When cycling, it’s important to adhere to all road safety rules. You must accept that there will always be a chance of an accident when cycling, for example, if you hit a pothole or are knocked by a car.
Knowing what to do in an accident will help protect your rights and those of other cyclists in the event that you are involved in a crash. You could be held responsible for an accident if you lack the necessary knowledge. You could end up leaving a collision without realising you were injured.
This checklist can help you stay in control and will guide you on what to do if you have a cycling accident.
Safety First
As soon as you can, clear the road. It’s best to lie or sit down if you feel light-headed. Then, you can assess the situation and determine the extent to which your injuries are. Call an ambulance if you are seriously injured. If you are too hurt to help yourself, you can ask for assistance from others.
Get the details of the other party
Note down the colour, model, and registration number of the vehicle. Then, you can ask the driver for his name, postal and email address, insurance information, and mobile number. Avoid arguments, blame or admitting guilt. Try to remain calm. It is important to gather all the information you need before proceeding.
Take photos
You can use your phone to take pictures of the accident from different angles. Your phone can be used to take pictures from various angles. You can take pictures of the pothole if it was the cause of an accident. You can take photos of the number plate of the motorised vehicle involved in the accident if the driver does not want to share details.
It’s important to keep a video recording of the accident and not let it be overwritten by other footage. You can use the footage to make a claim or defend yourself from faults and allegations.
More details will make the process of filing a legal claim or claiming your insurance easier. You might suffer injuries that could affect your life if you are involved in a cycling accident. You can hire a Englewood personal injury attorney if you have the details of the accident. They will help you to get the compensation you deserve.
Get Witnesses
It is important to have witnesses, especially if the case ends up in court. You can use their memories to support your claim. You can get the contact information of any witnesses who are willing to give a detailed account of the event.
Report to the Police
Report the accident to the police as soon as possible, within 24 hours. Ask for the name and number of the officer with whom you are speaking. In some cases, officers will tend to record the motorist’s version.
You should ensure that the police report includes your side of events. Reporting all injuries is important, even if they seem minor. They could turn into more serious problems later.
If a road defect is the reason for the accident, you should also contact your local council. By reporting the accident, they can fix the problem and prevent future accidents.
Contact your insurer
Call your insurance company immediately and inform them of the details. The insurer must also know how much damage has been done to your bike and other accessories. The other party’s insurance company may offer compensation in some cases to avoid a long legal process. These offers are usually much lower than the amount you would normally receive from filing a claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think the injury is minor, or if you are feeling fine, it’s important to have a checkup. Then get an evaluation in writing. The check-up will help you detect minor or unseen injuries that could lead to serious problems if not treated.
Keep damaged items
Keep the damaged items, as they may be needed to prove your claim. Keep any helmets, clothing or accessories which may have been damaged in the accident.
Avoid replacing or repairing a bike until you have permission from your insurance company or that of the other party. If you must repair your bike, take pictures, save the receipt, and keep a record of any damage.
Conclusion
You have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers on the road. To prevent accidents, drivers must respect cyclists’ rights. Accidents can still happen no matter how cautious you are while cycling. It’s important to know what to do in the event of a cycling injury.