In a world where people are growing more conscious about the impact of their habits and activities on the environment, bicycles are becoming more popular than ever as many are now using them for the daily commute. Not only do bikes offer a cheap way to travel long distances, but they’re also eco-friendly and make for an excellent way to incorporate exercise into your regular routine. Unfortunately, most cities haven’t adapted their infrastructure to keep up with these lifestyle changes, and cyclists are prone to injuries and accidents while going about their business if they’re not careful. In no particular order, here is what you need to know about bicycle accidents should you ever find yourself involved in one.

How to Avoid Bicycle Accidents?

One of the most common myths surrounding cycling is that it’s an entirely safe activity, but that’s not always the case. Cyclists are forced to share the same space with pedestrians and different sized vehicles, so they need to comply with the same rules as motorists. In the same fashion, car drives need to respect cyclists and always keep a safe distance between their vehicles. Respecting traffic laws and using proper clothing for your daily commute are some of the essential tips lifelong cyclists would share with anyone interested in taking their bike out for a spin for the first time. If you ever find yourself involved in a bike accident, you will need to establish who the negligent party in the situation is. Whether a driver was speeding or breaking any traffic laws or you were at fault for the accident will be determined by eyewitnesses’ testimonies or video footage of the incident.

Going Through the Legal Process

The worst has already happened, and you already have the contact information of eyewitnesses and the driver involved in the incident, so what should you do next? Your first instinct would probably be to go straight to the insurance company to start the negotiation process and receive compensation for property repair costs or medical bills. However, compensation claims can be incredibly complex and anything you say to the liable party’s insurance company can be used against you if you don’t know the law by heart.

If you live in the US, the law will vary depending on which state you live in, and you’ll have to take some considerations into account for the next steps. For example, California court laws may deem a police report not admissible as evidence in court since the officer wasn’t an eye witness of the collision. Therefore, in that case, it’s best to contact an attorney based in Los Angeles to deal with the court process or insurance liability claim and avoid making any mistakes that can be used against you. Most police reports place the cyclist at fault for the incident, which may cause trouble while negotiating with the insurance companies, so it’s always a good idea to have a specialized lawyer by your side.

What to Do at the Scene?

Suppose you were commuting back to your home when you got involved in a bicycle accident. The first thing you should check once this happens should be your physical well-being. Any signs of concussion, bleeding, or broken bones require immediate medical attention, so don’t hesitate to call 911 or ask someone who witnessed the incident to call for assistance. It is imperative that any life-threatening injuries are treated immediately before attending to other issues. From abrasion to head injuries, the outcomes can wildly vary from one case to another. However, if you can prove that the accident was caused by another person’s negligent actions, you are entitled to receive compensation for any and all injuries sustained. If they refuse to settle, you have to get a copy of the police report should you decide to file a lawsuit.

You’ll need to get the contact information of the driver, including their license plate number and insurance details, and also get the contact numbers of any eyewitness willing to help you with the process. If you sustained any injuries, document them properly with photos. All the information you recover will be crucial for any pertinent lawsuits or liability claims made with the insurance companies.

Medical treatment following a bicycle accident can cost a lot of money, especially if the victim requires surgery. Between the physical injuries and the prolonged recovery periods, people can suffer from life-changing consequences following these accidents. In any case, remember to always wear protective gear when you go on a ride, respect traffic laws, and don’t lose your calm when dealing with the aftermath. There are plenty of resources available to guide you during these unforeseen events, so rest assured that you don’t have to go through these stressful times alone.