Chapter 1: Steps to Take After You Are Injured in a Bike Accident
Chapter 2: What to do if You are Injured in A Bike Accident Involving A Car
Chapter 3: Bike Safety Tips
Chapter 4: What To Do If You Are Injured In A Bike Accident On A Busy Road
Chapter 5: A Bikers Guide for Being Easy to Spot on the Road
Chapter 6: How A Lawyer Can Help You After Being Involved in a Bike Accident
Chapter 1: Steps to Take After You Are Injured in a Bike Accident
Accidents between vehicles and bikers are all too common in big cities. Often, bicycle accidents result in severe brain or spine injuries. Bicyclists can take the following steps to help with their injury claims.
The most important thing to do if you’re hit by a car while biking is to make sure you’re unharmed. Check your body for injuries and get emergency medical attention if you see anything out of the ordinary. Remember that you might have a concussion or other medical issue that hasn’t yet manifested itself.
Don’t leave the Scene
The most important rule is this: Don’t leave the scene of an accident until the police have arrived. Even if you’re riding a bike, you can be charged with hit-and-run.
Get in touch with the police.
Call the police if there is significant damage, injury, or death. The police will conduct an investigation and question you about the incident. Take care to avoid blaming yourself for the answers to these questions.
Exchange Info
As soon as possible after an accident, even if you don’t see any damage or feel any pain, you should exchange insurance information with the other driver. You want to be able to file an insurance claim if you have symptoms after the adrenaline wears off. Your automobile insurance policy does not cover accidents involving bicyclists. You may not be aware of this, but your house or renter’s insurance may cover damage caused by recreational hobbies like bicycling. Your injury protection policy may also cover your medical expenditures.
Capture the Scene
It is imperative that you document the incident once you have done sharing data. You should take photos of your bike, the car, the injuries, and the local area where the accident took place. If you were wearing a GoPro camera at the time of the accident, save and back up any video footage. It’s a good idea to get contact information from any eyewitnesses. It would help if you wrote down everything you can recall about the accident as soon as you get home. Resolving insurance claims sometimes takes a long time, and as time passes, our memories may fade.
For Legal Advice, Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
A free consultation with Robert J. DeBry & Associates is available to anybody who has been injured and needs legal representation. We have a team of skilled personal injury attorneys who can assist you in determining the best course of action for your situation. Having a lawyer on your side might alleviate some of the stress and allow you to focus on getting better.
At Robert J. DeBry & Associates personal injury law firm, lawyers are well-versed in handling such claims. Throughout Utah, we have taken numerous accident cases. We’re here to help you around the clock.
Chapter 2: What to do if You are Injured in A Bike Accident Involving A Car
Getting involved in an accident with a car while on a bicycle is a scary and unfamiliar experience. The likelihood of serious injuries is higher than if you were in a car. Most people in such incidents are never sure what to do or how to contact a personal injury lawyer. Should they negotiate with the car driver?
Based on experience handling multiple bicycle accident cases, our lawyers at Robert J. DeBry & Associates suggest you follow these steps after a bicycle accident.
Call the Police
Call 911 if you cannot see an officer within sight. If you cannot call yourself, request someone to do it. Ensure the officer makes an accident report and takes your statement. In some states, officers are not required to complete an accident report if the damage to property doesn’t exceed a certain amount. It’s, therefore, best to personally and politely request them to take the information.
Get the Motorist’s Details
Ensure you get the name, address, car registration, and driver’s insurance details. Where several cars are involved, get all drivers’ details. However, do not call the insurance companies before contacting a personal injury lawyer.
Get to the Hospital
Visit a hospital for treatment even if you do not think you have any injury. Request the hospital to take photos of the visible injuries you have and do not wash any bloody clothes or take a photo of the clothing (this will be used for evidence). Get a written medical evaluation and documentation of the treatment costs. Record all symptoms you experience in the days following the accident.
Seek Legal Help
Get in touch with a personal injury lawyer to assist you in filing for compensation from the insurance company. They will assess and file for you the correct type of claims. Besides compensation for your treatment costs, you may be entitled to repair costs for your bicycle and loss of income if you cannot go to work for a specific period after the accident.
At Robert J. DeBry & Associates, we’ve helped hundreds of bicycle accident victims get compensation from insurance companies. Contact us for a free consultation session with one of our injury lawyers.
Chapter 3: Bike Safety Tips
Biking can improve mental and physical health. Additionally, it can help cyclists save on gas and bus expenses. However, cyclists can land into problems if they don’t follow safety measures while riding on the busy Utah roads. These include legal issues or bicycle-vehicle collision injuries.
In 2018, the Trauma Center at the University of Utah Hospital attended to 106 patients with injuries arising from bicycle accidents. Cyclists should learn steps to bike safety to avoid being part of the statistics.
Many biking safety resources explain such steps. However, a personal injury attorney at Robert J. DeBry & Associates can give a detailed explanation of the topic. Below are the three leading bike safety steps cyclists can implement while on the road.
Bicycle Skills Rodeo
A bicycle rodeo is a clinic that educates children and new cyclists about the importance of riding. It also teaches skills and precautions to follow while cycling on the roads. Individuals who have been off their bikes for a long time can also attend the sessions to refresh their skills before going back on the streets.
Wear a Helmet
Bicycle accidents can lead to severe head injuries to victims. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, riding with helmets can help minimize head injury risks among cyclists by 85 percent. Cyclists should ensure they wear a helmet that fits their heads before they start biking.
Learn Utah’s Bike Safety Laws
All Utah bikers should master all the applicable laws that govern roadways and cycling before going for a ride. Some of the regulations include the 3-Foot Law, which states that motorists should not pass within three feet of a bicycle in motion.
Such laws help cyclists understand their rights while on the road and prevent facing legal implications. Our personal injury attorney helps clients with bicycle accident cases understand Utah bicycle laws.
Let Us Handle Your Bicycle Accident Case Professionally!
Robert J. DeBry & Associates has the necessary resources to help you learn all the laws and safety steps regarding cycling in Utah. We can also assign a personal injury attorney if you need legal help for your bicycle accident case. Contact us for more details.
Chapter 4: What To Do If You Are Injured In A Bike Accident On A Busy Road
It is estimated that there are thousands of bike accidents each year in the United States. While most of these accidents are minor, some can be serious and even fatal. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a bike accident on a busy road, you should do a few things to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
Move your Bike to the Side of the Road
First, if possible, move your bike and yourself to the side of the road to avoid being hit by oncoming traffic. If you cannot move, stay as calm as possible and wave your arms or flag down passing motorists to try and get their attention. If you are able, collect the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident.
Call 911
Once you are in a safe location, assess your injuries and call for medical assistance if necessary. Call 911 and give them your site and any information about the other involved parties so that they can dispatch medical help as soon as possible. Once emergency services have arrived, cooperate with them to receive the treatment you need. Once the authorities have come, exchange information with the other driver and get their insurance information.
Get Medical Attention
Ensure to follow up with your doctor or go to the emergency room if you have sustained any injuries. This action will ensure you get the necessary medical attention you need and determine the extent of your injuries. Remember to keep the medical receipts and documents; a personal injury attorney from Robert J. DeBry & Associates will need them when seeking compensation.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
And finally, contact a personal injury attorney from Robert J. DeBry & Associates, who specializes in bike accidents, to discuss your legal options. Personal injury lawyers can help by taking on the stress of dealing with insurance companies and dealing with the legal process so that you can focus on your recovery.
Taking these steps can help ensure that you stay safe from incoming motorists until help arrives and receive the medical attention you need and prevent it. Gathering witnesses and calling a personal attorney from here at Robert J. DeBry & Associates will ensure you are compensated for any damages caused by the other driver.
Chapter 5: A Bikers Guide for Being Easy to Spot on the Road
Bikes and motorcycles are a great way to enjoy the open road. However, as a cyclist, you know the importance of visibility on the road. Not only does it help to prevent accidents, but it also makes it easier for drivers to see you and give you the space you need.
Here are a few easy tips for being more visible on your bike:
Wear Bright Clothing
Wearing brightly colored clothing is a good start. Reflective clothing will help you stand out and make you visible from a long distance, even in low-light conditions.
Attach Reflectors to Your Bike
Mounting reflective tape on the bike itself, including the frame and wheels, will help to make it more visible, day or night. These will help to increase your visibility from all angles. A personal injury attorney from Robert J. DeBry & Associates also suggests that attaching a small flag to your bike will help you be seen from a distance. The trick is to choose a color that contrasts with your bike so that it’s easily visible.
Use a Headlight and Taillight
When riding at night or in low-light conditions, it would help to use a headlight and taillight. This tactic will make it easier for drivers to see you and avoid accidentally hitting you.
Ride in Well-lit Areas
An experienced personal injury attorney also advises that riding in a well-lit area whenever possible will help you be seen by passing cars. It will also help you see any potential hazards on the road ahead of time.
Ride Assertively
If you must ride in traffic, ride assertively and in a straight line. This tactic will make it easier for drivers to see you, and it will also help them predict your movements.
When it comes to cycling safety, being visible is one of the most critical factors. That’s why bikers need to take steps to make sure they are easy to spot on the road. By following the aforementioned simple tips, you can make yourself more visible on the road and help. If you follow these steps and still get involved in an accident, contact a personal injury attorney from Robert J. DeBry & Associates to ensure you get compensation from the involved party.
Chapter 6: How A Lawyer Can Help You After Being Involved in a Bike Accident
Biking is a fantastic way of having fun across the USA. However, accidents occur, and anyone involved in a bike accident knows how serious the consequences can be. This is where a personal injury attorney from Robert J. DeBry & Associates comes in with the help. Here are three ways a lawyer can help after a bike accident.
Investigation
First, a lawyer can help gather evidence to support your claim. This process may include obtaining witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and medical records. Collecting evidence is a crucial part of the entire process as it ensures that you get enough evidence to negotiate with the insurance company or file a challenging case in a court of law. Based on the findings, a personal injury lawyer will also review the facts of your case and help you understand your legal options.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
A lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and fight until you get the compensation you deserve. Their involvement in this part is highly crucial as insurance companies are never willing to offer a fair settlement. A personal injury attorney from Robert J. DeBry & Associates knows how best to deal with the insurance representatives to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering and damaged property, lost wages, and medical bills.
File a Personal Injury Claim
If the insurance company is unwilling to give you a fair settlement, your lawyer can take them to court. They can file a premises liability claim against the driver of the car and the property owner where the accident occurred. A lawyer can help navigate the complex legal process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Key Takeaway
If you are involved in a bike accident, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney here at Robert J. DeBry & Associates. We can make all the difference in ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. We will also streamline the entire process to save you the stress you can get from working the case so that you can focus on healing.