Thousands of bicycle accidents have been reported in New Jersey in the last ten years. More often than not, bikers are hit by vehicle drivers who are either negligent, speeding, or just reckless. Following a mishap, you may have one question on your mind – “Who will pay my medical bills?”. The answer depends on circumstances, but what you do immediately after a bicycle accident matters the most. Take the initiative to talk to attorneys of Bruce Law, LLC for a free consultation session. Here are the other steps that matter.
- Get immediate care: Even when you have basic safety gear, you are more likely to suffer severe injuries in a bicycle accident compared to someone who is in a car. Do not take pain and discomfort for granted. If required, visit the emergency room. At times, injuries may not be apparent instantly as there is an adrenaline rush.
- Call the police: There is no reason why you should settle things with the car driver at the scene. Anything they promise verbally may change, which is why it is critical that you inform the local law enforcement and ensure there is a report on the accident.
- Check for people around: If someone saw the accident happen, they are your most significant resource for getting a testimony. Make sure you get their contact information, and you can later call them to get a first-hand view of how things unfolded according to them.
- Protect what you have: Do not repair the bicycle or sell it off. Also, if your clothes were blood-soaked or your helmet was damaged, you may want to retain them. Use zip-lock bags where possible because these are critical pieces of evidence.
- Take pictures: You must have enough visual images of your injuries because as time passes by, you may not be able to show certain things, such as bruises and lacerations. Use your phone to capture as many images and videos as you can.
- Meet a lawyer: As discussed above, it is critical that you check with an attorney to know the overall merit of your bicycle accident case. They should be able to tell you whether you should file a claim and what you could be your compensation.
Most bicycle accident lawyers in NJ don’t charge a fee until the case has been settled, which means you don’t have to compromise on your finances to seek legal help. Shortlist a few options today!
