What to Do if You are in a Bicycle Accident in Florida
If you are injured while riding your bicycle in Florida, you may be able to recover damages for the harm you suffered. It is important that you do not do anything in the meantime that can hurt your chances in court or destroy important evidence for your case. It is therefore important to contact a skilled bicycle accident attorney as soon as you can so they can advise you on what to do next.
Get Immediate Medical Attention if Necessary
Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries. If you are hit by a vehicle while riding your bike, the first and most important thing to do is get emergency medical attention if you need it. Before even getting up you should scan your body to make sure that you feel all your limbs. Also check your head and helmet for injuries. Furthermore, remember that sometimes symptoms of injury are not immediately apparent; as such, it is in your best interests to seek medical attention if you have been in a bicycle accident.
Move to a Safe Place
Generally, you will not want to move too much in the case of injury and also so the police can get an accurate view of what happened. However, safety is the first priority; indeed, if you are in the road or anywhere else that puts you at risk, you should move to the side of the road or another safe location.
Call the Police
If you have a phone with you, you should immediately call 911 and request that a law enforcement officer come to the scene. Even relatively minor accidents can benefit from a police report being filed. You may not know immediately that you are injured or the extent of your injuries. When the police arrive, make sure to talk to them so they can get your side of the story on the report.
Do Not Talk About the Accident with the Driver Until the Police Arrive
Of course, you should be polite and let them know whether you need first aid, but other than that you should not talk about the accident with the other driver until police arrive. Also, do not say anything potentially incriminating when recounting your events of the wreck to the police.
Preserve Any Evidence
You will want to keep your bike, even if it is damaged beyond repair. Your bicycle is evidence and your attorneys will want to inspect and photograph it. Also make sure to keep any medical records or other evidence of your injuries. At the scene of the accident you should get the contact information of any witnesses and take pictures of anything related to the accident, such as an obstructed stop sign, weather conditions, or anything else that you think could be helpful in court later.
Contact Clearwater Bicycle Accident Attorneys as Soon as You Are Able
If you are in an accident while riding your bicycle, as soon as you are stable and the emergency has passed you should contact a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney. Our experienced bicycle accident attorneys at Roman & Roman in Clearwater, Florida can help you to get the compensation that you deserve.
Resources:
bicycling.com/rides/injury-prevention/5-things-you-need-do-after-bike-crash
trainright.com/weekend-reading-7-things-crash-bike/