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Most bicyclists wear bicycle helmets and other protective gear since they are at such a high risk of injury in an accident. They also add lights and luminous material to their bicycles and riding attire to make themselves more visible to motorists.
When behind the wheel, drivers should constantly be cautious, especially when bicyclists are around. Cyclists are held to the same standard, especially while riding on routes with regular traffic. It can be difficult for bicycles to see your vehicle and vice versa, so what happens if you hit a bike by accident?
After a Cyclist Accident, What Should You Do?
If you are in an accident with a cyclist, you must first attend to your own injuries as well as those of the cyclist. If you are not hurt, it is critical that you:
Exit your vehicle and check on the rider to see whether they are hurt
If they are unable to help themselves, contact emergency assistance
Give the authorities a detailed narrative of what transpired before, during, and after the collision
If the cyclist is still on the scene and does not require immediate medical attention, exchange insurance information with them
When you're at the accident scene, be careful what you say. Your concern for the bicyclist's well-being may urge you to express regret or apologize for the collision. Your words could be misconstrued as an admission of responsibility for the bicycle accident.
Keep your communication to a minimum and avoid mentioning the disaster. Focus on giving the facts about how the accident occurred when speaking with the police.
Documenting the accident site while you wait for the police officers to come may assist safeguard your legal rights. Make a video and capture images of the situation with your phone. If there are any additional onlookers, get their names and phone numbers.
Because you are in shock, you may not be paying attention to your injuries. Hitting a bicyclist with your car is a stressful experience. Some damage symptoms may be obscured by the accident's shock.
It's a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible following an accident. You must keep track of your injuries and safeguard your health.
Identifying Liability and Recovering Losses
In a circumstance where the accident was not exclusively due to their negligence, the rider involved in your accident is likely to seek compensation. They may seek compensation for damages incurred because of the accident, such as bodily injury or bicycle repair/replacement. Damage to your car or the occupants of your vehicle may have occurred, and you may be entitled to compensation.
The police report, along with the stories of those who were involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses or bystanders, can aid in evaluating liability. You may have to go to court to recover damages in some situations.
Personal Injury Claims for Bicyclists
A victim of a cycling crash has four years to submit personal injury lawsuits or sue the person that hit you from the date of the occurrence. It is critical for both you and the victim to protect your rights and return to a normal life.
Unfortunately, bike accidents can cause a variety of pain and suffering, as well as financial damages. However, if a cyclist files a claim after an accident, the nature of the damage is likely to be serious. In a bicycle accident case, you could be held accountable for any of the following damages:
Medical evaluations in an emergency
Following the accident, surgery was required
After the accident, the cost of prescription medication has increased
Physical therapy is expensive
Expenses from the hospital
Costs of ongoing care
Be Aware of Your Legal Rights and Options
Drivers have a responsibility to avoid accidents, which includes hitting a cyclist with their vehicle. It is possible to lessen the danger of causing a bicycle collision by remaining attentive on the road and exercising safe driving habits.
If you hit a cyclist with your car, the cyclist may suffer serious injuries and financial damages because of the accident. Being the driver, you should be aware of the laws and regulations governing bicycle riding to protect everyone on the road.
However, you may find that working on the case with a legal professional who is versed in bicycle law is beneficial. If you need assistance with these legal matters get in touch with a St Louis bicycle accident lawyer at Powell Law Firm.