Riding a bike is a fun experience that also provides plenty of exercise. Unfortunately, riding a bike can also be dangerous. When a vehicle hits a bike rider, the rider can become seriously injured. In some instances, the injuries can be so severe death occurs. Bike accident victims need to be aware of the rights they hold as injured victims so they can take action and seek fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
What Should a Cyclist Do When Hit By a Car?
When a cyclist is hit by a car, devastating injuries frequently result. It is essential that injured cyclists take the right action so they can seek fair compensation. The following steps need to be carried out by the injured cyclist right away. Following these steps will help you when you have an accident on your bike.
Call 911
One of the first things a person needs to do is to seek emergency services. Calling 911 is essential for helping to ensure injured cyclists get the medical care they need. When the victim calls 911, the police will also respond to the scene of the accident, and a police report can be filed right away.
Get Contact Information
Injured cyclists need to get the contact information of any witnesses. The witnesses will be very important when it comes time for the injured cyclist to pursue their case in court.
Continue With Medical Care
Getting the right medical care is essential for the recovery process. Often, injured cyclists face serious injuries that take time to heal. Injured cyclists need to make sure they continue with their medical care until they are completely healed. Missing appointments or delaying care will only lead to problems when seeking compensation.
Get a Copy of the Accident Report
When someone is injured in a bicycle accident, they need to seek a copy of the accident report as soon as it becomes available. This report will be used to help establish liability in the bicycle accident case.
Schedule a Consultation Meeting
Injured cyclists also need to make sure they schedule a consultation meeting with a lawyer right away. A meeting with a lawyer will allow injured cyclists to learn about their rights and best interests as they pursue compensation.
When a lawyer is hired, they will first begin investigating the claim. The attorney will gather as much evidence as possible. Evidence is critical in any personal injury scenario because the full burden of proof lies with the injured plaintiff.
Next, the lawyer will begin communicating with the insurance company and the at-fault driver with a goal being to ensure a fair settlement is offered. The negotiation process can sometimes be lengthy. Individuals will need to be patient as they go through the process.
If the negotiation process falls through, the lawyer will begin the pursuit of a lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit is an vital step for helping an injured victim get the compensation they are owed.
Injured Cyclists Should Not Fight Alone
When someone is injured, they have the right to pursue a lawsuit without legal assistance, but doing so is not recommended in most cases. Without a strong understanding of the law, an injured cyclist could end up with an inadequate outcome.
Because the statute of limitations quickly ticks by, an injured cyclist needs to take action right away. A lawyer will help an injured cyclist through the entire process.