Santa Monica attracts cyclists—both casual and professional—with its paths, trails, and bike-friendly culture, but accidents can and do happen. If you are hit by another vehicle while riding in or near Santa Monica, don’t let panic or shock in the immediate aftermath affect your recovery later. Here are your first two priorities after a bike accident.
The First Priority: Medical Care
If you are hit by another vehicle while on your bike, your first priority should be seeking medical attention. Cyclists are often very badly injured in car accidents, and those injuries are not always immediately apparent. Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s still worth getting checked over by a medical professional.
The Second Priority: Evidence and Documentation
Your second priority in an accident is gathering information and documentation. While you are probably not even thinking about your insurance claim or whether you even want to pursue a claim against the driver at this point, you can wreck you claim before you even start if you fail to gather vital information in the immediate aftermath of the accident. This might include contact information for witnesses at the scene, the driver’s insurance and contact information, photographs of the scene and your injury, and even a quick written account of what happened for your own records. Memories fade quickly, and evidence can disappear if you don’t act fast. If you are unable to collect this information, try to enlist a friend, a family member, or your attorney to help.
To find out what else you need to do after a bike accident in Southern California, request your free copy of our book, 7 Big Mistakes to Avoid After a Motorcycle or Bicycle Accident. This crucial guide will help you understand and protect your legal rights as you consider your options, and our team is always standing by if you need confidential, one-on-one help with your questions.
|
Related Links: |
