Bicycle and motorcycle accidents are incredibly serious and have a higher likelihood of becoming fatal as riders are more exposed to potential dangers. It has been reported that bicycle accidents make up 2% of traffic-related deaths while motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a vehicle accident. With these staggering statistics, it is important for all vehicle drivers and conductors to practice safe driving habits to avoid all possible accidents. However, if an accident does occur, it is important to act quickly and take all the right steps.
What to do After The Accident
After an accident occurs, it can be difficult to assess what to do next, especially in the midst of everything going on at the time. If you have been involved in a bicycle or motorcycle accident, it is important that you do the following:
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Stay on the scene
Immediately after the accident it is important for all parties involved to remain on the scene and make sure everyone is alright. If possible, try to move the vehicles and motorcycles off of the road so that the accident impacts traffic less.
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Call 911
If you notice that someone has been seriously injured, call 911 as soon as possible and report the accident and injury. Even if there are no apparent injuries, emergency services can arrive and check everyone over and assist in removing the vehicles and debris from the road.
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Collect the other driver’s information
While you are waiting for emergency services to arrive, it is a good idea to speak to the other parties involved and take pictures of their vehicle registration, license plate number, license number, and any insurance information they have.
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Document the accident
Take photos and videos of the accident site as well as any damages to your vehicle for your insurance company. It is also important to document your injuries if you have sustained any.
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Request a copy of the police accident report
Once the police arrive on the scene they will begin an accident report and collect information from all of the parties involved. If possible, ask the officers at the scene for a copy of the accident report for your records.
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Collect eye-witnesses
If anyone witnessed your accident and stayed on the scene to help, you may want to collect their eye-witness statements, names, and contact information especially if you are planning on filing a claim.
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Contact an attorney
If you are planning on moving forward with a formal claim, it is important to primarily speak to an experienced accident or personal injury attorney. They will be able to help you maneuver the situation and teach you the proper way to speak to your insurance provider so that your claim can progress in court.
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Contact your insurance provider
After speaking with an attorney about your accident and your claim, you should then report the accident to your insurance provider. With the help of your attorney, you will be better able to navigate the conversation with your insurance provider in a way that is both beneficial to you and your claim.
Vehicle accidents can quickly become devastating for all parties involved. If at all possible, make sure you and anyone else involved gets the help they need after the accident to avoid any adverse outcomes.
Contacting an Attorney
If you are considering filing a claim, contacting an attorney may be in your best interest. An attorney with a specialization in vehicle accidents or personal injury accidents will understand the specifics of your case and understand how to proceed in a way that offers you the best compensation. Some ways an attorney can help your case are:
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They can help prove liability
When trying to determine liability, your attorney will likely ask for any evidence or documentation that you have pertaining to the accident. This evidence in their hands can be very beneficial and allow them to better argue on your behalf. Additionally, they may choose to speak to the officers on the scene as well as any witnesses to the accident.
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They can help prove damages
A good attorney can help you obtain medical records from your healthcare provider. Oftentimes, this is quite difficult and requires constant follow-ups. After obtaining your medical reports after the accident, they may speak to your doctor or another medical professional in a similar field to explain the injury and the damages that it caused. Their goal is to prove that the injury was caused and that it was caused due to the defendant’s negligence.
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They can negotiate on your behalf
An attorney that is experienced with cases like yours is ideal. They understand way more than the average person and understand how to conduct notifications in order to provide their client with the best possible outcome. They also know what cases like yours are worth and will not allow you to settle for less than you deserve.
After hiring your attorney, they should begin an investigation into the accident and collect their own evidence. Of course, you will also need to provide them with adequate documentation in order for them to best serve you. Some examples of documentation that they may require from you include:
- Medical reports
- Police accident report
- Work absence records
- Pictures and videos of the scene of the accident
- Pictures and videos of your injuries
The more evidence and documentation that you are able to provide, the better off your case will be. For more specific information pertaining to the documents that you will need, speak to your attorney and work together to access them before your case ends up in court.
Contact Us
If you are a bicyclist or a motorcyclist who has been involved in an accident and would like help filing a claim, contact Dash Injury Law Firm. Our team of experienced attorneys will provide you with the help and support you need during this trying time. You can call us at 888-327-4529 or contact us directly on our website here for a free consultation. We look forward to seeing how we can serve you.