You are enjoying a pleasant bicycle ride when all of a sudden, a motorist strikes you. You stand up, notice that your thighs are bruised, your knees are scraped, and that you have a large cut on your cheek. Otherwise, you appear to be fine. With your adrenaline pumping, you get back on your bicycle and ride off, getting away from the accident scene as quickly as possible.
In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, it can be difficult to gauge how severe your injuries are or what steps need to be taken to preserve your right to recover damages. Keep reading to learn what steps to take and how a PA personal injury lawyer can help you.
Get Out of the Way of Traffic
Following a bicycle accident, it is important that you move your bicycle out of the way of traffic. Safety should come before anything else. If you suffered injuries that impede your ability to carry your bicycle, do not hesitate to ask for help.
Seek Medical Attention
In 2021, over 41,000 pedal cyclists suffered an injury in traffic collisions in the United States. If you or anyone else suffers an injury in a crash, 911 should be called immediately. Keep in mind that not all injuries can be seen. If you are experiencing nausea, dizziness, fatigue, loss of consciousness, or any other unusual symptoms, immediate medical intervention may be necessary.
Contact the Police
If the paramedics are called to the scene of the accident, law enforcement will likely respond as well. Even if nobody was injured, it is wise to contact the authorities. The officer who arrives on the scene will take down the following:
- Names of the parties involved
- The date/time/location of the incident
- The license plate numbers and vehicle identification numbers (VINs) of both vehicles
- Description of road conditions and lighting
- Narrative of how the accident unfolded
- Witness statements
- The officer’s determination of who caused the accident.=
Exchange Contact and Insurance Information
After seeking medical attention and/or contacting law enforcement, you should take down the full names of all parties involved in your bicycle accident, as well as the best phone number to reach them at. Be sure to verify spellings of both first and last names. These days, it is a good idea to get email addresses too.
If you suffered damage to your bicycle and/or injuries, you can make a claim with the other driver’s auto insurer. Automobile insurance is mandatory in Pennsylvania, with drivers required to carry the following minimum liability limits to be in compliance with the law:
- $5,000 in medical benefits
- $15,000 in bodily injury for one person
- $30,000 in bodily injury for two or more persons
- $5,000 in property damage
Get Photos of Your Injuries or of Damage to Your Bicycle
If you suffered injuries, it is crucial that you get documentation. While it may seem strange, taking pictures of any cuts, scrapes, or bruises can go a long way to support your bicycle accident claim. These pictures can be used in conjunction with a physician’s notes to support the severity of your injuries upon submitting your insurance claim.
A PA Personal Injury Lawyer Persevering for Accident Victims
Following any accident, big or small, you should contact a PA personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can assist you in filing your claim and will speak with the insurance adjuster on your behalf. With our personal injury attorney having experience representing the interests of insurance companies, he has valuable insight into what tactics can be used to get the compensation you deserve.
Reach Out to Our PA Personal Injury Lawyer Immediately
Bicycle crash injuries are usually the most severe, requiring extensive time in the hospital, costing you thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you have fallen victim to a bicycle crash, now is the time to speak with our PA personal injury attorney. To schedule your initial consultation, contact us online.