Can We Help You With Your Bicycle-Related Personal Injury Claim?
Nothing feels quite as amazing as taking your bicycle out for a ride on a nice South Carolina Summer day. Whether you are biking to save some money or because you want to live a greener life, you look forward to the fresh air and freedom.
But what should you do when disaster strikes? Even if you are wearing a helmet while biking, getting hit by a passenger vehicle still has the potential not only to injure, but to kill. Even a “minor” impact can result in injuries that take months to recover from. What makes things even worse is when the person who hit you refuses to do the right thing and take responsibility for the hardships you face because of their negligence.
The personal injury attorneys at Hall Trial Lawyers, PLLC, are here to explain what you should do after your accident and give you your legal options. Our goal is to get you and your bike back in the South Carolina sunshine.
What Should You Do After You Are Hit By A Car While On Your Bike?
We understand if you are feeling anxious and afraid after an accident involving a motor vehicle. However, what you do immediately after your accident, as well as the days following, will directly affect the outcome of your personal injury claim.
Assess Your Injuries and Ensure Your Safety
It’s easy for us to tell you to remain calm after such a traumatic event, but your personal injury case begins at the moment of impact, not when you hire a lawyer. Keeping a cool head will help your case in many ways.
Before moving too much, check yourself for injuries. Does your neck, back, or head hurt? If the answer is yes, minimize your movements and avoid taking your helmet off if you are wearing one.
If you feel your injuries are minimal, relocate to a safe place away from the flow of traffic.
Regardless of your injuries, even if you believe they are not severe, immediately call 911 and explain the situation. Request a police officer, and if you think you are badly injured, medical help.
Get the Driver’s Information
Do not confront, argue, or yell at the driver who hit you, even if you are positive they hit you because they were distracted by their phone. Ask the driver for their information, such as:
- Their full name
- Their driver’s license
- Their insurance information
- Contact information
Do not confront them if they refuse to give you this information. Instead, inform the police when they arrive.
Collect Evidence
If you are able to use your phone, use the camera to start taking photos while you wait for the police to arrive. Take pictures of:
The driver’s vehicle
The vehicle’s license plate
Damage to their car from the accident
Your injuries
Damages to your bicycle
Next, take photos of the scene of the accident, including:
- The location of the accident
- Traffic signs and traffic lights
- Broken glass and debris from your bike or the car
- Damage to your helmet if you were wearing one
You should also take photos of your outfit, especially if you were wearing high-visibility clothing at the time of the accident.
People who witnessed your accident will likely be willing to give a witness statement, which is an incredibly valuable legal resource that offers an unbiased retelling of your accident.
Speak With the Police
When the police officer arrives, give them the information they ask for. Tell them how the accident happened, but avoid taking the blame for any part of the accident. If you believe the other driver was distracted when they hit you, tell the officer and explain why you think they were distracted.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention and Follow Your Treatment Plan
This is one of the most important steps you can take. Even if you don’t think you suffered any severe injuries, go to the emergency room and get a medical evaluation. Many injuries, especially brain injuries, can go unnoticed, leading to serious issues in the future.
Save all documentation, including your treatment plan. Follow your doctor’s orders, as failing to do so can strengthen the driver’s defense.
Avoid Speaking With Their Insurance Company
You may believe that speaking with their insurance company as soon as possible is the key to a swift settlement. More likely, you will be manipulated into giving a statement that damages your claim or accepting a settlement that will barely even cover your medical bills and the damage to your bike.
Instead, you should speak with a personal injury attorney who has experience in distracted driver bike accidents. Call 877-564-0605 to schedule a free consultation with Hall Trial Lawyers, PLLC.
Why Should You Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a personal injury attorney as soon as possible is no longer having to deal directly with the insurance companies. When they get pushy or you believe they are trying to manipulate you, you can tell them to speak to your attorney.
Our firm understands the long-term impact of car and bicycle accidents. We know that your compensation should include not only your current expenses, but also your future lost income and medical treatments. Our goal is to help you get your life back to normal and lift the financial burden that comes with recovering from your injuries.
Call 877-564-0605 to speak with a personal injury lawyer today.
