Proper steps immediately following a bicycle accident

Any cyclist sooner or later asks themselves: what do I do if I’m involved in an accident? Bike collisions with cars happen quite frequently, particularly in densely populated cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The most important rule right after an accident is to stay calm and strictly follow certain legal procedures. Below we explain how to act correctly so that you can best protect yourself going forward.

Initial actions after an accident

If you’re involved in a bicycle accident, here’s what you need to do first:

• Remain at the scene of the accident.
• Check your physical condition. If you feel pain or significant discomfort, ask passersby to call an ambulance.
• Calm down and focus.

Next, it’s important to start gathering necessary information. You must record the following details about the vehicle involved in the incident:

• Name and surname of the owner,
• Vehicle registration number,
• Insurance policy number,
• Driver’s contact information (phone number, address).

These data points will come in handy later during documentation and increase your chances of achieving a favorable resolution.

Reporting to police

You then need to notify the police. Law enforcement officers arrive at the scene and create an official report detailing the event. They’ll record the details of the accident, interview participants and witnesses. This police report serves as an official document for further proceedings.

Be precise and objective when communicating with the officer. Any inaccurate statements or misinformation could negatively affect your position in future litigation.

Medical examination and obtaining a doctor’s report

If you’ve sustained injuries, it’s strongly recommended that you visit a doctor for examination. Healthcare professionals are required to officially confirm the fact of injury. A doctor’s certificate will serve as solid proof when filing a lawsuit or making an insurance claim.

Even minor-looking injuries should be documented, as hidden injuries might manifest later, complicating your ability to defend your rights without formal documentation.

Consulting with a lawyer

Seeking assistance from a professional attorney greatly increases your chances of resolving the issue successfully. An experienced lawyer will provide valuable advice on next steps, help assemble the needed paperwork, and draft a correct legal complaint.

Specialists understand the intricacies of such cases and can develop effective defense strategies. Many consultants offer free initial consultations, making it wise and advantageous to engage their services.

Preparing claims against insurance companies

If your situation falls within insurance coverage, it’s advisable to file a claim with the insurer of the offending driver. This speeds up the process of receiving financial compensation.

Before submitting a claim, you’ll need to prepare the following set of documents:

• Copies of police reports,
• Medical certificates,
• Photos and videos taken at the accident site,
• Estimates for repairs to the bicycle (if damaged).

All submitted materials form the basis for deciding whether to grant insurance payments.

Conclusion and recommendations

Let’s summarize our recommendations:

• Stay calm and level-headed.
• Gather maximum information about the second party involved.
• Obtain support from law enforcement officials.
• Visit a doctor to assess your physical state.
• Consult with an attorney to devise appropriate course of action.

Strictly adhering to these guidelines will enable you to more effectively assert your rights and receive full financial support after a bicycle accident.