic and all the immediate dangers. However, if it seems that you have injured your neck, back or head, it is best to remain still and wait for professional medical help.
Take a few seconds to evaluate the condition of both you and your bicycle. While you may feel reasonably okay now, the adrenaline rush from the accident can hide many of your injuries and make you think that they are minor when in fact they may become severe later on.
Call 911 and Request Medical Assistance
You should always call for emergency responders when a bicycle accident occurs. A police report is an official documentation of what happened and could provide good evidence if an insurance claim or legal action is ever required.
Also, medical attention is extremely important for all injuries. Emergency responders will examine you for injuries you may not even know you have.
Understand Your Options if the Driver Is Uninsured
One of the most troubling situations is when you’re involved in a crash with someone who doesn’t have insurance. If, for example, you are injured by an uninsured driver in the St. Louis area, it can leave you worried about how to pay for your injuries, medical bills, and any loss of income.
A lawyer who handles cases involving uninsured drivers can help you understand your options for pursuing damages, including the following.
- Checking to see if you have uninsured motorist coverage
- Exploring your right to file a claim against third parties
- Assessing the best course of action to obtain compensation for your claim
An experienced attorney understands the facts of your case, so they are perfect for uninsured motorist claims St. Louis. They will review them and advise you of the best method to recover compensation for your accident.
Assist Law Enforcers
Give the police precise evidence when they show up. Don’t speculate about fault or use words that could be construed differently later. Ask the police officer how to get a copy of the report.
The document often contains important details, including driver information, witness statements, and the officer’s observations from the scene. If you find any inaccuracies in the report, report them to the appropriate agency.
Protect Yourself In the Future
As a cyclist, you will suffer emotionally, physically, and financially after being hit by a vehicle. Your actions immediately following the accident will have a big impact on your future recovery and ability to recover compensation from the at-fault party.
Following the above tips will protect you and improve your likelihood of getting compensation. When in doubt, do not hesitate to seek professional help.
