fbpx
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Proper Protocol Following a Bicycle Accident

Following the proper protocol after a bicycle accident could mean the difference between substantial injury settlement monies and getting shut out. If you were hurt in a bicycle crash caused by negligent motorists, property owners or other cyclists, call The Salamati Law Firm today to discuss the value of your case.

When it comes to bike accidents, the good news is the majority of them do not involve cars. But this does not diminish the impact of any incident involving a cyclist. People still get hurt, sometimes seriously.

When cars are involved, it comes as no surprise that the cyclist is at a complete disadvantage. In 2014, there was a four percent decrease in bicycle fatalities in vehicular accidents, but over 700 cyclists still died. Of all vehicular-related deaths per year, about two percent are bicycle riders.

The Salamati Law Firm knows injury from a bicycle accident can go beyond the cost of an emergency room visit. There can be hospital stays, medical expenses, rehabilitative therapy, and loss of wages and future income. Victims can suffer emotionally, with the incident affecting enjoyment of life.

As veteran bicycle injury lawyers in Los Angeles, we believe everyone should know what to do after a bike accident to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Things to do after a bicycle accident

Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, there are things you need to do after a bike crash to protect your legal rights. Most cyclists do not even realize they are hurt until later when minor injuries have turned serious. If you are hit by a vehicle and leave the scene, you may no longer be able to identify the driver or witnesses. You will endanger your chances of filing a bicycle accident insurance claim or to seek compensation.

You should wait for the police to arrive even if the other party does not want to. If they leave, be sure to get their license plate information and report the accident to authorities.

Bicycle accident report

It is very important your version of the events get into the police report. We have heard many bicycle accident stories where the police either see the incident as a waste of their time – especially if no one’s hurt – or tend to lean more towards the driver’s side of the story. Do whatever it takes to get your version of the accident into the report, including any minor injuries sustained. If the police continue to seem uninterested, have the report amended with a visit to the local precinct.

Get driver and witness contact information

Get the driver’s information. If they refuse, make sure to tell the police. You want their name, address, license plate number and driver ID. Depending on your condition, you may not be able to collect information. Point out witnesses to the police if you can. Get pictures of the accident scene, or ask a witness to help if you are unable.

Get medical attention

Obviously, seeking medical attention is one of the most important things you need to do after a bike accident. In addition to ensuring your physical well-being, this will be important to any future bicycle accident insurance claim, as all injuries and medical care will be documented. Your attorney will recommend that you keep a detailed log and receipts for all doctor and emergency room visits, prescriptions, surgeries and accident-related recovery.

Los Angeles bicycle injury attorney

The City of Los Angeles takes protecting everyone on their roads seriously, especially vulnerable cyclists. As long as they ride responsibly, cyclists have the same rights as anyone behind the wheel. Unfortunately, the majority of bicycle accidents result from drivers ignoring their right of way, driving while distracted, or not seeing them at all before making a spontaneous turn or lane change.

The Salamati Law Firm understands the catastrophic nature of bike injuries, and how they can undermine a person’s life and future livelihood in the blink of an eye. For more than 20 years, we have been providing compassionate yet zealous support to clients while maximizing the value of bike car accident insurance claims.

If you have been in a bicycle accident in Southern California and would like to explore your legal options, we invite you to reach out for a free and private consultation. Call 888-259-4060.

Bicycle Accident Resources

  1. Bicycling.com, Bike Crash Injury Care http://www.bicycling.com/training/health-injuries/bike-crash-injury-care
  2. BicycleSafe, important lessons in Bicycle Safety http://bicyclesafe.com/
No Obligation, No Fees Guaranteed, Unless We Win

We are committed to negotiate your case aggressively, strategically and creatively. Personal injury lawsuits are retained on a contingency fee agreement, and plaintiffs will pay no legal fees unless the firm is able to recover damages on your behalf.

No Fee Guarantee Unless We Win
Don’t Wait,
Get Your Life Back
Call now to schedule your FREE consultation. No obligation to you.
We’re available 24/7 & are multilingual speaking
Call For Your
Free Case Evaluation
Available : 24/7
Se Habla Español
Or leave a message below for your earliest convenience