Biking has slowly become more popular over the years. It doesn’t matter if you do it as a hobby, an exercise, or if it’s your preferred way to get from point A to point B; biking is a great way to get outside and enjoy yourself.
It’s not always a good time, though. The increase of bikers has also increased the number of bike-related accidents. More precautions are being implemented, and drivers are slowly becoming more aware.
However, it’s still a good idea to know what to do after getting hit while biking. Here’s a step-by-step list of what you should do following an accident.
Check for Injuries
Out first tip is definitely the most obvious. You will probably search for injuries instinctually. It’s a good idea to know what kind of issues you will be dealing with during the rest of this process.
If you are unable to move or follow through with any of the other steps, try to find someone nearby who can do them for you.
Call 911
Find your phone and dial 911. Tell them what happened and how badly you’re injured.
Don’t make any bold claims to them or anyone else at the scene. Wait for the cops to get there before you do that.
Gather Info From Witnesses
Now we don’t mean we want you to go around making statements—that’s law enforcement’s job.
We just want you to gather contact information in case any of the witnesses can’t stick around and wait for the police to show up.
Take Pictures
It’s a good idea to take some photos of the scene of the crime. They will be useful for the police and a lawyer if you feel like you will need to handle things post-accident legally.
Take as many pictures as you can. Spots on the car and bike that have damage, the license plate, and where the car and bike ended up after the crash are all usual things to have proof of later.
Talk To the Police
Here’s our most important step on what to do after getting hit while biking. This step is where you give your statement on your account of the event as it happened.
Make sure you get your story straight before the cops show up. If it seems like you are hiding or forgetting something, the cops might not believe you to be a trustworthy source.
Consult With an Attorney
After everything is wrapped up and you’ve gone home or to the hospital, this is when you should find a bicycle accident attorney. There are many things to consider when looking for one, so make sure you take the time to research and find the one that is best for you.
Calling a lawyer isn’t something that you should only do if you want to sue, however. It is important for all bicycle accident victims to do in order to figure out what their rights are and to make sure that they are fully protected.
