Despite making themselves visible and following the rules of the road, cars hit cyclists every day. Even a minor collision can have lasting results on your health and ability to work; it is essential that you know what to do if you are involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. An accident that would be considered a “fender bender” with another car can cause significant injuries to a cyclist, so seeking out prompt medical attention should always be your first priority.
What to do if you are in an Accident with a Motor Vehicle
If you are in an accident in Redlands, here’s what to do next to ensure your rights are protected and you can be fairly compensated for your damages and injuries.
Seek out medical attention: Call 911 and accept any care offered or suggested. Head, back and neck injuries are common in bike accidents, as are skin abrasions and broken limbs. All of these need medical attention right away.
Take photographs: In this type of crash, your bike likely sustained massive damage and is no longer usable. Take pictures of the scene, your bike and any damage caused to the frame and other areas.
Call the police: If you’ve already called 911, then the police are on the way. If not, then give them a call to ensure an official accident report and the officer’s findings are recorded.
Talk to witnesses: If you are riding with other cyclists, pedestrians saw your accident or other drivers stopped, you should get contact information to ensure you can get in touch if you need to. These witnesses may have valuable information about the accident that can help you with your eventual case.
Don’t apologize: Never apologize or accept blame, even if it seems like the polite thing to do. The other driver will be worried about being liable for your damages and may try to get you to admit some liability. Talk to the police about the accident, but do not accept any reasonability for the crash.
Learning what to do after a crash with a motor vehicle can protect your health and financial future. Since a bike accident can lead to lasting injuries, it is important to contact a personal injury attorney right away. Taking this step will ensure your rights are protected and you are not left unable to work, and without resources. If you have been in an accident, get in touch today to get the help you need to recover and get back on the road quickly.