The aftermath of a biking accident should not be the first time you think about the steps you should take in this situation. After a biking accident occurs, you will most likely feel confused, hurt and shaken-up. This is not the time to be making important decisions, and you won’t have time to think about legalities. To help you prepare for accidents – just in case, the personal injury attorneys at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Foss have put together a step-by-step guide to walk you through the legal aspects of a biking accident.

Immediately Call 911

Whether you are injured or not, you should immediately call 911. While you wait for the police to arrive make sure the other person involved and any witnesses stay put. It will be important for police to obtain a statement from everyone involved.

Leave Equipment in Place

If possible, leave any equipment in place. This way, when the police arrive they will have a better sense of what occurred. As a biker, this can help your case astronomically.

Take Pictures

It is important to take photos of the scene. This will help document the accident in the event something gets moved prior to the police or other emergency professionals arriving on the scene.

Get Driver and Witness Information

It is important to gather information from the driver of the vehicle and any witnesses who saw the accident. This information includes: name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance information and their license plate number.

Fill Out the Accident Report

Make sure you get your version of what happened into the accident report. Sometimes, officers place more importance on the driver of the vehicle’s story and forget to talk to the cyclist. Make sure you report every detail you remember as well as any injuries you may have sustained.

Visit a Doctor

Even if you feel fine after the accident, it is extremely important to get a document of any injuries that may have been sustained. If you do not do this right away and injuries appear down the road- insurance may not pay for your treatment.

Seek Advice from a Professional

Any accident between a vehicle and a pedestrian will involve complex legal issues. Consult a personal injury attorney at O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Foss for professional legal advice.

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