Bicycle Accidents: Immediate Legal Steps to Take Post Accident

A bicycle accident can result in high medical bills, lost wages, and other costs. You can seek compensation from the at-fault party for your losses. Taking the right steps after the crash can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Negligent drivers often cause bicycle accidents. In Florida, for example, drivers caused the most bicycle accident deaths in 2021. A Florida bicycle accident lawyer can help plaintiffs claim compensation for their losses. Here are the immediate legal steps to take after a bicycle accident to protect your rights.

Document the Scene of the Accident

Documenting the scene of a bicycle accident is crucial. It means taking photos or videos of the crash scene. Doing so allows you to collect valuable evidence to help in your lawsuit or insurance claim.

Simply use your phone to take photos of the scene. Try to get pictures of the damage to your bicycle and the vehicle involved. Also, photograph your injuries and the surrounding area. Focus on things like skid marks, traffic signs, and weather conditions.

It is also essential to document the details of the accident. Note down the time, date, and exact location of the accident. Also, include any other details you can recall about the crash.

Gather Information From the Other Party

After a bicycle accident, gather information from the other involved party. Ask them for their contact and insurance information. Doing so will help you when filing a compensation claim. You should also note the other party’s license plate number and the make and model of the car.

The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be a stressful and emotional time. However, be mindful of what you say to the other party. Avoid apologizing and saying things that imply you were at fault. The insurer may use your words against you later on. Instead, focus on exchanging information with the other party.

Talk to Witnesses

Talk to witnesses who may have seen the incident and get their contact information. Doing so will make it easy to reach them for a statement in the future.

Witnesses can provide valuable information that can help determine who is at fault. That is important since the at-fault party is typically responsible for paying damages.

Contact the Police

Contact the Florida police immediately after your bicycle accident. Law enforcement can secure the scene of the accident to prevent further harm. Once at the scene, they will also record the details of the crash in a police accident report.

The report can serve as evidence, thereby supporting your compensation claim. The accident report includes details such as:

• Parties, vehicles, and property involved
• Statements from witnesses and involved parties
• Time, date, and location of the bicycle accident
• The officer’s conclusions on how the accident occurred

Seek Medical Care

After a bicycle accident, seek medical care as soon as possible. Do so even if the injury appears minor. Some minor injuries may be more serious than they appear. A doctor can properly assess the injury and determine the best course of treatment.

Other injuries may not be immediately noticeable. An example is a concussion. Seeking medical care right away can help detect and treat such injuries.

When you seek medical care, a doctor will document your injuries. Your medical records can serve as evidence in any future legal proceedings.

Reach Out to a Lawyer

You may need to figure out where to begin to recover compensation after a bicycle accident. Thus, you can hire a lawyer to help you navigate the legal process. A lawyer can provide you with invaluable advice and protect your rights.

An attorney can also negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Other things a lawyer can help with include:

• Filing paperwork
• Gathering evidence
• Communicating with the other party
• Representing you in court if need be
• Determining which damages you can claim

The Bottom Line

After a bicycle accident, you must take certain legal steps. Doing so can help you protect your rights and receive the justice you deserve.