Being in a road crash as a cyclist or motorbike owner can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience.
Unfortunately, it's common for cyclists and motorbike owners to face significant financial losses due to the negligence of other drivers on the road.
While seeking compensation may be the goal after such an event, there are several legal steps cyclists and motorbike owners should take to protect themselves and ensure their rights are not violated.
This article will discuss six key legal tips cyclists and motorbike owners should follow after a road crash. Let's get to the list.
Seek Medical Attention
The first step cyclists and motorbike owners should take after a crash is to seek medical attention.
Not only will this ensure their well-being, but it will also provide crucial evidence of the incident that can be used in any legal proceedings.
Medical records are key pieces of evidence for proving the extent of injury sustained from the accident and its impact on one’s life.
When seeking medical attention, it is important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions and keep track of any treatments or medications prescribed. This will be helpful when obtaining damages from the liable party. For instance, if you are prescribed physical therapy or have surgery costs, those will be important to document and include in your claim.
Report the Accident
Another legal tip cyclists and motorbike owners should follow is to report the crash. This can be done by contacting local law enforcement or filing a police report. Depending on the jurisdiction, a formal police complaint may not be necessary, but it is highly recommended that there is an official record of the accident.
In addition, while at the crash scene, it is important to exchange information with the other party involved. This includes names, contact info, license plate numbers, and insurance details. This will ensure that the liable party can be held accountable.
Seek Legal Help
The third legal tip cyclists and motorbike owners should follow is to seek legal help. The law surrounding road crashes can be complex, so it’s important to consult with a lawyer specializing in this law area. As seen at https://bestbicycleaccidentlawyer.com/bike-accidents/, a skilled attorney can help cyclists and motorbike owners understand their rights and determine the best course of action for pursuing compensation. They can help with the negotiation process, filing of lawsuits, and other legal paperwork associated with a crash.
When choosing a lawyer, it is important to find one that is experienced in handling cycling and motorbike cases. They should have knowledge of the applicable laws and regulations, understand the necessary steps for filing a claim, and be committed to achieving justice for their clients. You can ask for recommendations or read reviews online to find the best legal representation.
Gather Evidence
Another key legal tip cyclists and motorbike owners should follow is to gather evidence related to the crash.
This includes photographs of the crash scene, witness statements, medical records, police reports, and any other information that may be relevant.
The more evidence gathered, the stronger a cyclist or motorbike owner’s case will be when seeking compensation.
It is also important to keep all communication related to the accident, such as emails and text messages. This can provide useful information for legal proceedings. Furthermore, it is wise to avoid posting about the incident on social media or speaking with reporters until one consults a lawyer. Be sure to save any related tweets, posts, and videos.
Contact Insurance Company
Cyclists and motorbike owners should contact their insurance companies. This is important for a number of reasons, especially when filing a claim. The insurance company can advise on how to proceed and what documents are needed for the claims process.
Additionally, the insurance company can provide coverage for medical costs and other damages if there is a dispute over who was at fault in the accident. However, it is important to consult a lawyer before agreeing to any settlement the insurer offers, as it may not be in one’s best interests.
File a Claim
Another important legal tip cyclists and motorbike owners should follow is to file a claim with their insurance company—or the liable party if they have uninsured/underinsured coverage. This will help them receive compensation for medical expenses, pain, suffering, lost wages, property damage, and any other losses.
It is important to note that each state has different regulations regarding filing a claim. Some states have deadlines for filing, so it’s best to work with an experienced attorney who can ensure you file the claim within the allotted time frame and obtain maximum compensation.
Cyclists and motorbike owners should take the necessary legal steps after a road crash. This includes exchanging information at the scene of the accident, gathering evidence, seeking legal help, contacting their insurance company, and filing a claim. By adhering to these tips, cyclists and motorbike riders can ensure they are properly compensated for any damages or injury they incurred as a result of the crash.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nurlana Alasgarli
Content Specialist
Nurlana Alasgarli is a professional copywriter with more than 6 years of creative writing experience. Having lived and experienced all over the world, there are many writing genres that Nurlana follows, including adventure, outdoor and motorbiking. Nurlana brings life to content creation, captivating her readers.
