Unfortunately, a bicycle crash can occur unexpectedly whether you are exercising, enjoying a ride on a nice day, or commuting. Thousands of collisions involving cyclists occur nationwide each year, and the consequences can range from minor scrapes to severe trauma or death.
If you are in a local cycling crash, the most effective ways to protect your health and preserve the evidence you need to pursue a just settlement are staying calm, focusing on your priorities, and knowing the appropriate steps to take immediately following the incident. A knowledgeable bike injury attorney could give you more information about what to do after a bicycle accident in Indianapolis.
In the immediate aftermath of a crash, a cyclist must ensure their safety before attending to anyone else and, if necessary, must move out of the flow of traffic. While staying as calm as possible, the bicyclist must evaluate their injuries and other damages.
Adrenaline can mask injuries’ pain and severity for several days after a collision. If a cyclist suspects they suffered head, neck, back, or spinal cord injuries, they must get medical care right away. The cyclist must call the local authorities to report the accident and request an ambulance if necessary. Even if the cyclist’s injuries are minor, having an evaluation from a health care professional will be crucial when seeking damages from the responsible party.
Unless the bicyclist is going to the hospital, they should not leave the accident site until the authorities arrive. Instead, the cyclist should document the scene by taking pictures or videos. It is never wise to discuss fault or settlement at the accident site. Knowing what not to do after an Indianapolis cycling crash is essential.
After a bicyclist involved in an Indianapolis vehicular collision is certain there is no immediate danger, the next step they should take is to collect as much evidence as possible to support an injury claim. They should exchange information (such as names, contact information, license numbers, vehicle information, and insurance details) with each driver. The cyclist should also ask bystanders if they witnessed the crash and request their contact information if they did.
The smartphone photos and videos the cyclist takes to document the collision should include pictures of the bike’s and cars’ positions, the road conditions, the skid marks, and any property damage. The cyclist must inspect their bike’s components (including the wheels and frame) and their other gear for damage.
All drivers involved in a crash must immediately stop at the accident site or as close to it as possible without obstructing the flow of traffic. According to the state driver’s manual, each vehicle operator must provide reasonable assistance to those suffering from bodily injuries until the first responders arrive.
If the accident involves an unattended vehicle, everyone must try to reach its owner to notify them of the property damage. During a consultation, a seasoned Indianapolis lawyer could answer questions about what other procedures the parties involved in a bike accident should follow.
Most crashes, even if minor, can be surprising and traumatic. Knowing what steps to take afterward is the most effective way to protect your health and enable you to pursue a fair settlement for damages and losses. Call McCready Law today to schedule a free consultation to review your case and discuss what to do after a bicycle accident in Indianapolis.
