What to do after a bicycle accident starts with ensuring you and everyone involved are safe, getting medical attention right away, collecting evidence at the scene, notifying the insurance company, and contacting a Salt Lake City bicycle accident lawyer.
Make Sure You are Safe and Call for Help
The first thing you should do after a bicycle accident is make sure you are safe. If you are able to move and it is safe to do so, try to get out of the street or away from traffic. Look around and check if anyone else is hurt. Then, call 911 and ask for emergency help.
Even if your injuries do not seem serious, it is important to report the accident. Police officers will come to the scene and write a report. This report can be very helpful later when you file an insurance claim or a legal case.
Do not leave the scene of the accident before help arrives, unless you need emergency medical care right away. Leaving too soon can make it harder to prove what happened.
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Get Medical Attention Right Away After a Bicycle Accident
You may feel shocked or confused and not know what to do after a bicycle accident. Sometimes, you may not immediately notice your injuries. Adrenaline can hide pain. That is why it is very important to see a doctor after the accident.
A medical professional will check for broken bones, head injuries, and other issues. Even if you only have cuts and bruises, getting medical care will help you recover faster. It will also provide a medical record that shows your injuries came from the accident.
Without this record, insurance companies may say you were not really hurt or try to offer you less money. Your health is the most important thing, so never skip this step.
Gather Information at the Scene
If you are able to do so, try to collect information before you leave the scene. This includes:
- The name, phone number, and address of the driver or person who caused the accident
- Their insurance company and policy number
- The license plate number and a description of the vehicle
- Contact information for any witnesses
- Photos of the accident scene, your bicycle, any injuries, and the vehicles involved
Take pictures from different angles. Try to include street signs, traffic signals, and any nearby buildings. These photos can be strong evidence later when you are trying to prove what happened.
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Notify Your Insurance Company
Even if you were riding a bicycle and not driving a car, you may still have coverage through your own insurance policy. For example, your auto or health insurance may help pay for medical bills or other expenses.
Call your insurance company soon after the accident and let them know what happened. Give them basic information, but do not give a recorded statement without first talking to a Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer.
Insurance companies sometimes use your words against you to reduce what they have to pay.
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Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accidents often lead to serious injuries. You may face high medical bills, time away from work, and pain that changes your life. Speaking to a lawyer should be top of mind after a bicycle accident, as they can help you get compensation to cover those losses.
- Investigate the accident
- Collect evidence, including the police report and witness statements
- Work with your doctors to understand your injuries
- Deal with the insurance company on your behalf
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Fight for a fair settlement or take your case to court if needed
If someone tragically doesn’t make it, a Salt Lake City wrongful death lawyer can help you fight for a fair settlement to honor your loved one.
You Do Not Have to Accept a Quick Settlement
After your accident, the insurance company may offer you money right away. This can seem like a good thing, especially if you are worried about bills. However, quick offers can be much lower than what you deserve.
If you accept a settlement too soon, you may lose the right to ask for more money later. This can leave you paying for future medical care and other losses on your own.
A lawyer will help you understand the true value of your claim. This includes not only current medical costs, but also future treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering. You deserve to be fully compensated for everything you have lost.
Keep Records of Your Bicycle Accident and Follow Up with Your Doctor
While your case is in progress, keep track of everything. Save all receipts, medical records, and letters from the insurance company. Write down how your injuries affect your daily life. This includes pain, trouble sleeping, missed activities, and emotional struggles.
This information can help your lawyer show how the accident has affected you. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
One of the most important things to do after a bicycle accident is to follow your doctor’s advice. Go to all your appointments and do not skip treatments. If you stop medical care too soon, the insurance company may claim you were not really hurt.
Focus on Healing While Our Bicycle Accident Lawyer Handles the Rest
Your recovery should be your first priority after a bicycle accident. That is why having an experienced lawyer can make a big difference. While you focus on healing, we will take care of the legal work.
You only have four years to file a claim, according to Utah Code Section 78B-2-307. The sooner you contact our team, the sooner we can start protecting your rights. Time matters, and so does having someone on your side who knows how to fight for justice.
Call Siegfried & Jensen for Your Bicycle Accident Claim Today
If you were hurt in a bicycle accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. At Siegfried & Jensen, we are here to help. Our team will treat you with care and respect while working hard to get you the compensation you need.
We offer free consultations, and you do not pay unless we win your case. Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders. Contact us today to learn how we can help you move forward after your bicycle accident.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form