WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE IN A BIKE/CAR CRASH

Here are a few tips that can help BEFORE you’ve been in accident.

• Carry a cell phone. The cell phone can easily be a life saver. All cell phones will make 911 calls even if it doesn’t have active service.   You can also use today’s cell phones to document the scene by taking a LOT of pictures of the scene, the dog or car/bus/truck that got you, your injuries, the address, the dog’s owner, witnesses, etc.
• Carry Identification & Insurance Information. It’s a good idea to copy your drivers license and then write or type your emergency contact information, health, auto and homeowner’s insurance information, blood type and any medical conditions or allergies that you have on the back. Laminate the copy and keep it on your person when you ride. Also, remember to keep it up to date if there are any changes.   Carrying your health insurance information may seem obvious, but why do you need your auto and homeowner’s info?  Well, your AUTO policy may pay some of your medical bills or even your entire claim if the motorist that hit you is underinsured or you have a lot of out of pocket medical expenses.  Your HOMEOWNER’s policy will protect you if someone says that YOU did something wrong, or negligent, and damaged their person or property!
• Carry a pen and paper. You may need to exchange information with other people at the accident. Get names and numbers of as many witnesses as possible in case they leave the area before the police arrive and hope that it is not a dui penalty.

IF YOU ARE IN A BIKE CRASH…

• Don’t Move. Many of my clients want to jump up and check on their bikes right away.  Don’t do it.  Just lie there and do a self-assessment.  Have you lost consciousness?  Can you feel/move your arms and legs?  Are you bleeding?  Do you have pain?  Sharp pain? Shooting pain? Be able to describe how you are feeling to paramedics and EMT’s who will arrive.
• Call the POLICE at 911. The Pasadena personal injury attorneys suggest you to always wait for the police to respond to the accident scene so that an official report will be filed. Do not let anyone talk you out of calling the police.  Many times cyclists do not realize that they have been injured until several hours after the accident. By then, it may be too late to identify the at-fault driver or properly document the crash. Many drivers who cause accidents will initially apologize and accept blame for the accident at the scene, but later, after they have time to consider the ramifications, will deny that they were negligent. This is particularly true in bicycle crashes.  The police accident report will include the driver’s statements as well as all other witness statements. Along with the police, you may also want to keep the numbers of attorneys In Austin car accident lawyers on your speed-dial. Lawyers always help in claiming for insurance and help with other legal procedures, if any.
• Seek medical attention. Riders tend to be very self sufficient and tough.  Many will try to turn down offers of medical attention.  DON’T DO IT.  Accept help this time.  Let the EMT’s treat you.  This is proof that you were, in fact, injured and the medical records generated by the medical provider will help establish the extent of your injuries.
• Take Photos.  Take several photos from different angles and lighting of your injuries as soon as possible after the accident – it might be helpful for evidence if the case is fought by lawyers from Spring Hill personal injury law firm.  You can’t have too many photos.  Photograph the scene, the bike, the other vehicle or dog, your wounds.  The grosser and yuckier the better!
• Keep a Journal. Keep a journal (injury diary) of your physical symptoms starting immediately after the accident and make entries every day.
• Don’t fix your bike right away. Riders tend to be tinkerers and self-reliant.  They want to get back to RIDING and get their bike fixed quickly.  You need to keep your bike and clothing in the condition that it was in after the accident.  Get the property damage assessed by an expert.  Get a report of the damage AND of the “value” of the bike.  The domestic violence defense attorney in Los Angeles points out that under the Ohio Law, your property damage recovery cannot be greater than the value of the bike.  Thus, if an insurer says your used bike was only worth $100.00, they will try to cap your property damage claim at $100.00!  Have a competent professional shop make an independent assessment of your bicycle and gear.
• Stay Organized. Keep every single piece of paper relating to the crash, your injuries and your recovery organized.  You will need them either in handling the claim or when you meet with an attorney.
• Call an Experienced Trial Lawyer. As an Ohio trial lawyer with 27+ years of experience handling serious injury and death claims, I know how complicated these things can be.  A crash can turn your life upside down as you try to get your bike fixed, get your medical bills paid and keep the collectors at bay.  You need to have the contacts of several lawyers like lawyers in Nova Scotia for personal injury claims, so that when you find yourself in any legal situation, you can handle the complications right away. Once hired, I take care of EVERYTHING related to your claim.  I handle all communications with the obnoxious insurance company, fully investigate the crash and obtain all documents needed to maximize your recovery. May I also suggest you find Bengal Law contact information as I have worked with them closely and know that they handle such cases with great ease. I know what types of arguments insurers usually make in bike crashes and I know how to deal with them.
  

  Send me a note or call me TODAY at 513-484-BIKE [2453] for a FREE CONSULTATION about your crash

I hope you never need to implement any of these tips, but it always helps to be prepared. Good Luck and Good Riding!

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