Cycling is a great way to get in shape and can be an economical way to travel, but it’s not without drawbacks. Riding alongside motor vehicles, for example, poses some risks. Even if you follow all local traffic laws, you could end up in an accident because of a reckless driver. Fortunately, when such accidents occur between cars and bicycles, the victims have the right to file personal injury claims against all liable parties. To recover compensation for the damages, though, they must follow a few essential steps after the crash. 

Document the Scene & Any Injuries 

Building a strong personal injury claim starts at the scene. For example, photographs of the wreckage will allow accident reconstruction experts to determine what happened in the seconds leading up to the crash. Likewise, eyewitness testimonies will provide more details, so request information of nearby people who saw the incident unfold. Before leaving the area, you should also get the motorist’s name, phone number, and insurance information, as well as the names and badge numbers of all responding officers. Documenting the incident doesn’t end at the scene, though. If you sustained visible wounds, photograph their progression from day one, and write about any internal injuries in a daily journal. 

Seek Medical Care & Legal Counsel

Your priority after a bicycle accident should be your health. If you do not require emergency care at the scene, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Once your physical health has stabilized, it’s time to think about your financial health. To protect the whole family’s financial security, call a lawyer as soon as you feel well enough to discuss what happened. An experienced personal injury attorney will combine the evidence you gathered at the scene with other proof to demonstrate both liability and losses, so you can ultimately negotiate for a sizable settlement. 

If a car struck you while you were cycling, turn to a compassionate personal injury attorney at Ibold & O’Brien. Based in Chardon, OH, the strategic lawyers at this general practice firm help clients secure the compensation they need to move on with life following an accident. Personal injury law isn’t their only area of expertise, though. They also practice criminal defense, bankruptcy law, estate planning, and family law. To explore all their practice areas, visit their website. You can schedule an initial consultation by calling (440) 285-3511.