Bicycle accidents are treated differently than accidents involving two cars. There is often a much greater dispute as to how the accident occurred and who was at fault. The insurance company for the car will want to take a recorded statement from the bicyclist. It is never a good idea to give a statement to the insurance company following a bicycle accident. The claims adjuster will be looking out for the interests of the insurance company and may ask questions in such a way which could harm the potential case.
It is always best to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon after a bicycle accident as possible. They could advise you of what to do after a bicycle accident in Oak Lawn.
If an individual is involved in a bicycle accident, their personal safety is the number one concern. They should check themselves for obvious injuries and, if possible, check their surroundings to ensure they are not in further danger. It is important to seek medical attention, even if an individual does not feel that they are hurt because serious injuries from a bike accident can take time to develop. If an individual fails to have medical treatment promptly after a bicycle accident, it could impact their ability to make a full and fair recovery.
Unfortunately, after an accident on a bike, there could be additional injuries resulting from other motor vehicles. Once they are safely off of the road, they should make sure that someone calls the police. If the vehicle which hit them does not stop, they should try to identify the car in the best manner possible for the police. This would be considered a hit-and-run accident if the car which struck the bike does not stop following the accident.
The most important advice following a bicycle accident would be to document as much of the accident as possible. This includes taking photographs as well as preserving the bicycle even if the bicycle is not operational. They should be sure to request to keep it in a safe location. The bicycle could be vital evidence in a bike accident case.
The bike could reveal the point of impact as well as the impact after the accident. While the bike itself is not essential, it is an important piece of evidence. If an individual is able at the scene, they should take photos of the motor vehicle that struck them as well as the location of the accident, their bike, and the surrounding area.
In order to ensure that their rights are secured, injured claimants should contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Bicycle accidents are not the same as those involving two motor vehicles. The investigation, the injuries, and the way insurance companies evaluate an accident involving a bike differently. Injured claimants should not speak with the insurance company for the person who caused the accident without consulting a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer. A claims adjuster could ask questions in such a way as to hurt the case. Even if the individual tells them the truth, their answers could impact the ultimate recovery.
Injured individuals do not need to handle their case alone. Call today to learn about what to do after a bicycle accident in Oak Lawn.