Accidents On Your Bike: What To Know
Bicycles are an affordable, simple method of transportation. Being on your bike can be enjoyable in addition to getting you to a desired destination; however, you're likely to encounter cars and trucks whenever you're riding your bicycle. While you may never have a collision with a vehicle, it's a possibility. Knowing these details today can better prepare and protect yourself if an accident ever happens.
1-Don't Admit Guilt
Just after a collision, you may be flustered and hurt. You might apologize to the vehicle driver because you're in a shocked state, even if you have nothing to apologize for. Therefore, be care about anything you say or admit while still on the scene. The vehicle driver can attempt to use your statements against you later, even if you don't remember saying anything. Say as little as possible until you've contacted legal help for yourself.
2-Call the Police
Calling the police might seem excessive for a bike accident, but it's smart to have professionals on the scene. Police can round up any witnesses, and they can discuss details with both you and the person who drove the vehicle. Their questions are essential; the information gathering that police do can help with not only legal claims but insurance claims as well.
If you don't contact police while still on the scene of a collision, don't panic. You can still reach out to the local authorities in the days or weeks after the accident. They can still get statements from you and the driver and compile an official report about what happened. They can further guide your post-collision actions.
3-See the Doctor
Seeing the doctor may seem like too much if you only have minor cuts and scrapes after an accident. However, injuries that don't manifest until later are important to discover. For instance, brain injuries can reveal themselves over a period of days after you've struck your head in a bike accident. Internal bleeding could happen without your knowledge. Therefore, if you are ever in a collision on your bike, seeking medical care is vital. Medical care will also provide you with documents that you can then use for a lawsuit or another kind of claim.
4-Keep the Bike
Your bike's condition after it's been struck can cause stress. You may never want to see the bike again or feel that it's beyond repair and therefore trash. However, the item can be of great importance in insurance and legal claims. Retain the bike until your lawyer advises you that it's not needed.
Even before you find yourself in an accident, you may want to consider all this information and consult a bicycle accident lawyer who regularly handles cases like yours. Knowing how to conduct yourself on the road and after a collision can give you a greater sense of freedom whenever you're riding your bicycle.
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