Bicyclists are vulnerable on the roadway. The hazards posed by much larger and heavier vehicles are very real, and any collision can result in major injuries. If a bicyclist is struck by a vehicle, there are various steps they should take soon after the incident occurs. The following steps recommended by Phoenix personal injury lawyers can help individuals ensure they receive the treatment they need and improve the chances of their success when filing a personal injury claim against an at-fault party.
1. Seek Medical Care Immediately
Bicyclists in Arizona must seek medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident occurs. Not only is this important for obvious injuries but also to screen for any possible hidden injuries. The signs and symptoms of some bicycle accident injuries may not appear until hours after the incident or even the next day. Going to the doctor right away helps not only establish a strong link between the incident and any injuries but also helps ensure the victim receives the medical treatment they need.
2. Call the Police
The police needed any vehicle accident that results in injuries in the state of Arizona. Even if injuries are not obvious right away, they should come to the scene of any bicycle accident. Bicyclists need the police to come fill out an accident report so that they can proceed forward with their insurance claim against an at-fault driver.
3. Gather Evidence if Possible
After a bicycle accident occurs, it may be possible to gather evidence at the scene of the incident. However, if there are severe injuries or if the scene is unsafe in any way, gathering evidence may not be possible. We encourage any driver or individuals on the scene to use their phones to take photographs and even videos of the entire area. They should pay particular attention to any injuries, property damage, causes of the crash, and weather conditions. Document as much as possible.
There are often eyewitnesses to these incidents, and the eyewitness contact information should be written down quickly before they leave the scene of the accident.
4. Call a Bike Accident Lawyer
Bicycle accident victims should reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. A skilled
Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer can help individuals examine every aspect of their case and determine the best steps toward recovering compensation for their losses. An attorney will likely offer a free consultation. If they decide to take your claim, they will probably do so on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not have to pay any legal fees until after the attorney successfully recovers the compensation you need. The attorney handles every aspect of the claim and will work diligently to recover compensation for medical bills, property damage expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering damages.
5. Continue Medical Treatments
An injured bicyclist should continue any medical treatment recommended by their doctor. If a bicyclist discontinues care before a physician recommends doing so, this could be evidence used by an insurance carrier or a legal team for the at-fault party to deny the claim or pay less compensation than they should.
