Mistakes To Avoid After A Bicycle Crash
A bicycle crash can be disorienting, stressful, and painful. In the moments and days that follow, it’s easy to make choices that could hurt your ability to recover compensation later on. Whether you’re dealing with insurance adjusters or thinking about filing a legal claim, taking the right steps matters. Let’s explore common mistakes following a bicycle accident and how you can avoid them!
1. Leaving The Scene Without Calling The Police
Even if you feel okay or the driver seems cooperative, failing to call the police can hurt your case. A police report provides an official record of the incident and can be valuable if legal action becomes necessary. It also helps document key details like location, time, and the condition of the vehicles or bike.
2. Not Getting Medical Attention
Many injuries from bike crashes are not immediately obvious. You may feel fine at first but start to feel pain hours or days later. Delaying medical care may give insurance companies a reason to argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t related to the crash. Getting evaluated promptly helps protect both your health and your legal claim. Your personal injury attorney can use your medical reports as evidence to bolster your claim.
3. Failing To Gather Evidence
If possible, take photos at the scene. Include images of your bike, the vehicle involved, any injuries, traffic signs, and road conditions. Also, get contact information from the driver and any witnesses. Even one good photo or witness statement can make a difference in proving what happened.
4. Admitting Fault Or Apologizing
It’s natural to want to say something polite or apologetic after an accident, but be careful. Anything you say could later be used against you. Keep your statements brief and factual. Let the police determine who was at fault. You don’t need to speculate or accept blame at the scene.
5. Ignoring Follow-Up Treatment
Once you’ve seen a doctor, follow their instructions. If they recommend physical therapy, follow through. If they tell you to avoid certain activities, listen. Gaps in treatment or ignoring medical advice may affect how your injuries are viewed by an insurance company or court. A bicycle accident lawyer will likely encourage you to continue seeing your doctor, and they can even use these sessions as evidence.
6. Posting About The Crash On Social Media
Sharing photos or updates online can be tempting, but it can backfire. Insurance adjusters may review your social media accounts. A simple post about “feeling better” could be misinterpreted as proof that your injuries were minor. It’s best to stay quiet about the incident publicly until the matter is resolved.
The actions you take after a bicycle crash can impact your physical recovery and your financial outcome. By avoiding these common mistakes, you give yourself a better chance of receiving fair compensation and protecting your rights. Our friends at Blaszkow Legal, PLLC can attest that the actions taken after a bicycle crash can affect the future outcome of your case or settlement. Reach out to an attorney today to explore your legal options!
