Riding a bike can be fun but, at times, costly if you get into an accident. It could be a bike-truck accident or a bike-car accident. What matters is the immediate action taken after such disasters. Here is what you should know after a bike crash.
Did the crash result in injuries at work?
It can be a gory scene when a bike crashes with a car. The good thing is that it rarely happens. However, keeping records immediately after your accident can be beneficial, especially if the crash wasn’t severe enough to leave you unconscious. Anything you can pick and remember from the accident can help you recover from your injuries and compensate for your bike. Collecting as much evidence as possible from the accident scene will determine how the accident lawsuit will turn out.
Waiting for the police arrival
Police presence is critical when it comes to filing an official report to help in starting your case. You don’t need to suffer physical injury for the police to collect evidence. You can even sustain internal injuries, which may affect your health after a while. Also, there could be some hidden injuries you won’t notice immediately due to shock and confusion. Please do not walk away from the scene until the police finish their investigation. The evidence you get from there will strengthen your case against the at-fault driver. It will give your lawyer an easy time presenting your case and ensuring you get your compensation for any damages suffered.
Risks when you let the at-fault party go
If you decide to negotiate with the driver, you will lose your rights no matter the type of injuries you suffered. Most at-fault parties will apologize or pay you something small contrary to what you deserve. It is dangerous because you may be having internal injuries that may cost you a fortune to treat, yet you can’t blame anyone. Since you let the at-fault party go, you won’t have a case, and they will always deny knowing you. This is why it’s critical to allow the police to collect evidence and file a report. Also, the police will ticket the driver to assist in settling your case with an insurance firm.
Include other information you collect into an accident report
Before you file for a bike accident claim, ensure the police officer records your statement and the at-fault party’s statement. Make sure your side of the story appears on the police report by all means. This includes reporting your injuries, bike damage, and other relevant information. Mention even minor injuries to the police. Such injuries you experience no matter how small can have a detrimental effect on your future health. You can always amend the report if the police ignore to include your statement.
Collect the contact information of the driver and witness
It is critical to have the names, addresses, and phone number of the victim, witnesses, and the at-fault party. Also, having the driver’s license number and insurance details is important in filing a case. Getting all relevant information concerning the accident will make the situation easier and speed up the compensation process. You never know. The police may not include such crucial details when filing a report at the accident scene. If you are severely injured but conscious, ask any bystander to collect all the relevant information.
Conclusion
Bike and car accidents often lead to intricate legal issues. This is why the Atlanta bike crash attorney understands what such disasters mean and how to handle the case successfully from experience. The attorney will advise you on what to do, agree with insurance companies, and stand for you in a lawsuit. Never engage with an insurance company before your attorney knows. They can use your details against you in your case, thus lowering your chances of getting what you rightfully deserve. Your attorney may hire a bike accident expert to collect all the necessary evidence at the accident scene to strengthen your case as well.
2018 ·
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