Bike accidents are occurring with a lot more frequency. There are a lot more cyclists on the road, and there are also a lot more distracted drivers. People are talking on their cell phones, texting, eating, and even putting makeup on while driving now. Cyclists are entitled to the same protections and rules of the road as drivers of the car. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident, you probably have questions. Here are a few things you should do:
- Stay calm, move out of the roadway, and if you are injured ask for help moving. Call 911 immediately so you can get an idea of how injured you are, because adrenaline can keep you from realizing more serious injuries until later.
- Make sure that you call the police, as well as obtain a copy of the police report.
- Collect evidence (recordings and photos) of everything, just like you would if you were in a car accident. This includes both parties’ driver’s licenses, damage done to the vehicle, you and your bike, and insurance paperwork as well as addresses. Remember to take pictures of where your bike and the vehicle are located as well.
- Talk with your auto insurance company. Your medical payments may apply to your current injuries.
- Contact your health insurance company as well and let them know you have been in an accident.
- Talk with any witnesses that may have seen your accident occur and have them write down a testimonial, sign it, and date it.
- Write down what happened by your own account as well, because the details will be fresh. Explain where you were, what you remember last, what you saw, and what you felt at the time of the incident. Sign and date your paper as well.
- Lastly, KEEP YOUR BICYCLE! It may provide critical evidence down the road if you go to court.
If you were partially at fault (riding on the wrong side of the road, not riding in the bicycle lane), a jury will be most likely assigned to your claim and use the comparative fault system (where negligence is determined by percentage of fault).
Contact an Attorney
If you are riding a bike and do not own your own vehicle or live with anyone who owns a vehicle, the first order of priority would be to seek reimbursement of medical expenses from the insurance company of the negligent driver. The insurance company can pay for medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering compensation if their client is found guilty. Please do not hesitate to contact a bike accident lawyer Des Moines IA residents trust to assess your claim today. He or she will do their very best to ensure that you get the justice and fair compensation you rightfully deserve. Often times, the initial consultation will be free, and lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not have to pay them unless you win your claim.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Des Moines Injury Law for their insight into bicycle accidents.
