Whether commuting to and from work on a bicycle to avoid the overcrowded Southern California roadways or taking a relaxing ride for leisure or exercise, riding a bike can be dangerous. In the matter of seconds, a driver’s negligence can cause a collision that leaves the bicyclist with severe injuries. From head, neck and back injuries to broken bones, the consequences resulting from a bicycle accident can be life-altering. Knowing what to do in the moments, weeks and months following an accident is crucial.
A crash between a motor vehicle and a bicyclist is terrifying and chaotic, leaving the bicyclist stunned and unsure of the next steps. You will most assuredly see damage to your bicycle and feel pain. Your first step should be to call the local La Puente police, regardless of your pain level or immediate assessment of your injuries. Filing a report, including all damages, is essential, especially since your injuries and pain may grow more serious over time. As you wait for the police, begin to document the accident with photos and notes if you are capable.
Once the local police have arrived, you will want to speak with them directly if possible to ensure that your side of the story is included in the police report. This is also the time to gather the contact information of witnesses and the driver involved with the accident.
Write down any physical symptoms on paper along with times and dates, then call a lawyer. Your memory of the events is most reliable immediately following the accident. The personal injury attorneys at Duque Law Group may recommend that you seek medical attention as evidence of the damage caused. Documenting your injuries, no matter how small you think they are, is a crucial step.
save as much physical evidence as possible. Do not 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 clothing or a helmet), keep that available as well; your lawyer may request photos of the pieces.
By this time, you will likely have met with your attorney and discussed the details of the accident. You have probably already discovered the circumstances that will allow you to earn the compensation that you deserve.
If an insurance company contacts you, direct them to your lawyer 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 cases are daunting and require a skilled attorney. Do not try to take on the insurance company lawyers by yourself. The La Puente 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 Los Angeles County Personal Injury Attorneys 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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