Safety is priority number one for bike riders. But there are times when no amount of precautions prove sufficient at protecting a rider from an accident. When a biking accident includes a motorist, the correct steps are necessary for the aftermath of the incident to protect your rights.
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Call the Police
Accident participants must await the arrival of the police when an accident causes injuries or damage to property. Do not leave the scene without talking to the police, even if you feel you have not sustained an injury. There is no better evidence to show an insurance company or judge than an accident report from a police officer.
A police report will also include the contact information for you and the other driver. You may not be able to locate the other person involved in the accident if you become conscious of an injury at a later date.
Trade Information
You should make sure you have all the information you need to get in touch with the motorist when necessary. Helpful contact information includes name, address, and telephone number. Other information that may prove useful is the driver’s license number of the motorist and the license plate number of the car the motorist was driving at the time of the accident. You should make sure the driver involved in the accident leaves with the same information for you as you seek from them.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel your injuries are nothing to worry about, you should allow a medical professional to take a look at you. The adrenaline rush of a biking accident often masks the symptoms of an injury. Some injuries can grow significantly worse when they do not receive the proper attention from medical personnel. It will also help you during the claims process to possess photos, medical reports, and other evidence of your injuries.
Keep Evidence
The clothes you are wearing at the time of an accident with a motor vehicle may be in bad shape following the incident. Do not wash or throw these clothes away. They are evidence that may be needed to secure your claim. The same holds for your bike. If possible, do not have repairs done to your bike before a settlement. If it is necessary to have your bike repaired, make sure you have photo evidence of the damage along with estimates and receipts from a repair shop.
Secure Counsel
The insurance company for the motorists involved in the accident may seek to settle with you early in the claims process. You will help your cause if you allow all the facts to surface before considering a settlement offer. It is even better if you refrain from joining settlement negotiations on your own.
You are much more likely to enjoy a favorable outcome for your accident claim if you speak with a personal injury attorney. An attorney will possess the experience to deal with the courts and know what to expect from the negotiation process with an insurance company. An attorney will conduct a full investigation of the accident, negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf, and represent you at a trial before the court if it becomes necessary.
The Bottom Line
No bike rider takes to the road with thoughts of becoming involved in an accident with a motor vehicle in their minds. But in the event this unfortunate event occurs, knowing the steps to take after the accident will present them with several benefits. These benefits include the ability to better protect themselves from more damage resulting from the accident and support for their efforts to seek compensation.
