There’s not a whole lot that one can do to stop accidents from happening.
You’re a responsible bicycle rider. You’re aware of the many aspects of bicycle safety. You know you have to maintain the condition of your bike, use lamps and reflectors at night, wear a helmet, and ride in the proper place and in the right direction.
Yet even if you abide by all applicable traffic laws and safety procedures, you can’t control other vehicles on the road. And some of those vehicles can be careless.
Our New Jersey bicycle accident attorneys can assist you after your injury. Following a crash, you may not be thinking about your legal rights. You’re in shock, in pain, and may not be sure what to do.
Some of the most important things to do after being hurt in a bicycle accident include:
- Contact Local police.
- Seek Medical Attention.
- Collect Evidence
- Speak with a New Jersey bike accident attorney.
It’s important to contact local authorities. They will file a police report, which will serve as documented proof that the accident occurred. If this step is not taken, it will be much more difficult, if not impossible, to get the compensation you deserve for medical bills or lost wages resulting from the accident.
Given that they lack the protection of safety features that come standard in passenger vehicles, like airbags, seatbelts, and a ton of metal surrounding them, cyclists can suffer far more severe injuries than they might have if they had been inside a vehicle. It’s crucial to get the right medical care following a bike accident. If needed, go to the emergency room right away. Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, you should still seek medical care.
Gather as much evidence as possible. This may include statements from any witnesses, photographs, insurance information from the driver who hit you. Also, it’s important to get contact information for everyone involved, including the witnesses. That means names, phone numbers, addresses, and driver’s license numbers.
Next to your health, the most important thing is your legal right to damages. Pursuing a claim often means the difference between being able to afford your medical bills and having to deny yourself needed treatment. Speak to an experienced New Jersey bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible.
Some Bicycle Accident Facts
It’s shocking how many individuals sustain injuries in bicycle accidents.
- In 2013, 494,000 Americans wound up in the ER after a bike accident, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
- Bicycle accident deaths claim over 700 lives each year, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- As of 2013, 2.3% of all roadway fatalities result from bicycle accidents.
- The National Safety Council reports that bicycle accidents and their associated injuries cost the United States over $4 Billion every year.
Contact Us Now
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t waste another moment. Contact one of our experienced New Jersey bicycle accident attorneys right away.