Cycling in Glendale presents a mixed bag of pleasure and peril. A busy city with wonderful scenery, its streets are open to bike riders at all times as they ride by on daily commutes or weekend leisure rides. However, the simple fact of the matter is that sharing roads with motor vehicles leads to accidents. For cyclists, being prepared with knowledge on how to respond in these situations is crucial.
What you do in the minutes following a bike crash could make a colossal difference in whether your rights are preserved and a fair claim for compensation is made. This will generally be a very chaotic and confusing period, but knowing what to do can bring a little bit of clarity and a modicum of control.
This guide seeks to walk you through the essentials. Here are the five critical steps to take following a bike accident in Glendale.
1. Safety and Documentation
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The moments following a bike accident are crucial. First, ensure you are out of harm’s way to prevent further injury. If possible, move to a place of safety near there and call 911. Authorities have to be brought in for medical attention or to report the accident.
If you can, take pictures of the scene with your bike, the vehicle involved in the accident, and relevant road conditions or signs. The documentation can be useful later.
2. Exchange Information but Limit Discussions
After ensuring safety, document the scene and exchange contact and insurance details with the other party involved. However, keep the conversation to as minimal an extent as possible. Do not go into any admissions of fault or details about the accident. These can be taken out of context or used against you in a future legal sense.
3. Seek Medical Attention Promptly
In every case after the accident, people should go to a doctor even if they feel well and clear from any trauma. This is advised to ensure there are no unnoticed concussions or internal injuries.
A comprehensive medical examination will form part of the evidence of the injuries suffered in the accident, should you ever decide to follow up for compensation.
4. Report the Incident to Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. While making the call, stick only to the facts, do not indicate who was to blame, or try to guess what had happened. This is just a notification about the incident. The actual discussion of claims and coverage has to be done later on.
5. Consult with Glendale Bike Accident Lawyers
Lastly, consider speaking to Glendale bike accident lawyers. These professionals will provide advice and help with the claims process. While it may not seem like a big deal, being represented by Glendale bike accident lawyers wil make a large difference in your rights being protected, and you getting the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Conclusion
Bike accidents can be scary, but taking the right steps immediately afterward can help protect your legal rights. From safety and documentation of the scene to getting medical help and legal advice, all these form the major actions that you are supposed to follow in the event that you find yourself in the aftermath of an accident. These would help you fare better through the whole post-accident process.
