How to Take Action Against a Negligent Driver as a Bicycle Accident Victim

More often than most people think, negligent drivers cause bicycle crashes. A driver who isn’t paying attention can hit even the most cautious cyclists. It’s normal to be scared and not know what to do after a crash. However, it’s important to act quickly if you want to get compensation and win your case in court.

The experienced bicycle accident attorneys at TopDog Law know how to hold careless drivers accountable. They can help you know what rights you have and protect your chances of getting fair compensation. You can make sure your voice is heard if you’ve been hit by following certain steps. If a negligent driver caused a bicycle accident, here’s what you can do.

Get Medical Help Immediately

 Even if you don’t feel hurt, you should always check yourself for injuries. It can take a while for some accidents to show symptoms. See a doctor immediately and get a full checkup.

If you want to get compensation, medical records are important. They prove that you were hurt and link those injuries to the accident. If you wait too long, it weakens your case.

Call the Police and Make a Report

Tell the police about the accident. The police officer will write up a report, which is important evidence. The report might have information about faults or traffic laws that were broken.

If the driver gets a citation, it supports your claim that they were negligent. Find out how to get a copy of the report for your records. Before you leave the scene, don’t forget to talk to the police officer to get this report.

Collect Evidence at the Scene

Take pictures immediately if you can. Take pictures of your injuries, your damaged bike, and the driver’s car. Also, take shots of the weather, road signs, and traffic lights.

These images show what happened and why the driver was at fault. Also, take a picture of the license number. Your case will be stronger if you keep more records.

Get Contact Information

Get the driver’s name, phone number, and information about their insurance. Make a list of everything or take a clear picture of their documents. This lets your lawyer get in touch with them later.

Talk to anyone who saw the crash too. Witnesses can back up what you say happened. Get their names and numbers while you’re still there.

Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies

The insurance company for the driver may get in touch with you right away. Watch what you say. They might try to change what you said or make you a small deal.

Do not agree to anything until you have talked to a lawyer. Allow your lawyer to handle these talks. Bear in mind that the insurance company does not care about you. So, don’t give them the chance to reduce your compensation.

Talk to a Lawyer Early

Help from a lawyer is very important after an accident. A good lawyer can tell you what your rights are and what to do next. They are going to gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and fight for fair compensation.

You should talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. There are due dates in most states for making a claim. You can keep your case strong if you act quickly.

Keep Records of Everything

You should keep copies of your records, medical bills, and doctor’s notes. Write down how you feel every day as well. Record how your injuries change your sleep, work, or everyday life.

These details can help your lawyer show how bad the accident really was. Most of the time, having more information can lead to a better outcome for your claim. Keep your records up to date and organized.