If you were involved in an accident as a bicyclist, whether you were struck by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle or were injured in some other manner, you may not know what to do next. Sammons Injury Law is here to answer any questions you may have and take the unnecessary stress of an injury claim off of you so you can focus on recovery. Here’s what to do after a bicycle accident, and some answers to common questions you may have after a bicycle accident:
After A Bicycle Accident
- Call the police: Just like a motor vehicle accident, make sure you obtain a police report and exchange information related to the accident. This ensures that the crash is documented as having happened and that you get the contact and insurance information for any and all other parties involved.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Bicycle accidents frequently result in serious and life-threatening injuries, so don’t wait to seek medical attention. Further, make sure you report EVERY AREA of your body which you believe is or may be injured as a result of the bicycle accident. This ensures that your injuries are documented immediately and there is no question as to which areas you felt pain in following the accident.
- Document the scene and your injuries: If you are able, take pictures of the scene, the motor vehicle that struck you, your bicycle, as well as any damage to accessories (e.g. helmet, sunglasses). Don’t forget to photograph the motor vehicle, even if the damage to it is minimal.
- Collect Witness Information: Understand that once an independent witness leaves the scene of an accident, you may never be able to reach them again. You will want to immediately secure the contact information from all witnesses to the accident, including their phone number(s) and mailing address(es).
- Call Sammons Injury Law as soon as possible, even at the scene of the accident, so we can walk you through the steps you should take to secure your legal rights against the at-fault party(ies). Do not discuss the accident with anyone, especially the insurance companies, prior to contacting Sammons Injury Law and seeking the advice of attorney Trevor Sammons.
How does insurance work in a bicycle accident?
If you are not a motor vehicle owner, but own a bicycle, you might not carry any auto insurance. That’s okay. Sammons Injury Law can assist in investigating any/all applicable insurance policies that may provide coverage for your injuries. If you do have automobile insurance, your policy may provide coverage that can help pay any or potentially all of your medical bills related to the accident. If the other party was at fault, you may be able to pursue their motor vehicle insurance, including coverage such as bodily injury liability.
Who is at fault in a bicycle accident?
The laws in Florida typically favor a pedestrian when it comes to auto accidents. Drivers of motor vehicles have a duty to use caution and drive as a reasonably responsible person should when driving on Florida roads. This means that motor vehicles almost always have a duty to yield to pedestrians, such as those on a bicycle. There can be numerous factors which can affect the determination of liability in a bicycle accident, and it is important that you contact Sammons Injury Law immediately so we can start working for you. Don’t wait, call us now at (813) 565-1000 to discuss your specific case.