A bicycle accident can change your life in an instant. One moment you’re commuting, exercising, or enjoying a ride, and in an instant, you’re facing serious injuries, property damage, and unanswered questions.
After a crash, chaos can make you feel lost or rushed into choices that aren’t in your best interest. This blog aims to outline a clear path for cyclists to take after an accident.
Documenting the scene and seeking medical care, understanding your rights under Missouri law, and working with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer in Kansas City are all important steps that a victim can take to help ensure their best interests and rights are protected.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents can have devastating consequences for riders, and have been on the rise in recent years. Cyclists lack protection, often suffering severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain in accidents compared to vehicle occupants.
This is not legal or medical advice, but a summary of information on how cyclists should respond after an accident. It is important to remain as calm as possible and follow these steps, if you are able:
- Ensure safety first: If it is possible to do so, immediately move to a safe location without putting yourself at further risk.
- Call 911: Once in a safe and secure location, call 911 to report the incident. Ask for the police and emergency medical assistance. Ensure there is an official police report, as it will be an objective record of the accident. This can prove critical in establishing liability.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, still get checked by a medical professional at the hospital. Some injuries, like brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, and internal bleeding, are not immediately obvious but have devastating consequences if not treated promptly.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If it is possible and safe to do so, collect evidence at the scene of the accident immediately. If the victim can’t gather evidence, a trusted person like a family member or close friend can help collect it.
Evidence can have a great influence on the outcome of cases filed after a cycling injury. Try to take a record of the scene in a few ways:
- Take photos: Use a smartphone to take pictures and videos of the scene of the accident. Include your bike, other vehicle(s) involved, and any visible injuries.
- Gather information: Collect the contact information (name, phone number, insurance info) of the driver(s) involved. Also, collect the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident take place.
- Take note of conditions: Write down or photograph the road conditions, any traffic signs, and weather at the scene of the accident in a place where you can refer back to them. This can be on your phone or a piece of paper you store safely somewhere.
It’s important to never admit fault at the scene, always stick to bare facts, and avoid stating anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault when talking to anyone involved in the accident (besides the attorney handling your case).
Understanding Your Legal Rights as a Cyclist
Taking legal action after a cycling accident can be daunting, but knowing your rights and steps for compensation is crucial.
Bicycling accidents often result in a personal injury case, and these cases are complex and require experience to navigate properly. Consulting a bicycle accident attorney ensures proper legal support when your health, rights, and future well-being are at risk.
Dedicated legal counsel can help to:
- Determine the full scope of financial losses (current and future), as well as potential non-economic damages
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- File a personal injury lawsuit
Contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Missouri and Kansas both have deadlines for filing injury claims that must be met.
Regain Control After Your Bicycle Accident With Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader
The moments after a bicycle accident can feel overwhelming, but taking the right steps early on can protect a victim’s health, rights, and future. Documenting any injuries and the scene, and taking timely legal action, can make all the difference in a cyclist’s ability to move forward.
At Bartimus Frickleton Robertson Rader, we understand the complexities of these cases and the real impact they have on people’s lives.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bike crash, speaking with a knowledgeable bicycle accident lawyer in Kansas City can provide the clarity and support you need to navigate this difficult time.
Contact one of our lawyers today by using our virtual case tool or by calling our office at (913) 266-2300 to speak with one of our team members.
The above is not intended to be legal advice. Each individual case is different and must be analyzed on its own set of facts and circumstances. If you believe you may have a case, it is critically important that you timely contact a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected
