Sometimes the bad stuff happens. Being involved in a collision while riding your bike is an unusual experience for most people. Unlike most vehicle’ collisions, when you are in a collision on your bicycle, you are more likely to suffer broken bones or see blood from scrapes or cuts. It’s no easy task to keep a clear head or think rationally in these circumstances.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, there might be something that you can do after being hit, other than throwing yourself into the hands of EMT - there are steps you can take that will make sure you get the information and help you need before departing the scene of the accident.
Wait for the Police to Arrive
It’s important that you wait for the police to arrive at the scene so they can take and file the report –even if you’re not injured. Some bikers don’t realize they’ve been wounded until several hours after the accident. Not to mention that seemingly minor wounds later develop into severe and permanent problems, so don’t try to go home immediately if you want to identify the at-fault driver.
Also, don’t try to enter negotiations with the driver as some of them initially apologize and take the blame, only to later deny their negligence. The smartest thing you can do is wait for the police so they can document everything in the police report and even ticket the driver, which may help settle the case with the insurance company.
Get Your Version of Events in the Accident Report
Many Michigan pedestrians and other road users, for instance, are not yet familiarized with so many bicycles being on the stress or major routes. This, in turn, puts bicycle riders at the risk factor of being involved in a bicycle accident caused by negligent road users. In most cases, the police officer will take a statement from the passers and other drivers not to bother talking to you. So do everything you can to share your side of the story in the police report.
Preserve Evidence and Seek Advice from a Professional
Leave any damaged property, even your bike, in the same state as after the collision. Don’t try to have anything inspected or fixed, and don’t wash your clothing. Take several photos of your injuries as soon as possible and start a journal of your physical symptoms, you and your Michigan Personal Injury lawyers will need it. However, make sure you consult with a personal injury attorney who understands the case or has handled bike accident cases before.
Obtain Contact Information and Document Your Injuries
If you can, get the name of the driver, as well as her or his phone number, address, driver’s license number, insurance information, and vehicle license number. Also, try to get the contact information and names of those who witness the accident. Don’t just assume the authorities will get all of these details – they might not. If you’re injured and not able to do it, ask a witness to do it for you.
Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries – no matter if they’re minor. The fact that you sought medical attention will be used as proof that you were wounded, and medical records will document the gravity of those injuries.