Steps to Take Immediately After a Bicycle Accident
Even the most safety-conscious bicyclists are at risk of getting into an accident. Other motorists far outnumber bicyclists on Tampa roadways. All bike riders should know what steps to take after an accident, whether they or a companion are the victim. Taking the proper steps at this critical point can make a difference in your physical and legal outcomes. Here’s what the Tampa personal injury lawyers at Matthews Injury Law recommend you do after a bicycle accident.
Table of Contents
Get out of Harm’s Way
The first thing you should do is get yourself in a position to avoid any further injuries. Make sure you are in a safe place and check for injuries.
Stay at the Scene until the Police Arrive
Call the police and an ambulance if you are injured. Motorists are legally required to stay at the scene if there are injuries or property damage. If you leave the scene without making a police report, you might not be able to track down the motorist later if you need to hold them liable for your injuries. And even if you have the motorist’s information, stories change and evidence is often lost once everyone leaves the scene.
Don’t Negotiate
Other motorists may attempt to negotiate with you or any other victims. They might accept blame and apologize, but now isn’t the time for negotiations. You have no idea as to the full extent of your injuries or property damage at this time. You also risk the driver changing their mind and later denying that the accident occurred or that they were involved.
Obtain Driver and Witness Information
Exchange information with the driver, to include their:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Make and model of their car
- Insurance company and policy number
If there were witnesses to the accident, obtain their names and contact information if possible. Your bike accident attorney from New York can contact them at a later stage to get their statement about the accident.
Document Your Account of What Happened
As soon as possible, write everything down about the accident. You could even type it into the notes app of your cell phone at the scene. Try to recall every detail you can about the accident, such as when, where, and how it happened. Include any information on the road, traffic, and weather conditions. Maps and diagrams demonstrating the position and direction of everyone involved can also be helpful. Be sure to include street names, signs, and traffic lights. Suppose you or another bicyclist with you has a cell phone with a camera. In that case, you can use it to document the scene, your injuries, the condition of the vehicle(s) involved in the accident.
Seek Medical Attention
If you are injured, be sure to seek medical attention. It’s critical to get treatment for, and document, your injuries as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel like you are injured, it’s still a good idea to be checked by a doctor after a bicycle accident to ensure there isn’t more going on than you realize.
Contact a Tampa Personal Injury Lawyer
Finally, you will want to contact an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. They can review the circumstances of your accident and determine if you have a valid injury claim.
Were You Injured in a Bike Accident? Reach Out to a Knowledgeable Tampa Personal Injury Attorney Today
At Matthews Injury Law, our knowledgeable Tampa personal injury lawyers are here to help bicycle accident injury victims. Call 813-530-1000 or contact us online to schedule your no-obligation consultation and learn more about how we can help.
