Some people enjoy the convenience and functionality offered by a bicycle. Some will cycle to work to avoid the inconvenience of traffic jams in the city. For others, a bicycle ride every evening or on the weekend is a perfect way to keep fit.
Regardless of where, when, and why you ride your bicycle, you could be involved in a bicycle accident. Due to the nature of a bicycle, these accidents are mostly serious, and even a minor crash could result in severe injuries. If you or your loved one is a victim of a cycling accident due to another party’s negligence, consider filing a claim to get compensated for damages.
However, whatever you do immediately after the accident will impact your bicycle injury claim. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a bicycle accident.
Ensure Your Safety
After a bicycle accident, your mind will take you in spins. You’ll be in a state of shock and disbelief about what just happened. However, in that state, a lot worse could happen if you don’t take the right step immediately.
If you’re on the road, make sure you move somewhere safe to avoid endangering yourself and other road users. Also, if possible, move the bicycle aside to prevent traffic snarl-up. After you get off the road, assess yourself and if you’re badly injured, call an ambulance.
Collect Other Party’s Details
If a driver was involved in the accident, make sure to collect their details. Ask the driver for their name, address, insurance details, and phone number. Also, take note of the vehicle registration, color, make, and model.
If the accident involved another party, such as a motorcycle, or an animal, collect the owner’s details.
Make sure to remain calm and avoid getting into arguments with the parties involved. And regardless of whose fault it is, don’t admit blame.
Take Photos
If you’re going to pursue a cycling injury claim, you’ll need evidence to prove your case. This is why you need to take photos of the accident scene. The photos will help your accident lawyer reconstruct the accident scene to prove liability on the party at fault.
Take pictures of the accident scene and record every detail. If there are vehicles involved, take pictures highlighting the damage from all angles. Also, take pictures of the vehicle’s registration and insurance detail.
If road defects such as potholes caused the accident, take pictures showing their width, depth, and length. Also, record the weather condition’s exact location and take note of landmarks.
Collect Witness Statements
If someone saw the accident, make sure you take their statement and contact details before leaving the accident scene. You can record them using your phone’s sound recorder as they give a recount of what happened. Take the statement immediately after the accident when the details are still fresh on the witness’s mind.
You Now Know What to Do If You’re Involved in a Bicycle Accident
If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, you’ll need to take the right steps to start building your claim. Knowing what to do after the accident can help to expedite your bicycle injury claim, and you get a fair settlement. Above are the steps to take if you’re a bicycle accident victim.
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