It seems like every day there is a new video of a negligent or irate driver hitting a cyclist. You know that every time you put wheels to pavement, you are taking a risk. Whether you are riding in the urban areas of Phoenix or outside the city, you almost always have to share the road with cars. Unfortunately, sometimes drivers forget that they also have to share the road with you and when this happens, it often leads to a bicycle accident.
Since it is not always possible to avoid an accident, the best thing you can is to be prepared. While preparation includes wearing proper safety gear, such as a helmet, it also means having a post-accident plan in place. When we were kids in school, we practiced what fire drills so that if such a thing ever occurred we would know exactly what to do. The same holds true as adults when it comes to accidents. Read further for tips to follow in case you have a cycling accident.
Move off the road
After an accident, the first thing you should do is to make your way off of the road. If you have just been involved with a collision with a motor vehicle, the last thing you want to do is get hit by another car. If you are not too injured to move, work your way on to the sidewalk or into the grass while you wait for emergency responders to arrive.
Call an ambulance
If you have suffered even minor injuries, call an ambulance. At the very least, go see your doctor as soon as possible, even if you do not feel like you are badly injured. Sometimes, the worst injuries are ones we do not see or cause seemingly minor discomfort. If you have internal damage and leave it untreated, it could have very serious consequences.
Talk to witnesses
Without witness statements, the insurance company might deny your claim against of the driver that hit you, since it will be your word against his. If there were other people around that saw the accident, be sure to get their statements and contact information. In addition, get the name, phone number, and address of the driver. Also, if you have your phone handy, take pictures of the car, your bicycle, injuries you suffered, and the accident scene.
Don’t apologize or claim fault
Keep your statements to a minimum. So not apologize to the driver or make any statements that could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Doing so may have a negative impact on your case if you intend to file a claim against the driver.
If you have been involved in a collision with a vehicle while riding your bicycle, it is important to remember that you have rights and options. Furthermore, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages and property damage.