7 Legal Tips for Cyclists on Properly Handling Road Injuries
In most parts of the world, cyclists share the road with car drivers. Unfortunately, this means that a lot of cyclists are injured each year because of collisions with vehicles. Because cyclists have very limited safety gear, many are seriously injured or even killed each year.
After an accident involving a car (as long as the driver of the car was behaving negligently), cyclists can make a claim for compensation. However, the compensation claim process can be somewhat complex.
This post will offer seven legal tips for cyclists interested in making a compensation claim after a collision with a driver.
Hire Attorney
An attorney should be one of the first people that you call after you have been involved in a car accident. An attorney, according to these Summerville personal injury legal experts, will be able to investigate your accident and identify which parties may owe you compensation. In addition to being able to conduct an extensive investigation, an attorney will also be able to make the claim on your behalf with the guilty party’s insurance agency.
Take Evidence
Evidence is absolutely essential if you want to stand any chance of getting compensation. A lot of people overlook the importance of evidence when they are making compensation claims. The best type of evidence is photographic or video, but naturally, after an accident, you might not be able to acquire this. If it is possible for you to do so, however, you should ask the people present at the scene of the accident to take evidence for you and then send it to you via email or phone. Make sure that the evidence taken is clear and concise, and shows who was at fault.
Contact Police
After an accident involving a car, the police need to be notified. It is only a formality to notify the police after an accident. However, if it was not an accident and the driver intentionally hurt you, or if they caused the crash because they were drunk, then this is a criminal offense. If the driver is found to be guilty of a criminal offense, then you won’t be able to claim compensation through their insurer. Instead, you will have to claim compensation through the courts. Your lawyer will help you to mount a civil lawsuit and sue the person responsible.
Medical Certificate
One of the main pieces of evidence that will be used to support your case or in court is a medical certificate. If you can’t get one then your lawyer will have a very hard time proving your case, especially in the absence of any other evidence. The best way to get a medical certificate is to ask the doctor who sees you at the hospital to write out a note stating the nature of your injuries, how they were sustained, and what they think you will need to recover. If you do not go to the hospital then get your regular physician to do this for you.
Taking a Break
After an accident, you need to take a break from cycling. A lot of cyclists suffer from PTSD after accidents involving cars, which makes them very unstable on the road when they do return to cycling. You need to wait until you are physically and mentally recovered before you go back out on your bicycle again. Recovery will be addressed more in the next section. After an accident, you should be able to get your employer to give you time off of work. If they won’t then you may want to quit or take holiday time until your claim has been dealt with.
Recovery Time
It can take a while for you to get back to feeling confident on a bicycle again. However, recovery time is absolutely essential. You shouldn’t rush your recovery time. Most experts would agree that the best way to recover from an injury is to get a physical therapist’s help. A physical therapist will help you to learn how to use your body again properly. You may also want to see an actual therapist who can help you with your mental health if you are suffering from PTSD because of your accident.
Have Patience
Patience is essential. A lot of people try to rush their lawyers into getting them compensation after accidents, but this is a really bad idea. You need to have patience. If you aren’t patient, then you could put a lot of pressure on your lawyer. Your lawyer will handle your case at their own pace. Compensation claims can’t be dealt with overnight. As soon as your lawyer has made any progress on your case or as soon as they have news for you, they will get in touch and tell you everything that you need to know.
Bicycle accidents can be very serious. If you have had one and a negligent driver is responsible for it, then you need to take legal action. This post’s guidance will help you to do that the right way. If you mishandle your case, it could prevent you from getting compensation.
Email
