Getting into a bike accident is no fun, but knowing the legal process after a bike accident makes everything a little easier to handle. Being in an accident can leave you feeling flustered and out of it, unsure of what steps to take next. And it’s no wonder since any type of accident is jarring and traumatic. It can be hard to think straight!
We hope you enjoy countless bike rides without ever being in an accident. Thankfully, by taking proper precautions, many bikers do just that. But unfortunately, accidents do happen.
Knowing what steps to take is empowering, and having that knowledge at the ready can be a game-changer when responding to the situation. It changes how you react because you’ve already considered what to do.
Here are seven steps to take after you’ve been in a bike accident. Taking these steps will help bring about the best-case scenario for collecting damages from the accident.
Keep reading to learn more!
Step 1: Call 911
First and foremost, call 911. This is important whether you were in an accident with another cyclist or pedestrian or if you were hit by a car.
Tell the first responder that you were in an accident. Provide your location and how many people were injured or involved in the accident. Answer any questions they ask you to the best of your ability. It’s okay if you don’t know the answer to a question. Stay on the phone until the 911 dispatcher tells you it’s okay to hang up.
Step 2: Collect Contact Information
Once you’ve hung up with 911, it’s time to get contact information. We recommend collecting everyone’s contact info, including anyone involved in the accident and bystanders.
You can ask a bystander to be a witness to the accident in case the person who injured you denies fault later on (which sadly does happen). They can report what they saw to the police. They might be willing to testify on the stand if you go to court.
Either way, it’s worth asking. The more contacts you have regarding the accident, the better.
Collect first and last names and phone numbers. For anyone involved in the accident, collect their insurance information, driver’s license number, and license plate number.
You’d need this information to report them to their insurance company, which you’ll want to do as quickly as possible if you were hit by a car.
Step 3: Document the Accident
Similar to a car accident, you’ll want to take many photos to document the accident. Take pictures of everything, including up close and far away shots. The images will serve as evidence and a timestamp of when the accident occurred.
Police could use the photos to determine who was at fault. Photos can also be used as evidence, should you go to court.
Step 4: Seek Medical Care
As soon as the police dismiss you and everyone else from the accident scene, go directly to the doctor. If your primary care doctor isn’t available, go to urgent care.
Explain to the medical provider that you were in a bike accident and must ensure you aren’t injured. Some injuries will result in instant, lasting pain that’s easy to pinpoint. But some injuries hide and require a medical professional to detect them.
By immediately receiving medical care, you’ll eliminate arguments that your injuries are unrelated to the accident.
The doctor may determine that you are fine and release you to go home, or they might keep you for overnight observation. Either way, follow all the medical advice you are given so that you can recover as quickly as possible.
Step 5: Document Your Injuries
We highly recommend taking photos of your injuries. Take them as soon as they happen, and continue photographing them daily until you are healed. This will prove how severe your injuries were and could help determine how much compensation you receive for your pain and suffering.
Step 6: Preserve Evidence
Although it might be your first instinct to get your bike repaired, wash your clothes, and shower, it’s best to hold off on everything until you’ve taken photos of everything.
Even then, while it’s totally fine to take a shower, it’s best to leave your clothes unwashed and keep your bike unrepaired for the sake of evidence. You might even want to turn over your clothes and bike to your attorney so an expert can examine them for evidence.
If you aren’t sure what to do, leave everything as-is, and contact your attorney.
Step 7: Get Legal Help
Finally, after following the six prior steps, it’s time to get legal help. Getting into any type of accident is awful, and bike accidents can be especially bad since your body has no protection other than your clothes or helmet (if you’re wearing one).
Abrasions could be the least of your worries. Many individuals in bike accidents suffer from concussions, fractures, broken bones, etc., that require surgery and extensive recovery times.
Regardless of your injuries, you’ll likely have questions – questions an attorney can answer for you. They can tell you whether you have a case worth pursuing. Can you collect damages for your pain and suffering? What about medical bills? They’ll be able to answer these questions and more.
Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton
Have you recently been in a bike accident? Were you injured? You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. Don’t miss out on what you’re entitled to under the law! Contact us today.
Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton has represented bike accident clients for decades. We’re well-versed in the legal process after a bike accident and can guide you through it.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We’re located in northern Utah and serve all of Salt Lake and Utah counties. We’ll discuss your case with you and determine how we can best help you get the compensation you deserve.
Get started today!