When it comes to riding a bicycle, safety is paramount. However, no matter how conscious you try to be when riding one, the odds are against you. Out of the 1,260 bicyclist deaths in 2020, 806 died in motor-vehicle crashes and 454 in other incidents.

“Knowing what to do after an incident happens can make a difference in how well you protect your rights or others that may be involved,” says personal injury attorney, Chad Jones. If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, you should involve a lawyer if the accident was due to another’s negligence. 

The following are the steps you can take after a bicycle accident:

#1. Call the Police

If you are ever involved in a bicycle accident, the first thing you should do, no matter how you may be feeling, is to call the police immediately. Besides, some injuries resulting from accidents usually appear several hours or days after the event. 

The purpose of getting a police officer to the scene of the accident is so that they can ticket the

motorist to ensure you benefit from settling the case with an insurance company. It also makes it easier to identify the motorist at fault. 

You can decide to contact the police department later on to ensure the details on the accident report are correct. If not, you can make changes to it by submitting an amended report before the court hearing.

#2. Check Yourself Before the Police Arrives

While waiting for the police, it may be the right time to check yourself by getting up and moving around. The motorist involved in the accident is also legally obligated to remain at the scene, especially if there was property damage or injuries. 

You may think that you have not been injured, but it is best you still wait and find out once the police and the paramedics arrive. It may be challenging to track down the motorist if you leave the scene.

#3. Take Detailed Photos and Video 

After the accident, one of the things you should do is stay calm and avoid the traffic immediately. While the motorist is waiting, don’t try to negotiate with them, as they may want to be sympathetic to you and even try to deny their actions. 

Use your cell phone to capture every moment in detail to help you tell your side of the story. Since your memory may differ or start to fade after the accident, you need to get the moment in a video as a reminder or a solid

proof.  

Taking as many pictures as possible, especially of the scene, your bicycle, and the car that hit you will also help. You should also send the videos and photos to a friend or family member as a backup.

#4. Collect Information from Witnesses

Try to collect information about the driver and witnesses. The information should include their names, phone contacts, addresses, driver’s license, and the vehicle’s numbers.

You may want to take pictures and videos of various identifying documents. Please make sure you thoroughly inspect them and determine whether you sustained an injury, minor or severe.

#5. Get an Urgent Medical Treatment

Even though you feel like nothing is wrong or don’t have any injuries from the accident, it shouldn’t stop you from seeing a doctor who will give you a quick check-up. This will ensure that you are healthy and recover quickly from the shocking incident.

#6. Consult a Trustworthy Attorney

Whether you were riding a bicycle or were a pedestrian, there are professional lawyers with extensive experience in acquiring a smooth recovery for your accident injuries. Because of the unprotected position of a bicycle rider, most injuries can come from a collision with a motor vehicle. Sometimes, the fault of a bicycle accident is the driver of the vehicle and not the bicyclist or the pedestrian.

Safety Tips For Bicycle Riding

Whether you are a minor or a full-grown adult, the dangers of riding a bicycle are

genuine. According to a report, the number of deaths occurring due to bicycle incidents has increased considerably in the past 10 years. For this reason, here are some safety tips you may want to note.

General:

• Make sure you wear easy and visible clothing for motorists to see. This clothing should be brightly colored, reflective, or with reflective areas in case you need to ride at night 
• Do not ride a bicycle using headphones for your phone, iPod, or other devices
• Try as much as possible to avoid texting while riding a bicycle 
• Please dress in layers so that it is easier to be comfortable when on a bicycle ride
• Remember to be aware of hazards in the road such as potholes, patches of ice, or sewer grates. Ensure you also look out for other road hazards, including gravel, sand, and wet slimy leaves

For Bicycle or Pieces of Equipment:

• Choose a well-fitted bicycle helmet equipped with a chin strap to avoid unnecessary free movements from side to side
• If you are riding a bicycle, it should be equipped with a white headlight to ensure that you are visible to motorists 
• The bicycle seat should be very comfortable. Some riders prefer to wear padded bicycle shorts
• Make use of sports sunglasses to keep bugs and dirt away from your eyes 
• Always maintain your bicycles in good working condition by carefully checking the tires and brakes regularly

Conclusion

As a bicycle rider or a pedestrian, you still have the same

rights and responsibilities as every motor vehicle driver. Drivers should also be conscious when sharing the road to avoid accidents, but you also need to take the proper actions after an accident to ensure your rights are under protection.

If the other party is not willing to offer you a fair settlement, you can take your case to trial. Hiring a professional attorney for a bicycle accident can make a huge difference in getting the recovery you deserve.