Getting into a bike accident is a very scary and dangerous event. When this happens, you might not know exactly what to do immediately following the accident. You will likely be disoriented too.
Therefore, here is a list of things to do after being hit by a car while riding your bike.
Obtain Emergency Medical Treatment
The first thing to do is get treated by emergency medical personnel. By now, someone should have alerted law enforcement, but you can also call 911 if you are able to physically do so. It is crucial that you have all of your injuries assessed as soon after the accident as possible.
You may only need minor medical care while at the scene of the accident. However, it is best to go to the hospital and get treated by a doctor either immediately after the accident via ambulance or by your own doctor as soon as possible. Getting immediate treatment will not only ensure that you are not injured but will also start a paper trail that you'll need if you decide to file a lawsuit.
Some accident victims do not feel compelled to get medical treatment after an accident if they do not feel injured. But the reality is many injuries do not present right away due to the adrenaline rush. More than likely, you will eventually feel some significant pain.
Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that you may need some ongoing treatment well after the accident. If you need any form of physical therapy, chiropractic treatment and the like, you could have to pay for those costs yourself if you do not start getting medical treatment right after the accident.
Many insurance companies will say that you waited too long to get treatment for your injuries. They could even argue that your treatment could be for an entirely different set of circumstances other than your bike accident. This is why it is so important to get yourself checked out by a medical professional.
However, dealing with an insurance agency has to be carefully navigated. Without the proper legal expertise, your settlement could be much lower than what you could have gotten with the help of an attorney. Your attorney will help ensure your legal rights are not compromised in any way while getting you the best settlement possible.
You may only need minor medical care while at the scene of the accident. However, it is best to go to the hospital and get treated by a doctor either immediately after the accident via ambulance or by your own doctor as soon as possible. Getting immediate treatment will not only ensure that you are not injured but will also start a paper trail that you'll need if you decide to file a lawsuit.
Some accident victims do not feel compelled to get medical treatment after an accident if they do not feel injured. But the reality is many injuries do not present right away due to the adrenaline rush. More than likely, you will eventually feel some significant pain.
Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that you may need some ongoing treatment well after the accident. If you need any form of physical therapy, chiropractic treatment and the like, you could have to pay for those costs yourself if you do not start getting medical treatment right after the accident.
Many insurance companies will say that you waited too long to get treatment for your injuries. They could even argue that your treatment could be for an entirely different set of circumstances other than your bike accident. This is why it is so important to get yourself checked out by a medical professional.
Talk to Law Enforcement
Before you ride away in an ambulance or otherwise leave the scene, you need to speak to the police that responded to the accident. They will need to take your statement as to the events that led to the accident. Once you have provided your information, find out what you need to do to obtain a copy of the report.Call Your Attorney
You should call your attorney as soon as possible after being in a bike accident. You more than likely are going to incur some expenses after an accident that you will need compensation for. You do not have to go to court to be compensated. You can work directly with the driver's insurance agency to get a settlement.However, dealing with an insurance agency has to be carefully navigated. Without the proper legal expertise, your settlement could be much lower than what you could have gotten with the help of an attorney. Your attorney will help ensure your legal rights are not compromised in any way while getting you the best settlement possible.
Be Mindful of Your Actions
Once you have contacted your attorney and have decided on a course of action to gain compensation, it is important that you be mindful of your actions. For instance, you should avoid posting too much information on social media while you are embroiled in a settlement claim.
The insurer or the driver's attorney will be on the lookout for any bit of information that can be used against you. If you post pictures of yourself surfing when you are supposedly injured, it can have a negative impact on your claim. If you need assistance with your legal matters, please contact the Law Offices of David A. Helfand, P.A.
The insurer or the driver's attorney will be on the lookout for any bit of information that can be used against you. If you post pictures of yourself surfing when you are supposedly injured, it can have a negative impact on your claim. If you need assistance with your legal matters, please contact the Law Offices of David A. Helfand, P.A.
