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Few activities are as unequivocally pleasant as a bike ride. The sun is beaming down on you and the wind is at your back as you enjoy another perfect day in San Diego, without a care in the world. However, that quiet bubble of bliss can be quickly burst if you get in a bike accident with a car. While a bicycle accident can be a chilling and frightening moment, it is important to keep your composure and remember these tips on what to do after a bike accident.
1. You and Your Bike Need to Get Off the Road
Right after the accident make sure to get off the road, and, if possible, get your bike off the street as well. Loitering in the middle of the street is just asking for further damage to you and your bike.
2. Get the Contact Information of the Driver
Make sure to get as much contact information from the driver, including their phone number, license plate, address, insurance information, email, and any other information of note. It is better to be safe and sorry, so make sure you have a way to get in touch with the driver.
3. Talk to Any Witnesses That Saw the Bike Accident
If anyone happened to see the accident, make sure to get their account of what occurred. Collect the contact information of anyone who witnessed the account, as you may need to get their testimony for insurance purposes.
4. Take Pictures of the Scene of the Bike Accident
After the accident, if possible try not to move anything. It is important to try to preserve the accident scene and take pictures of the car, the bike, any injuries, and any other important details. These pictures can be useful in the future.
5. Don’t Admit Any Fault
Even if you think you may be somewhat at fault, do not admit fault to the other driver. Admitting some kind of fault could hurt your ability to get compensation for damages, so leave it up to a lawyer to decide what you should say.
6. Contact the Authorities
Even if it doesn’t feel necessary, you should contact a police officer after an accident. The authorities are trained to observe a crime or accident scene and record a complete report on what happened. A police report holds much greater weight in court than that of civilians, so make sure you tell the officer everything you can about the cause of the accident and what occurred.
7. Preserve Your Damaged Bike
While it can be tempting to want to restore your bicycle to its previous glory, keep your bike in its damaged state after the accident. Not only that, keep any part of the bike that fell off during the accident and do not clean the clothes you wore during the accident until it has been completely resolved.
8. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you were not at fault for the bike accident and the driver of the car put your life in danger, contact a personal injury attorney. A personal injury lawyer can help you get cash compensation for any damages, including bike repairs, physical therapy, and any medical attention.
Bike Accident Attorney in San Diego at The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter
The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter in San Diego specializes in personal injury settlements following a bicycle accident, helping you get the compensation you deserve. If you have been in a bike crash and were not at fault, contact us today. We will fight for you to get the justice you deserve! Give us a call.
