A bicycle accident can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. In the moments after a crash, it can be difficult to think clearly, especially if you’re dealing with pain, damaged property, or a driver who is trying to explain what happened.
The steps you take after a bicycle accident can affect both your health and your ability to pursue compensation later. If you’ve been injured in a bike accident in Los Angeles, here are three important things to do as soon as possible.
1. Get Medical Attention Right Away
Your health should always come first.
Even if you feel okay immediately after the accident, some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Concussions, internal injuries, soft tissue injuries, and certain neck or back injuries can take hours or even days to become noticeable.
Seeking medical care helps ensure you receive proper treatment and creates documentation that may be important if you decide to pursue an injury claim later.
If emergency medical care is needed, call 911. If your injuries seem less severe, schedule a medical evaluation as soon as possible after the accident.
2. Document Everything You Can
Evidence can disappear quickly after a bicycle accident. Vehicles leave the scene, road conditions change, and witnesses may become difficult to contact.
If you are physically able, try to gather information such as:
- Photos of your injuries
- Damage to your bicycle
- Damage to the vehicle involved
- Traffic signs, signals, and bike lanes
- Road conditions and debris
- The driver’s contact and insurance information
- Names and contact information for witnesses
It can also be helpful to write down what happened while the details are still fresh in your memory.
The more information you preserve early, the easier it may be to determine what happened later.
3. Understand Your Rights Before Speaking With Insurance Companies
After a bicycle accident, you may receive calls from insurance adjusters asking for statements or requesting information about the crash.
While it is important to report the accident, it is also important to understand your rights before discussing fault, injuries, or settlement offers.
Insurance companies may begin investigating immediately after a crash. Before accepting a settlement or providing detailed statements, make sure you understand how your injuries, medical treatment, and other losses could affect your claim.
Every bicycle accident is different, and determining who may be responsible is not always straightforward.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles cyclists face a variety of risks on busy roads and intersections. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Unsafe turns
- Speeding
- Dooring accidents
- Unsafe lane changes
- Drivers failing to see cyclists
- Dangerous road conditions
Regardless of how the accident occurred, documenting the scene and seeking medical care are important first steps.
When Should You Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
If you suffered injuries, missed work, incurred medical expenses, or are facing disputes with an insurance company, it may be helpful to speak with a bicycle accident lawyer about your options.
An attorney can help investigate the accident, preserve evidence, identify potentially liable parties, and explain what steps may be available based on your situation.
At The Bark Law Firm, we help injured cyclists throughout Los Angeles understand their rights after a bicycle accident. If you have questions about your case, contact our team for a free consultation.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.