Roads can be dangerous regardless of whether you’re driving a car, riding a bicycle, or walking. With the unpredictable nature of accidents, it is not uncommon for accidents to occur between a car and a bicycle. Riding a bicycle to work or when running errands helps you avoid being caught in traffic snarl ups.
They are also a great way to maintain fitness. If you use your bicycle for any of these purposes, and, unfortunately, you get hit by a car, you can sue for damages if there is proof of negligence by filing for a personal injury lawsuit.
Familiarizing yourself with the steps of suing after getting hit by a car while riding a bicycle is essential because you can use them when in an accident or help a friend in the same situation.
Go to the Hospital
You need to visit the hospital regardless of whether you have visible injuries. You need to get treatment for any external or internal injuries. The medical reports are also crucial since they provide proof of injury.
To avoid extra paperwork and for your health benefit, ensure you go to the hospital and get a full medical report. Having a copy of this report is also vital because it will play a part in valuing your claim and acting as proof of the accident.
Collect All the Evidence
You will need to have a police report that shows the accident happened because of someone else’s negligence. Ensure you retain a copy of that paper as well. In this era where most people own a camera phone, take as many photos of the scene as you can. They will come in handy if the other party tries to throw the blame on you.
With the medical report, keep a receipt of all the money you use because of the accident including taxi fare, hospital bills, and lost income. All this evidence will play a role in valuing your claim.
Hire a Lawyer
In a car-bicycle accident, you can either negotiate with the insurance company responsible for the car owner, or file a personal injury lawsuit. Either way, you need to hire a professional to help you. Insurance companies are difficult to negotiate with, especially if you’re not a personal injury lawyer. You need to hire a lawyer who will negotiate on your behalf. This lawyer must be aware of all the details to make it possible for you to take advantage of your rights regardless of your circumstances.
Other roles your lawyer will handle include handling your paperwork and ensuring you get all the necessary evidence to show you are not at fault. They will also file the lawsuit within the time limits as per the statute of limitations. Your lawyer will help value your claim based on all the damages and losses you incur due to the accident. Without knowing the value of your claim, you will not know if you get less than the damages you incur.
