Car Accidents Involving Cyclists – Injured While Riding a Bike

Taking Bicycle Safety to a New Level

While people know about general bike safety, most have no clue what to do should a car hit them while riding. When it comes to car/bike related accidents, there are two types of accidents that often occur. Cars often make a left handed turn and go right into the path of an oncoming biker. This is the first type of incident. The second type of incident is when the motorist does not see the cyclist and they run right into them. When motorists drive drowsy, are distracted, or there are bad conditions on the roadways, these kinds of accidents become frequent.

Why Bike and Car Collisions Are So Dangerous

Due to the fact that a cyclist is out in the open and exposed with no protection, a car collision is often deadly. The person in the car has the protection of the car and the biker has nothing. If a person does manage to pull through the incident, there will probably be serious injuries. After an accident has occurred, the cyclist may feel that they are fine, as the body kicks in a rush of adrenaline due to the mishap. While the body feels fine, the adrenaline is masking the true pain and injuries that are there. Due to the fact that internal injuries are not always obvious, it is important to get checked out by a medical professional. Even if the injuries appear to be minor in nature, make sure to get a medical clearance. 

What To Do After A Bike Accident

Once a bicycle accident has occurred, there are a few things that need to be done immediately. They are as follows:

• Exchange Information with the Driver
• Make a Police Report
• Be Evaluated At the ER
• Assess the Bike's Damages
• Contact an Attorney If Necessary

A bike accident should be handled just like a car accident. Exchange information with the driver and get as many details as possible. It is important to get a police report to keep details straight and to ensure a professional opinion is made regarding the incident. The officers usually will cite one person or the other for the accident. This can be used to help prove innocence on the biker's behalf, should this be the case. 

While exchanging information and such, try to see if there are any witnesses around. People often love to gather at an incident such as this. Get any statements you can and also their contact information. Their testimony can be what helps you win a potential legal battle. Additionally, a lawyer will need help to collaborate your story. 

Many people are in a state of shock after an accident of any kind. The EMTs may or may not be called to the scene. It is still advisable to be checked out at the ER to make sure that any x-rays or CT scans are done. The risk for internal injury is high when it comes to a bike accident. It is better to be safe than sorry. Also, these reports can help to build the ground work for your legal battle. If you are worried about who will pay for the hospital visit, do not worry. The motor vehicle insurance will cover the payment to the hospital regardless of who is at fault. As a last resort, the personal injury automobile protection of the cyclist will also cover this visit. 

Get a damage report done on the bike. This can be done at any bike dealer. Some bikes can cost as much as a car, so you want to make sure you can have a written statement to prove the value. Getting information off of Craig's List or eBay can also be helpful for vintage models. Have the dealer put together a repair versus replacement estimate. In some cases, just like an automobile crash, it is better to replace the bike than to repair it. Make sure that your reports are detailed and can allow the courts to make a clear decision on the matter. 

Getting Legal Help

After you have gathered information, it is time to get legal help. You need an attorney that can fight for you and defend your rights after an accident. You need to be compensated for your injuries and your bike. If you have had to take time off of work due to the injuries you have sustained, we can help you get back your lost wages. No, not ever accident between a bike and a car is the fault of the driver, but as long as you are following the rules of the road, the odds are in your favor.