Riding a bike is a lot of fun. It is also a great form of exercise and an environmentally friendly way to commute. That being said, bicycling can also be dangerous – particularly when it comes to navigating roads filled with careless drivers.
If you are hit by a car while riding your bike, there are some steps that you can take to protect yourself and your right to compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. After getting yourself out of harm’s way, you should seek medical attention immediately. If possible, gathering evidence of the crash and filing a police report can be helpful to prove your claim.
At the Appel Law Firm LLP, we are fierce advocates for bicycle accident victims throughout Northern California. We offer free initial consultations for all prospective clients and never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. Reach out to our law offices today to talk to a Walnut Creek personal injury attorney about your case.
Steps to Take After a California Bike Accident
No one expects to be struck by a motor vehicle when you’re riding your bike. Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are far too common in California. In 2021 alone, 125 bicyclists were killed after being hit by a car.
Directly after a bike accident, you may be shocked and unsure what to do. While it may be challenging – or even impossible if you were seriously injured – there are some things that you can do to protect yourself. If you are able to do so, taking these steps can improve the likelihood of recovering full compensation for your injuries.
Get to a Safe Place
Bike crashes typically happen on roadways – which can leave a cyclist vulnerable directly after an accident. If you are able to do so, get yourself to a safe place off of the street or highway. This will decrease the possibility of further injury from another motor vehicle.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Bicyclists are uniquely vulnerable to motor vehicle accidents simply because they lack much in the way of protection. Even if you think that you are not seriously hurt, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible after the crash. Depending on the severity of your injuries, this may mean calling 911 and taking an ambulance to the hospital.
Getting prompt medical care is critical when it comes to getting the proper diagnosis and treatment. It is also important because it establishes a link between your injuries and the bicycle accident. Your medical records will be key evidence in a personal injury claim.
Too often, insurance companies try to argue that an accident victim’s injuries are due to some other cause. Getting immediate medical treatment can help to ensure that you get fair compensation for all of your losses, from medical expenses to lost wages to pain and suffering.
Call the Police
Even if you don’t require an ambulance, you should still alert law enforcement about the bicycle crash. If you are able to do so, wait at the accident scene until the police officers arrive. The police will investigate the accident and issue a police report that contains details such as:
- How the crash happened;
- Your statement, along with statements from the negligent driver and any witnesses;
- Information about citations issued; and/or
- If any citations were issued.
For example, imagine a situation where the crash occurred because the driver was on the phone at the time. In California, distracted driving is against the law. If the at-fault driver was issued a citation for distracted driving, it may be able to be used as proof that they caused the accident and that they are liable for your injuries.
Get Information from the Driver and Witnesses
If you are able to do so, gather evidence while you are still at the scene. Assuming that the at-fault driver does not flee the scene, ask them for their name, contact information, and insurance information. You should also get the names and contact information of any witnesses.
If the police show up at the accident scene, they will gather much of this information themselves. However, it’s always a good idea to get the information for yourself in case the police officer isn’t as diligent as you might be about collecting evidence.
Take Pictures and Videos of the Scene
If you can, get out your smartphone and take photos and videos of the scene, your bike, and your own injuries. Try to take as many pictures and videos as possible, getting as many angles as you can. These pictures will be important evidence to support your personal injury lawsuit.
When you get home, make sure that you preserve evidence related to the crash. Do not get your bicycle repaired or throw away the clothes that you were wearing. Damage to your personal property can help to show the extent of your losses.
Consult with a Walnut Creek Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you are hit by a car, truck, or SUV, then you may be entitled to financial compensation for your property damage, lost wages, medical bills, future medical treatment, emotional distress, scarring, disfigurement, and reduced quality of life. After a crash, an insurance adjuster may approach you and ask you to make a statement. They may even offer you a settlement.
You should not talk to the adjuster or sign any paperwork until you have had a chance to talk to a Walnut Creek bike accident attorney. Insurance companies are in business to make money – not to make sure that you get full compensation for your injuries. By making a statement or signing paperwork, you could be giving up important rights that will affect your ability to get the money that you deserve for your injuries.
An initial consultation is free of charge. If you decide to hire a personal injury law firm for your bicycle accident case, you won’t pay a fee unless they recover money for you. Your lawyer will fight for your right to full compensation and help you achieve justice.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
Being in a bike accident can be scary. It can also affect so many aspects of your life as you recover from the physical and mental trauma of being hit by a motor vehicle as you did something that you enjoy. A lawsuit may not make that all go away, but it can be a way to get the money that you need to move forward with your life.
Based in Walnut Creek, the Appel Law Firm LLP represents accident victims throughout Northern California. We work hard to help our clients get maximum compensation for their injuries from all types of motor vehicle accidents, including bike crashes. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a Walnut Creek bicycle accident lawyer, call us at 925-938-2000 or fill out our online contact form.
Related: What Do I Do As the Victim of a Hit and Run Bike Accident?
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