What To Do After a Car Hits You on Your Bike in West Virginia

When a vehicle crashes into your bike on the road, it leaves you struggling to pick up the pieces. Between medical bills, missed time from work, and physical recovery, you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start.

As bicycle accident attorneys, we have helped countless clients recover and get their lives back on track after catastrophic crashes. We know first-hand the confusion victims face in the aftermath of a collision, trying to navigate medical bills, lost wages, insurance claims, and securing their legal rights.

This article provides a practical guide on essential steps to take after a bike accident. Follow these actions to protect yourself now while pursuing fair compensation down the road.

Step 1: Seek Emergency Medical Care Immediately

Regardless of how “minor” injuries appear at the scene, promptly seek an emergency medical evaluation after any bike incident with a vehicle.

Shock, adrenaline, and underlying conditions can mask serious trauma that may not manifest immediately, like internal bleeding, fractures, organ damage, or head injuries. Some bicycle accident victims suffer traumatic brain injuries with potentially permanent effects.

Do not leave the scene or decline ambulance transportation without getting checked out. Even if you feel fine after a crash, follow-ups are crucial. We have seen too often seemingly “mild” accidents escalate into lasting health problems or disabilities due to lack of prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Step 2: Document the Accident Scene Thoroughly

While awaiting first responders, safely capture thorough evidence from the accident scene that could prove invaluable if injuries emerge later or legal action becomes necessary.

Key documentation includes:

• Photographs showing vehicle damage, road conditions, weather, skid marks, and visibility. Also, photograph all injuries, no matter how trivial they appear.
• Badge numbers, statements, and contact information for all responding officers.
• Full contact details and insurance information for the driver, along with vehicle specifics like make, model, and license plate.
• Witness statements and contact information from anyone who saw the incident occur. Their future testimony can affirm liability.

Comprehensive documentation not only aids possible legal proceedings but also helps insurance agencies verify and process claims for medical bills, property damage, and other expenses that commonly follow bike crashes.

Step 3: Report the Incident to Authorities

File a formal report on record with authorities. This creates an official statement of what transpired while the details remain fresh so that attorneys can reference them later if needed.

If officers did not originally respond to the scene, visit the nearest station to log a bicycle accident report as soon as possible. Providing documentation and contact information for the driver streamlines authorities’ investigations and follow-ups.

Step 4: Carefully Track Expenses and Lost Wages

As you recover, carefully document all accident-related costs, even basic expenses. Even small things add up.

Document your:

• Medical bills
• Prescription costs
• Lost wages from missing work
• Property damage
• Rental car receipts

Do not pay any out-of-pocket costs for your injury. Instead, compile a detailed list of all your accident expenses and provide these to our legal team. We can then pursue full compensation for you through insurance claims or a personal injury lawsuit if needed. Let us handle all aspects of getting you properly compensated.

Step 5: Contact a Bike Accident Lawyer Early On

Contact a lawyer immediately following your accident. An experienced attorney can offer invaluable guidance on protecting your rights. There are nuances to state statutes and stringent deadlines for insurance claims or lawsuits that everyday people often don’t realize. Missing these intricacies could jeopardize your case or compensation down the road.

Bicycle accident lawyers can help you:

• Find the right doctors and treatment options
• Navigate confusing paperwork and bureaucracy
• Determine fault and liability
• Submit documentation for strongest insurance claims
• Negotiate medical bills and expenses
• Replace your damaged bike and equipment
• Secure compensation for all hardships you face

The legal system doesn’t have to be intimidating. The right lawyer informs you about rights, represents your best interests, and handles intricacies behind the scenes. Our attorneys do the legwork while you focus on recovery.

Contact Miley Legal To Discuss Your Case Risk-Free

The aftermath of a bicycle accident poses enough challenges without attempting to handle every detail alone.

Our attorneys have assisted a large number of cycling accident victims in securing not only financial restitution but also the peace of mind of knowing someone stands alongside them each step of the way.

Don’t try to tackle your case alone. Contact us today for a consultation. We’re here to help get your life back on track.