In this fast paced world we live in, the people of Temecula often choose a leisurely bike ride over driving a car. Whether you are commuting to work on a bicycle to avoid the notoriously busy Southern California roads and highways or taking a scenic ride for exercise, riding a bike can be dangerous. Before you even know what’s happening, a driver’s negligence can cause a collision that leaves the bicyclist with severe injuries. From head, neck and back injuries to broken bones, the impact of a bicycle accident can be debilitating. Knowing what to do in the moments, weeks and months following an accident is crucial.
The excitement and confusion following a collision with a motor vehicle can leave a bicyclist distressed and unsure of the next steps. You are likely to see damage to your bicycle and feel pain. Regardless of your immediate injuries or pain level, your first step should be to call the local Temecula police, even if you do not feel injured right away. Filing a report and reporting damages is essential, especially because your injuries and pain may grow more severe over time. As you wait for the police, begin to document the accident with photos and notes if you are capable.
Once the Temecula police have arrived, be sure to speak with them directly. You want your story written down and you need the police to acknowledge your injuries and include them in the police report. This is also the time to gather the contact information of witnesses and the driver involved with the accident.
Immediately following the accident (or as soon as possible), call your lawyer. You will want to write down any physical injuries on paper along with dates and times. Your memory of the events will be most accurate immediately following the accident.
The personal injury lawyers at Duque Law Group may recommend that you seek medical attention as evidence of the damages caused by the accident. Documenting your injuries, no matter how small you think they are, is a crucial step.
Be sure to preserve as much evidence as possible. Do not fix your bike, rather leave it in the same condition as it was following the accident. If you have any other damaged property (including clothing or a helmet), keep that available as well as our attorneys may request photos of the pieces.
By this time, you will likely have met with your attorney and discussed the accident and which circumstances will allow you to earn the compensation that you deserve.
Personal injury cases are difficult and require a skilled attorney. Do not try to take on the insurance company lawyers by yourself. The Temecula lawyers at Duque Law Group want to get to the bottom of the case and help you receive any compensation for injuries, damage or pain and suffering that you may deserve.