Riding a bike is a great way to get around, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors. But no matter how careful you are, a single careless driver or unsafe road condition can quickly turn a routine or pleasure ride into a serious emergency. Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries and long-term consequences, especially when cars are involved.
Our friends at Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O. discuss how cyclists can protect themselves after a crash, what steps to take, and when it may be time to speak with a legal professional.
Take Immediate Action After The Crash
If you are involved in an accident while on a bicycle, the first thing to do is to get to a place that is away from the road and the pathway of vehicles, and to check yourself for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt, and request police assistance even if the accident seems minor. Having an official report can make a big difference later, especially if the crash involves a vehicle or a dispute over what happened.
Try to take photos of the scene, including your bike, the vehicle, injuries, and any road hazards that may have played a role. Get contact information from witnesses if possible. These early steps can help protect your claim if you need to pursue compensation later on.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
It is a good idea to seek medical attention after an accident, even if you feel okay because not all injuries present their symptoms right away. Head injuries, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage often take hours—or even days—to become fully noticeable.
In addition to being a step towards taking care of your physical help, seeing a doctor soon after the crash creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the accident. This documentation can be important if you later seek help from a bicycle accident lawyer. It also gives you a clearer picture of what kind of care and recovery timeline to expect.
Know What Insurance May Apply
One of the more confusing parts of a bicycle accident is figuring out which insurance policy covers the injury. If a car was involved, the driver’s auto insurance may be responsible for damages. If a pedestrian or defective sidewalk played a role, different liability may apply.
In some situations, your own insurance may provide coverage, even if you weren’t driving. If you have auto insurance that includes uninsured motorist coverage, this may provide you with some compensation and if you have health insurance, it should cover your medical bills. Every case is different, which is why documenting the details and keeping all related paperwork can be helpful down the line.
Don’t Settle Too Quickly
After an accident, you might receive a call from an insurance company offering a quick settlement. While it might be tempting to accept an early payout, especially if you’re dealing with medical bills or missed work, it’s important to understand what you may be giving up.
Once you accept a settlement, you may not be able to request more later—even if your injury turns out to be more serious than you thought. Waiting until you have a full picture of your recovery can help protect your long-term interests.
Talk To Someone Who Can Help
If you’re facing high medical costs, missed wages, or ongoing pain, it may be worth speaking with a legal professional who focuses on injury cases. A personal injury lawyer can help determine whether you have a claim and what next steps might be available to you.
Bike accidents can be traumatic and life-altering. Whether you’re dealing with broken bones, road rash, or more serious injuries, you don’t have to go through it alone. The right support—medical, legal, and personal—can make all the difference in your recovery.
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.