Posted in Wisconsin Workers Compensation Related News
Collisions involving bicycles and automobiles are distressingly common and can be very scary. A motor vehicle has the potential to do a lot more damage to you and your bike than vice versa. You can be injured without experiencing symptoms right away. It can be difficult to think straight in the immediate aftermath, but here are some of the most important things you need to do.
1. Get off the Road
The most important thing to do is to get yourself out of the path of traffic. You do not want to risk another collision. Pull your bike off the road with you if possible, but the most important thing is to get yourself to safety.
2. Call 911
If you are obviously injured, you can call 911 to ask for an ambulance and get medical attention. Even if not obviously injured, calling 911 can summon police to the scene and allow you to obtain an accident report, which can be helpful in future dealings with the driver’s insurance company.
3. Gather Information
It will probably take emergency services a while to arrive at the accident scene. If you are not too hurt, you can use the intervening time to start gathering information about the accident. Exchange information with the driver or at least get the license plate number. Take pictures of the scene. If possible, talk to witnesses and get their contact information. The more evidence you can gather right after the accident, the more it may help your case later.
4. Make Your Health a Priority
Even if you do not require a trip to the emergency room, see a doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible after the accident. It may take time for symptoms of severe injury to develop, and you may not feel pain at first because of the adrenaline from the accident. Don’t assume you’re fine just because you feel okay after the accident. Having a doctor check you out could save your life.
5. Preserve the Evidence
If you’re making a claim with the driver’s insurance, an adjuster will have to assess the damage. Therefore, don’t have your bike repaired or your clothes laundered. Before having your wounds treated, take pictures of them if possible.
You need to be very cautious when dealing with the insurance company, which will look for excuses to deny your claim. A lawyer, like a bicycle accident lawyer in Indianapolis, IN from Ward & Ward Law Firm, may be able to help you recover the compensation you deserve for the damages you’ve suffered.
