Many motorists are careful when driving and always avoid risks on the road. However, some drivers overlook the rights and interests of bicycle riders. They don’t give them enough space or ignore their right of way, which increases the risk of accidents.
Unfortunately, when accidents occur, some motorists drive away or avoid taking responsibility, making the victims pay for their medical costs. Bicycle accidents can cause physical and mental problems and suffering, which reduces the victim’s quality of life.
Cyclists who sustain injuries after being knocked down by motorists should not shoulder the burden of seeking medical help and covering medical expenses. Instead, they should take the following measures to bring the responsible party to book and file a compensation claim.
Report the Incident
After a bicycle accident, the victim will likely share their experiences with people near the scene. However, sharing too much information with the wrong people after being hit by a car on your bike could complicate the matter. The party at fault could use the information against the victim or twist their account of events to claim that the victim was partly or wholly responsible for the crash.
Therefore, the person involved in a bicycle accident should avoid discussing the incident with others at the crash scene. Instead, they should contact the police and explain how the crash happened before heading to the hospital, especially if the injury is severe.
It is also crucial to follow up on what the police put down to ensure their report is accurate. An accurate report can help show who was responsible for the crash to be held accountable for the damages caused.
Gather Useful Information
Motorists who hit riders usually hurry to leave the crash scene to avoid taking responsibility and facing legal consequences. Other road users who saw the driver hitting the rider may also move away to avoid getting involved or dealing with the aftermath of the incident. However, letting witnesses leave before getting their contact details could lead to the loss of a crucial source of evidence.
Therefore, the complainant should take pictures of the scene before leaving. The victim should also request those who saw the motorist hitting them to provide their contact details and statements of what they saw. The information they share will help build a comprehensive account of the incident and prove that the victim deserves compensation.
Get Legal Help
Some defendants pretend to care and take responsibility for the damages through their insurer. Such a suggestion may appear logical, especially when the bike injury does not seem severe, or the victim does not want to report the crime to the police. However, this can be risky because the complainant may not get compensation for the injuries or other complications that may manifest later.
Therefore, victims should avoid discussing compensation at the scene or later with the defendant’s insurer. Instead, they should contact a lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents and seek their advice and guidance on the steps to take. The attorney will guide the complainant on what to say and what to avoid when the insurance company reaches out. They can also take up the case, allowing victims to recover in peace.
Some bicycle riders don’t know their rights, so they do not receive the payment they deserve after a bicycle crash. Regrettably, this makes it easy for the offenders to escape liability and fail to receive deserving penalties for their negligence.
Riders who wish to seek legal redress after being hit by a driver should follow these simple steps. Most importantly, they should seek legal assistance immediately and initiate the claim process. A competent lawyer will help the injured cyclists avoid making mistakes and protect their personal interests.
