In many respects, it can be seen as great news that more and more people are choosing to bike instead of drive in California. However, this shift is causing issues of its own. Namely, a significant increase in bike accidents. A person riding their bike can be injured due to a careless driver, a pedestrian that is not paying attention, unsafe roads, and even defective bike parts. While helmets can help lower the chance of serious injury, they cannot protect a rider in every situation.
If you have been injured in a bike accident then it is important for you to know you have rights. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do. Then contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
You may be eligible to file a personal injury claim
The person who was at fault for the accident may be responsible for paying damages to the injured party. This could mean financial compensation for damage to your bike and other property, physical injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, medical care, and more. Your best option is to talk to a personal injury attorney. It is wise not to accept a settlement offer from an insurance company until running the options by an attorney.
What to do after a bike accident
The first and most important step to take is to ensure everyone is safe. Call 9-1-1 if there are any injuries. Do not move a person who has been injured. Even if there are no serious injuries, you should still contact the police and file a police report if there was more than $950 in property damage.
Once you are sure that everyone is safe, it is time to gather information. Take pictures of the damage and injuries. Take pictures of the intersection at which the accident occurred. Get phone numbers and other contact information from all involved parties and any witnesses. Write down license plate numbers, take pictures of road signs, and document everything you can.
When you get home, write down everything you remember about the accident. It is common for a person to feel as though they will remember the specifics for years to come but in reality the memory can become hazy after just a few hours. It is always worth it to have a clear, written account of what happened.
Let a personal injury attorney help you determine if you have a case
If you are not sure if you should accept an offer from an insurance company then you should contact an attorney. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker we are happy to provide free legal consultations. Simply call us at 800-333-0000 and let us know what happened. We can advise you on the potential options and their likely outcomes. If we deice to take your case, we will do so on a contingency basis and you will not owe us anything until we win your case.
