When you are an active cyclist, safety should be your number one priority. Bicycles are the most unstable form of commotion, as you can immediately lose control even with a minimum touch when you are at high speed. Therefore, you should always know what to do when you are injured while riding your bicycle.
Bicycle accidents are common and most often vehicles crash bicycles because of miscalculations of distance or speed. If you become a part of a bicycle accident on a public road, then you should know what to do. Make sure to follow these steps to make the process easier for yourself.
1. Wait For The Police To Arrive
When you are hit by a bus, car, truck, or any other vehicle while cycling on the road, do not just get up and leave the scene. Even if you are not visibly injured, many auto accidents result in concussions and hidden injuries that reveal themselves after some time. Therefore, wait for the police to arrive.
Police will look at the facts of the event and write a report. The one at fault will have to pay for the loss of the other. Therefore, if the other party was at fault, you can be paid for your medical bills, bicycle repair, and other sorts of compensation that you may need. Police will also make sure that the one at fault is not taking advantage of the other.
2. Document The Facts Of The Accident
While waiting for the police to arrive, do not let the other party leave the premises of the accident either. Make sure that you have taken their contact information, vehicle information such as plate number, and information of any eyewitnesses present at the scene.
Gather all these facts and make sure to take a few pictures of your damaged bicycle, and any damage caused to the other party as well.
3. Seek Professional Help
You should never negotiate with the other party yourself. You might never know the level of compensation provided to you by the personal injury law. The other party may take advantage of you, or use the facts against you.
To let the legal matters be handled professionally, get yourself a bicycle accidents lawyer who knows his job. A lawyer will deal with the matter much more professionally and provide you with all the options you have at your hand.
4. Get Medical Attention
You should not ignore your injuries after an accident, even if they look minor. Many auto accident injuries can become a lifetime issue if not treated timely. You will be provided with medical assistance at the accident site by the emergency response unit. However, do not rely on them entirely.
Medical professionals at the emergency response unit provide medical assistance needed for the time being only. You should consider getting a complete check-up from a hospital. Make sure that you keep the doctor’s notes and prescriptions safe as they can help your case.