As you might expect, when a crash occurs between a car and a bike, the cyclist is more likely to be injured. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, cyclists ages 16 and over are 1.3 times as likely as passenger vehicle occupants to die in a collision per trip.
Legal Tips Cyclists Should Follow
This is why it’s so important for cyclists to know their rights in the event of a crash. Here are six legal tips every cyclist should follow in a road collision.
1. Contact an Attorney
If you’re considering filing a claim or lawsuit after a road collision, it’s wise to contact an attorney. An experienced bicycle accident attorney in St. Louis will help you navigate the legal process and be able to advise you on the best course of action. They can also help you build a strong case against the driver who caused the crash.
Additionally, an attorney can help you recover damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you’re considering taking legal action after a road collision, contact an experienced attorney who can help you through the process.
2. Get the Driver’s Insurance Information
If you’re involved in a crash with a car, the first thing you should do is exchange insurance information with the driver. You’ll need their name, address, phone number, insurance company name, and policy number.
Even if the driver says they’re not at fault for the crash, you should still exchange insurance information with them. This will help protect you in case of any legal disputes that may arise later on. Be sure to get the driver’s license plate number as well.
3. Call the Police
If you’re involved in a serious collision, or even if you’re not sure if it’s serious, you should call the police. The police will create an official report of the incident, which can be very helpful later on.
The police report will include important details about the crash, such as where it happened, how it happened, and who was at fault. It will also include the names and contact information of any witnesses to the crash. If possible, try to get a copy of the police report for your records.
4. See a Doctor
Even if you don’t think you’re injured, it’s important to see a doctor after a collision. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, such as internal bleeding or concussions. If you wait too long to seek medical treatment, the insurance company may argue that the collision did not cause your injuries. It’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible after a crash to get the care you need so that there is documentation of your injuries.
5. Keep Records of the Crash
In addition to exchanging insurance information and calling the police, it’s important to keep crash records. This includes the date, time, and location of the collision and any witnesses’ names and contact information.
This information can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or if you decide to take legal action against the driver. Be sure to keep this information safe and organize it in a file so that it’s easy to access later on. It can be difficult to prove who was at fault in a road crash, but you can build a strong case with the help of this information.
6. Don’t Admit Fault
After a road collision, it’s important to avoid admitting fault. Even if you think you might be at fault, it’s best to wait until the police have investigated the incident before making any statements.
If you admit fault to the police or the other driver, it can be difficult to argue later that you were not at fault. It’s important to let the police investigate the incident and determine who was at fault before making any statements.
7. File an Insurance Claim
If you’ve been involved in a road collision, you may need to file an insurance claim. This is because the cost of repairs and medical treatment can be expensive. Be sure to keep all documentation related to the incident, including the police report, medical bills, and repair estimates.
It’s also important to keep any records of lost wages if you could not work after the collision. Filing an insurance claim can be a complex process, so it’s important to have all the necessary documentation. Be sure to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the collision so that they can begin processing your claim.
If you’re a cyclist, it’s important to know your legal rights in case of a road crash. This article outlines the steps you should take after a collision, including exchanging insurance information and contacting an attorney.
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to admit fault after a crash, and you should file an insurance claim as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process and get your deserved damages.
