Cycling is a great way to stay fit and reduce your carbon footprint, but it comes with its risks. According to the NHTSA, there has been a recent uptick in the number of cyclists involved in road collisions. While some accidents are unavoidable, many could be prevented if drivers and cyclists knew their rights and responsibilities when sharing the road. This article will outline what you should do if you are involved in a collision with a cyclist.
Get Help From an Experienced Lawyer
If you are involved in a road collision with a cyclist, it is important to get help from an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. They can help you investigate your accident and determine who was at fault. If another driver’s negligence caused the collision, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, property damage, and other losses.
Many personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations, so it is important to take advantage of this and speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer will be able to assess your case and advise you on the best course of action. They can also answer any questions that you may have about the legal process and your rights.
When you are meeting with a lawyer for a consultation, it is important to bring any evidence you have collected and any documentation related to your injuries or the accident. This will help the lawyer assess your case and determine how best to proceed.
Get Medical Treatment
If you are injured in a collision with a cyclist, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. In some cases, injuries may not be immediately apparent but could still be serious. A doctor will be able to properly assess your injuries and provide you with the necessary treatment. It is also important to get medical treatment for two other reasons.
First, if you plan on filing a personal injury claim, you will need documentation of your injuries to be compensated. Second, many personal injury claims have a statute of limitations, so it is important to get medical treatment and start the legal process as soon as possible.
File a Police Report
If you are involved in a collision with a cyclist, it is important to file a police report. This will create a record of the accident, which can be helpful if you decide to file a personal injury claim. If necessary, the police report can also be used as evidence in court. To file a police report, you must contact your local law enforcement agency. You will need to provide them with your contact information and the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. It would be best if you also were prepared to give a statement about what happened and answer any questions that the officer may have.
Collect Evidence
If you are involved in a road collision with a cyclist, it is important to collect evidence as soon as possible. This will help the lawyer assess your case and determine how best to proceed.
Some of the evidence that you should collect includes:
- Photos of the accident scene
- Photos of your injuries
- Photos of the damage to your vehicle
- Copies of any police reports or medical records
- Statements from any witnesses
- Receipts for any medical treatment or repairs
This evidence can support your claim and help prove that the other party was at fault for the accident. It’s also important to remember that evidence can be lost or damaged over time, so collecting it as soon as possible is important.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have taken care of yourself and gathered evidence, you need to contact your insurance company to report the accident. You will need to give them your contact information and the other driver’s contact information. It would help if you also were prepared to give a statement about what happened and answer any questions that the insurer may have.
It is important to remember that you should not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in a way that could jeopardize your claim. An experienced lawyer will be able to protect your rights and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
Cycling can be a great way to get around but can also be dangerous. If you are involved in a collision with a cyclist, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your legal rights. This includes seeking medical treatment, filing a police report, and collecting evidence at the accident scene. It is also important to contact your insurance company and consult with an experienced lawyer.
