Riverside County Bicycle Accident Lawyer

People in Riverside County choose to ride bicycles for a variety of reasons. Some choose this form of transportation to commute to work to avoid the busy roads of Southern California. Others enjoy taking a leisurely ride for exercise. But we all know that riding a bicycle can be dangerous. In mere seconds, a driver’s distraction can cause a collision leaving you with severe injuries. From head, neck and back injuries to broken bones, the aftermath of a bicycle accident can be quite painful and intense. Knowing what to do in the moments, weeks and months following an accident is vitally important.

Minutes After the Accident

The turmoil and confusion following a collision with a automobile can leave a bicyclist anxious, overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps. You are likely to see obvious damage to your bicycle and you may feel pain (though oftentimes, pain comes days later). Regardless of your immediate assessment of your injuries or pain level, your first step should be to call the local police, even if you do not feel pain or think you are injured right away. Filing a report and reporting damages is essential, especially because your injuries and pain may grow more intense over time. As you wait for the police, begin to document the accident with photos and notes if you are capable.

Once the Riverside County police have arrived, be sure to speak with them directly. You want your account of the event written down in the police report and 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 all potential witnesses and the driver involved with the accident.

Days After the Accident

You will need to call your lawyer as soon as possible, but do not wait too long. You will want to write down any physical injuries along with dates and times. Keep in mind that your memory of the events will be sharpest immediately following the accident.

The personal injury attorneys at Duque Law Group may recommend that you seek medical attention as evidence of the injuries caused by the collision. Documenting all damages, no matter how small you think they are, is an important step.

Preserve as much evidence as you can. Leave your bicycle and any other damaged property (ie clothing or helmet) in the same condition as it was when you left the accident. Keep the evidence available in case your attorneys request photos of the pieces.

Weeks After the Accident

You will likely have met with your attorney by this time 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.

Talking to a Lawyer about Your Case

Personal injury cases are difficult and require a skilled attorney. Do not try to take on the insurance company lawyers by yourself. The Riverside County Attorneys 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.

Be sure to bring all evidence to your consultation, including photographs of the damages to your person and property, as well as any medical documentation if you have that.