As we all know, riding a bicycle is a great way to stay healthy, save money and reduce carbon footprint. However, accidents can still happen, especially in cities where cars and bicycles share the road. That is why it is important to know what to do in case of a bicycle accident. In this article, we will be discussing the steps you need to take after a bicycle accident in Pennsylvania.
Step 1: Check for injuries and call for help
The first thing you need to do after a bicycle accident is to check yourself and other people involved in the accident for injuries. If there are any serious injuries, call 911 immediately. Even if you think the injuries are not serious, it is still a good idea to call for help. The police can help redirect traffic around the accident scene and collect evidence for your insurance claim.
While waiting for the police and/or ambulance to arrive, try to stay calm and keep your distance from traffic. If your bicycle is obstructing traffic, move it to the side of the road if you can do so safely.
If you have a camera phone or a pocket camera, take pictures of the accident scene, including the position of the vehicles or objects involved, any road signs or signals, any visible injuries, and any property damage. These pictures can help you build a stronger case for insurance or legal claim later, especially if you can get a license plate number of the vehicle involved.
If the other party in the accident stops to talk to you, be polite but don’t apologize or admit fault. Stick to facts and avoid speculation or making any deals or accusations. Give your contact and insurance information only when asked, and don’t tempt to blame the other party or offer to pay for their damage or medical bills. That is what the insurance is for.
If the other party flees the scene, try to remember or write down the make, model and/or color of the vehicle involved, as well as the direction it went if possible. This information can help the police locate the vehicle and the driver later on.
Step 2: Get medical attention
Even if you don’t feel any immediate pain or discomfort, it is still a good idea to get a medical evaluation after a bicycle accident. Some injuries, such as head trauma or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
If the ambulance does not take you to the hospital, make an appointment with your doctor or an urgent care clinic as soon as possible. Tell the healthcare provider that you were in a bicycle accident and describe any symptoms you feel, even if they seem mild.
The medical record you obtain can help you later with your insurance or legal claim, and can also help protect your health and well-being. Follow your doctor’s instructions for medication, rest, therapy, or other treatment as recommended.
Step 3: Call your insurance company
Regardless of who was at fault for the accident, you need to report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance policy may cover some or all of the damages or medical expenses resulting from the accident, and may also reimburse you for lost wages or other damages.
When talking to your insurance company, be honest and detailed about what happened, but do not accept any settlements or offers without first consulting a bicycle accident lawyer. Insurance companies may try to lowball or deny your claim, especially if they think you don’t have a strong case. A lawyer can help you negotiate with your insurance and/or the other party’s insurance company, and can also help you file a lawsuit if necessary.
Step 4: Gather evidence and witness testimonies
To prove your case for compensation later, you will need to collect as much evidence as possible about the accident. This includes not only photos and medical records, but also witness statements, police reports, and other supporting documents.
If there were witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information and jot down what they saw or heard. Witnesses can provide valuable testimony about who was at fault or how the accident happened, and their statements can be used as evidence in court.
You may also want to hire a bicycle accident lawyer to investigate the accident, interview witnesses, and subpoena records or videos that may support your case. A lawyer can also help you determine what damages you are eligible for, such as medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, or property damage.
Step 5: Follow up with your treatment and case
Getting into a bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience, and it may take weeks or months to fully recover physically and emotionally. During this time, it is important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider, document your treatment and expenses, and keep copies of any correspondence with your insurance or legal representatives.
If you have hired a bicycle accident lawyer, keep in touch with him or her periodically to discuss the progress of your case and any new developments or challenges. Your lawyer can advise you on what to do if the insurance company or the other party’s lawyer contacts you, or if you need to file a lawsuit.
FAQs
Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the accident?
A: Yes, Pennsylvania is a comparative negligence state, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, so it is important to have a strong case that proves the other party’s negligence.
Q: What damages can I claim after a bicycle accident?
A: You may be eligible for several types of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. A bicycle accident lawyer can help you determine what damages are applicable in your case and how much you can claim.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a bicycle accident?
A: In Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible so they can start building your case and gathering evidence.
Conclusion
Getting into a bicycle accident can be a frightening and challenging experience, but with the right knowledge and support, you can recover and seek compensation for your damages. Remember to take safety precautions when riding your bike, follow the steps outlined above if you’re ever in an accident, and consider hiring a bicycle accident lawyer who can help guide you through the legal process.
