Many people are beginning to leave their trucks and cars at home and are taking their bicycles out instead. Bicycling is a great form of exercise, and it saves money on fuel while helping out the environment. Being a newer trend, many motorists are not yet accustomed to sharing the road with bicyclists, and unfortunately bicycle injury statistics show that it can be a hazardous sport when the proper safety precautions aren’t taken. In 2006, an estimated 95 percent of bicyclists who were killed were not wearing a helmet, so making sure to have the proper headwear on a bike is an important step in preventing bicycling injuries and death. Unfortunately, accidents can still happen, and when they do, it is important for bicyclists to know what to do after a bicycle accident.
- Contact the Police – As long as they are able to, the first thing a bicyclist should do after being in an accident with a motorist is to call the police. The police will take down an official report of what happened, so it is important for both parties to wait for them to arrive. Once they do arrive, the bicyclist should make sure that their account of what happened is taken down. Police can also help ensure that anyone with injuries receives the proper care immediately.
- Exchange Information With the Other Driver – It is also important for a bicyclist to get the information of the other person involved in the collision. They should do their best to get their name, address, contact information, vehicle information and insurance information. They should also try to get the names and contact information from anyone who witnessed the accident, as they could be valuable in the event of personal injury lawsuits.
- Keep Good Records – The bicyclist should try to document all bicycling injuries and damage to their bike as best as possible. Taking pictures is a good way to provide evidence to insurance companies or in court later down the road. They should also keep receipts from any repairs or medical treatment that they receive due to bicycling injuries from the accident. It is important for a bicyclist to seek medical attention right away, not only for their own health and safety, but also so that they have proof of their injuries.
- Seek Professional Help – It is easy to get caught up in the confusion after a bicycling accident, but seeking the help of a professional can help ensure that the bicyclist receives the appropriate reimbursements form the insurance company or from the other vehicle involved. Accident and injury lawyers with experience dealing with bicycling injuries can help a bicyclist negotiate with insurance companies and can represent them in court should any legal proceedings be necessary.
Taking the proper steps after a bicycling accident is important to ensure the safety of everyone involved, and to ensure that the bicyclist is compensated for any pain and suffering resulting from the accident. See this link for more references.