Bicycling is a great way to get exercise. It is also a great way to get from place to place, and enjoy the beautiful scenery in and around Nashville. Unfortunately, cycling can also be dangerous, with over 370 bicycle accidents in Tennessee in 2018. These types of accidents can have life-altering consequences, especially if you do not take the proper steps to ensure your rights after someone else’s negligence causes injury to you or your family members. If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney today. Also, take a look at these simple steps you can take to protect yourself following a bike accident.
#1 – Call 9-1-1
The first thing you should do after a bike accident is call 9-1-1. They will send out police and emergency personnel to the scene. Make sure the police officer makes a report so you can obtain it in the next few days after the accident. The accident report will include information about witnesses, what they saw, and what they said. Be sure to speak as clearly as possible when you talk to the police on the scene.
#2 – Get Contact and Insurance Information From the Other Party
Just like in a car accident, you want to get the other party’s information. This information includes drivers’ license number, address, phone number, and insurance information.
#3 – Get Witness Information
Witnesses are very important. If someone else witnessed the accident, get their contact information so that you and your attorney can contact them later. If possible, ask them to immediately forward to you any pictures or video they may have taken.
#4 – Take Pictures and Video of the Accident Scene
Get pictures of the accident scene as soon as possible. If you are unable to take pictures or video because you are injured, ask a bystander to take some for you. The pictures should include your injuries, bike damage, car damage, skid marks, and the general area. Good pictures taken soon after an accident help your attorney get you the best result.
#5 – Get Medical Attention
Get prompt medical attention after the accident. Get seen in an Emergency Room or by your doctor. You may have internal injuries that may surface later, or be made worse due to delayed treatment. Be sure to write down the names of all providers you see after the accident. Also, the other side will claim you are faking or exaggerating any injuries for which you did not seek prompt medical care. Help yourself after the accident and get prompt care and treatment for any potential injuries. That care and treatment will help you get better and help your claim.
#5 – Keep an Accident Journal
Whether electronically, or the old fashioned way, keep a daily journal. Your journal should include your pain levels, medical visits or treatments, drugs taken, emotional state, and days off of work. Also, include your time off work, lost wages, miles traveled for treatments, and money spent on prescriptions, co-pays and other healthcare expenses related to the accident. Update your journal as often as possible. Keep your journal in a safe place. A good journal will be a great help to your attorney.
#6 – Don’t Make a Recorded Statement to Insurance Companies
The insurance company for the other side will want to take a recorded statement from you as soon as possible after the accident. They may tell you it’s so that they can expedite your claim. Don’t do it. In fact, don’t talk to the other side’s insurance company until you have had a chance to talk to an attorney. Insurance claims agents are trained to trip you up and pay you the absolute least amount of money possible. Do not deal with insurance agents. Do not fall for their traps. Get a lawyer to fight for you.
When you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, get someone on your side to help. Contact the experienced bike accident attorneys at Cummings Law today. We will help you navigate the confusing time after an accident and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Make the right choice and get the legal help you need.
Posted in: Bicycle Accidents