Huntington Beach is a lovely city to ride in. Whether commuting to and from work on a bicycle to avoid the notoriously busy Southern California roadways or taking a leisurely ride along the coast to get some exercise in, riding a bike can be dangerous. A driver’s negligence can cause a collision that leaves a bicyclist with severe injuries. From head, neck and back injuries to broken bones, the fallout of a bicycle accident can be quite intense. Knowing what to do in the moments, weeks and months following an accident is crucial.
The excitement and commotion following a collision with a motor vehicle can leave a bicyclist confused and unsure of the next steps. You are likely to see damage to your bicycle and feel pain. Regardless of your immediate pain level or injuries, your first step should be to call the local Huntington Beach police, even if you do not feel injured right away. Filing a report and reporting damages is essential, especially since your injuries and pain will likely grow more severe over time. As you wait for the police, begin to document the accident with photos and notes if you are capable.
Once the local Huntington Beach police have arrived, be sure to speak with them directly. You do not want the only account of the event to come from the other side. You need the police to acknowledge your injuries and include them in the police report. This is also the time to gather the contact information of witnesses and the driver involved with the accident.
If possible, call your attorney immediately. Write down everything you remember about the accident, including injuries, dates and times. Your memory of the events is sharpest immediately following the accident.
Our personal injury lawyers at Duque Law Group may recommend that you seek medical attention as evidence of the damage caused. Documenting your injuries, no matter how minor you think they are, is a crucial step.
Retain as much evidence as possible. Resist the temptation to fix your bike; leave it in the same condition as it was when you left the accident. If you have any other damaged property from the accident (including a helmet or clothing), keep that available as well as our attorneys may request photos of the pieces.
By this time, you will probably have met with your lawyer and discussed the accident and which circumstances will allow you to earn the compensation that you deserve.
If you are contacted by an insurance company, direct them to your attorney to discuss the issue. Your attorney may wish to hire an independent expert to step in and analyze the situation before you communicate with insurance agents.
Personal injury lawsuits are tedious and overwhelming and require a skilled attorney. Do not try to take on the insurance company lawyers by yourself. The Huntington Beach lawyers at Duque Law Group want to get to the bottom of the case and help you receive any compensation for injuries, damage or pain and suffering that you may deserve.
Contact our Orange County Personal Injury Attorney at 1-877-241-9554 to learn more about your legal options. A free consultation is just a phone call away. You can even use our online contact form, and we’ll reply to you quickly.
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