Cyclists are at risk of injury on California roads. Negligent motorists, poor road conditions, and many other factors can contribute to serious accidents. If you are involved in a bicycle accident in San Francisco, it can be difficult to know what to do next.
In these situations, it is important to remain calm, seek help, and start collecting evidence for your insurance claim. Take the following steps after your accident to protect your future California bicycle accident case.
First, you should report the accident to law enforcement as soon as possible. Call 911 and ask for police to come to the scene of the accident. When the responding officer arrives, he or she will speak to all of the involved parties and create an objective report about the collision.
This report will be a very important piece of evidence in a bicycle accident claim and may help corroborate critical facts, proving your right to compensation. Speak to the responding officer and collect his or her information so that you can find the report at a later time.
Next, seek medical attention and save all of the records related to your treatment. These records could help prove the nature and extent of your injuries, further establishing your right to compensation.
You should always go to the doctor after a bicycle accident, even if you do not feel hurt at the scene. You may have internal injuries that may not become apparent until later on. To avoid potential complications and establish evidence for your case, seek medical care as soon as you can.
In bicycle accident cases, evidence is freshest in the moments immediately after the collision. If you are able to move around the scene without putting yourself at risk of danger or further injury, start documenting evidence.
Take photographs and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage that you suffered. Make sure to capture any debris, skid marks, and traffic signs or signals. If any witnesses saw the accident, ask for their contact information so that they can testify in your case.
If anyone else was involved in the accident, exchange information with him or her. Make sure to share your contact, insurance, and license details.
Keep your interaction brief and do not say anything about the accident or your injuries. Anything you say during this time could impact your future case. Instead, remain silent and bring your concerns to an attorney.
Finally, you should seek the advice of a San Francisco bicycle accident attorney following your collision. Do not speak to any of the parties involved in the collision or their insurance companies before consulting a lawyer.
A bicycle accident attorney can provide valuable support throughout your claim and fight for your right to maximum compensation. After you receive medical attention for your injuries, contact a lawyer to discuss your case and take your first steps toward filing a claim.
