Despite a bicyclist’s best efforts to follow the rules of the road and stay safe, accidents can still occur. These accidents can result in severe injuries, such as soft tissue injuries, multiple bone fractures, spinal cord injuries, and brain and head injuries, among many others.

If a bicyclist gets injured due to someone else’s negligence, what they do immediately after the accident is extremely crucial. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind.

Report The Bike Accident Right Away

Call the police or 911. Stay calm, and unless the injured person needs emergency medical care, they should wait for the police and evaluate their injuries while waiting. Once the police arrive, tell them what happened – the more details, the better. If possible, document the accident by taking photos and videos of injuries and property damage sustained. Check also if anyone witnessed the accident. Take their contact information and their statements.

Seek Medical Attention ASAP

Bicyclists must seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident. Even if they don’t feel any pain or seem unhurt, they must still see a doctor. It is vital for their claim or potential personal injury lawsuit to see a doctor so that their injuries and treatment can be officially documented.

Without evidence of the injuries they sustained from the bicycle crash, the liable party’s insurer or lawyer will attempt to argue the bicyclist may have been injured before the accident or their injuries were not that serious at all. They will do all kinds of things to dispute the bicyclist’s claim and downplay their injuries to avoid paying out the full value of the claim.

The longer the injured bicyclist goes without seeking medical care, the more difficult it would be to establish a clear link between the bike crash and their injuries. The records containing the details of the cyclist’s diagnosis and medical treatment will help prove that they endured the injuries from the crash.

Get Legal Advice from a Vernon Roadside Lawyer

Bicycle crashes that occur due to another motorist’s negligent actions normally involve complicated legal issues. This is why injured bicyclists must consult with a lawyer as soon as they can after the accident. A lawyer can explain the best legal options for their case and prove fault and liability for the accident.

Insurance claims adjusters often hound injured claimants for statements right after an accident. But claimants must never give their statement before speaking to a lawyer first because the insurer can twist their narrative and use it against them to reduce the compensation they deserve. A lawyer can protect their legal rights and ensure that valuable evidence will be collected and preserved.

Talk to a Skilled Vernon Roadside Lawyer Now

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, reach out to Berman & Russo for legal advice as soon as possible. You can learn more about your case and options for financial compensation by discussing your situation with a Vernon roadside lawyer. Call 860-644-1548 or fill out the online contact form to set up a free consultation today.