What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

A bicycle accident is often shocking and confusing. It's important to know the immediate steps to take to prioritize your safety and safeguard your rights. Understanding these steps can also help you when you need to file a claim or seek compensation later. At ReshLaw Injury & Accident Lawyers, we encourage you to take a deep breath and ask for help.

Remember as many details as possible about how the accident happened and who was involved. Keeping a clear mind will help you manage the situation more effectively. Remember, the actions you take immediately following the accident can significantly impact any legal claims you may need to pursue.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents in the Utah Area

• Distracted driving. Many bicycle crashes stem from drivers not paying attention to the road. Distractions can come from mobile devices, other passengers, or anything that distracts the driver from driving.
• Poor road conditions. Potholes, uneven roads, and a lack of proper bike lanes can create hazardous conditions for cyclists. These road issues can cause a cyclist to lose control and result in a bike accident.
• Driver Error. Sometimes, drivers misjudge their distance from a cyclist or fail to yield the right of way at intersections, leading to collisions.
• Low Visibility. Accidents often occur during low light conditions when it is harder for drivers to see cyclists. Wearing reflective clothing and using proper lights are essential for bicycle safety.
• Speeding. Excessive speed reduces a driver's ability to stop or adjust to road conditions, increasing the likelihood of hitting a cyclist.

Prioritize Your Safety and Get to a Safe Location

After a bicycle accident, your first step should be moving to a safe location if possible. Avoid staying on the road or near busy traffic. If you're badly injured, stay still to prevent further harm. Moving to safety helps avoid additional risks and sets a calmer environment in which to handle the next steps.

Look for Injuries and Ask for Medical Assistance: Dial 911

Once you are safe, check yourself and others for injuries. Even if the injuries seem minor, seeking medical attention is crucial. Call emergency services if anyone is hurt. Getting prompt medical help addresses potential internal injuries and creates a medical paper trail that can be crucial if you need to pursue a claim.

Exchange Information with Involved Parties

It's important to exchange information with everyone involved in the accident, including drivers and other cyclists. Ensure you get their names, contact information, and each party's driver's license number. This information is crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.

Take Photos and Document the Scene

Snapping photos of the crash site can provide valuable evidence for your case. Capture different angles of the scene, any damages to your bicycle, and injuries you sustained. Remember to photograph road conditions or obstacles that might have contributed to the accident.

Collect Contact Information from Witnesses

If there were any witnesses to the accident, their accounts could support your version of events. Ask for their names and contact information. Witnesses are a major factor in legal and insurance claims.

Contact Law Enforcement and Submit a Police Report

Always call the police to report a bicycle crash. The law enforcement officers will document the crash site and file a report, which is important for your insurance claim and any legal action. The police report acts as an unbiased account of what happened.

Get a Thorough Medical Examination

After an accident, it's important to get a thorough medical examination to uncover any injuries that might not be immediately apparent, such as internal injuries. This step is vital for your health and documenting your injuries, which is crucial when seeking compensation.

Document All Injuries and Medical Treatments

Save detailed records of all your injuries, medical care, and expenses. These papers are crucial for insurance claims and legal actions to ensure you are fully compensated for your losses.

Call Our Utah Bicycle Accident Lawyer For Help

If you've been in a bike accident, calling a personal injury attorney can boost your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Our Utah bicycle accident lawyers understand the laws and can help guide you.

By partnering with our skilled legal team, you'll have support in dealing with insurance companies and navigating the legal system. Our lawyers are experienced in negotiating settlements.

Understanding Your Rights as a Cyclist

As a cyclist, you have rights that protect you on the road. Understanding these rights is important to ensure you can defend them if an accident occurs. Knowing your rights also helps you navigate the aftermath of an accident more effectively.

One key right is the expectation that drivers will respect your space on the road. This includes obeying traffic laws designed to protect cyclists, such as

those governing passing distances. If these rights are violated, it can directly impact your safety and your legal claims.

Do Not Admit Fault at the Scene

Never admit fault at an accident scene. What you say can be used against you in legal proceedings or insurance claims. It's best to limit your communication and not discuss the details of the accident with other parties. Let the facts speak for themselves and allow your lawyer to handle communications.

Notifying Your Insurance Company

After a bicycle accident, it's crucial to notify your insurance company. However, knowing what to say and what not to say is important. Providing them with the basic facts without speculating about fault can help you avoid issues later in the claims process.

How to Report the Accident to Your Insurer

When reporting the accident to your insurance company, stick to the facts. Describe the accident clearly and concisely, and ensure you have all the necessary documents, like the police report and medical records.

Tips for Dealing with Insurance Adjusters

• Be Prepared. Before you speak to an insurance adjuster, ensure you understand your policy and the accident details. This preparation will help you answer questions confidently and accurately.
• Keep Records. Document every interaction you have with insurance adjusters. This includes the dates of conversations, the names of the people you speak to, and the details discussed.
• Stick to the Facts. Avoid giving more information than what is asked. Extra details can sometimes complicate your claim. Keep your responses straightforward and based on the facts of the accident.
• Don't Accept the First Offer. Insurance adjusters will start with a low settlement offer. It's important to understand that you can negotiate. Speak with your lawyer before accepting any offers.
• Seek Legal Advice. If you do not know what to do with insurance adjusters, consider getting legal advice. A lawyer can handle negotiations and ensure that your rights are protected.

How ReshLaw Accident & Injury Can Help

Our law firm knows how to help those involved in bicycle accidents. We know these crashes' impact on your life and are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. From handling legal procedures to dealing with insurance companies, we take care of it all so you can focus on your recovery.

Our experienced attorneys know Utah bicycle law and personal injury claims. We use our expertise to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible. We aim to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free for you as possible. Let us help you recover compensation for your medical bills.

Benefits of Legal Representation in Bicycle Accident Cases

• Expert Guidance. Navigating the legal system can be daunting. Our attorneys provide expert guidance throughout the process, ensuring you understand your options and the steps involved.
• Maximized Compensation. We work tirelessly to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and any other losses. Our negotiating skills and legal knowledge mean we can often secure settlements that fully address your needs.
• No Upfront Costs. Working with our firm on a contingency basis means you don't pay anything unless we win your case. This arrangement allows you to seek legal help without financial worry.
• Stress Reduction. Dealing with legal issues while recovering from an accident can be overwhelming. Having an attorney handle the legal side of things can greatly reduce your stress and let you focus on getting better.
• Protection Against Insurance Tactics. Insurance companies often employ tactics to reduce payouts. Our attorneys are familiar with these tactics and understand how to defend against them, ensuring you receive fair treatment after bicycle crashes.

Contact Our Utah Bicycle Accident Lawyer To Schedule a Free Case Consultation

If you were injured in a bicycle accident, you need a lawyer in your corner. ReshLaw Injury & Accident Lawyers would be honored to assist you. Our team is ready to listen to your story and provide the support and guidance you need. Bike accidents can be serious, so seek medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries. Then, call us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your bike crash.