Riding a bicycle is an excellent way to get the exercise you need, but it can also put you at risk. Drivers may not see you in time to prevent a bike accident and, depending on the situation, you may end up with serious injuries. Knowing how to react in an accident and how to determine who was at fault can help you be more prepared for your next ride.

What Should You Do After a Bike Accident?

Assess the Scene

Immediately after a bicycle-related car accident, it’s important to assess your own condition. Check on the vehicle driver and any passengers in the vehicle. Also, get a picture of the vehicle’s license plate number and try to determine the nearest cross streets. All of this information will help you give an accurate report to the 911 dispatcher, so they will know what emergency vehicles to send.

Gather Evidence

You should get the name, contact information, and insurance information from the driver, as well as the names and contact information for any witnesses to the accident. Additionally, taking pictures of the damage to your bicycle and other property damages will be helpful if you need to file a personal injury claim. Don’t forget to ask the police for a copy of the accident report after they investigate the accident.

Seek Professional Help

Your next step is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, you may have internal injuries. For this reason, you should still get a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Once you’re able, you should also consult an injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can negotiate on your behalf and help you prepare your claim.

How Do You Determine Who Was at Fault? 

In a traffic accident, both bicyclists and automobile drivers have a duty of care to obey the traffic laws. When you or the other party violates the traffic laws, this constitutes a breach of that duty of care. This is the first step in proving negligence. For example, if the police ticketed the driver for speeding, the ticket can prove that the driver was acting in a negligent manner. However, if you were ticketed for riding your bicycle into traffic, you would be the negligent party and you would be at fault for causing the accident.

The best way to determine the strength of your claim in a bike accident is to consult the Law Office of Thomas L Brayton III. Located in Waterbury, CT, the firm has more than 29 years of experience in practicing law. Additionally, he holds top ratings on AVVO® in 2019, so you can trust that you’ll be getting quality legal services. To schedule an initial consultation, call (203) 591-8689 or visit his website to browse his practice areas.