Cycling is one of the most popular leisure activities, and for many people, an essential means of transportation. The number of bike riders in the United States has increased over the past five years from 43 million to more than 48 million.
Unfortunately, the number of bicycle accidents has also increased. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Florida has the highest rate of bicyclist deaths in the country. If you are severely injured in a bicycle accident that was caused by the negligence or carelessness of the other party, it is important that you contact Daytona Beach injury attorneys immediately.
An experienced attorney can help you seek justice and ensure that you are fully compensated for all the injuries caused by the accident. The attorney will handle your financial recovery as you concentrate on what matters most: physical and emotional recuperation. Here are the important things to do when you get into a bicycle accident in Daytona Beach, FL.
Call 911
The most important thing you can do after a bicycle accident is to move out of traffic and away from further danger. If necessary, call 911 and wait for emergency services to arrive.
Give Your Statement to Police Officer
A police report is an essential document that your Daytona Beach injury attorney will use while building your bicycle accident case. While police officers do not automatically write a report after a bicycle accident, you can politely request an accident report from the police officer. For the best results, have your side of the story taken down on the police report.
Your first statements are held in high regard, since small details and facts may be forgotten down the road. The police serve as a valuable mediator between yourself and the other parties involved. Thus, it is important to wait for the police to arrive at the scene of the accident. Another reason to wait for the police is that they may ticket the driver, which is vital in settling the case with the insurance company.
Document What Happened
Whenever possible, make some short notes about the accident, how it happened, where it occurred, the time it occurred, and traffic and weather conditions. If you can, walk around the scene of the accident and take pictures of the surrounding area from multiple perspectives. Make sure to take photos of road conditions, traffic signs or lights in the area, damage to your bicycle, the position of your bicycle or vehicle after the accident, and weather and lighting conditions. Photo evidence is vital in showing how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
Obtain Driver and Witness Contact Information
If possible, do not let the other party leave the scene of the accident without identifying themselves. If it is a hit and run, do not bother chasing after the driver. Just get their license plate and contact the police. If the driver stops, get their full name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, vehicle license number, and insurance information. You should also get the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident. This basic information will be necessary if you file a bicycle accident case.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
It is highly advisable that you get proper medical attention immediately after the accident and throughout the recovery process. Be sure to seek emergency medical care if necessary. This may entail being transported by an ambulance to an emergency department, calling paramedics, or visiting an urgent care facility immediately after leaving the scene of the accident.
Even if you think you are not hurt, it is recommended that you seek medical attention, since some internal injuries only present themselves long after the accident has occurred. In addition, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions regarding ongoing medical care. This may involve consultations with specialists, chiropractic services, physical therapy, or medical pain management. The fact that you sought medical treatment serves as proof that you were injured, while the medical records document the severity of your injuries.
Contact a Trustworthy Daytona Beach Injury Attorney
Many mishaps involving bicycles and cars involve complex legal issues. It is imperative that you consult an experienced Daytona Beach injury attorney. In Florida you have 14 days to seek medical attention after an accident, so time matters. Please call Zimmet & Zimmet at (386) 255-6400 for a free consultation, we charge no fee unless we recover money for you.
These are some simple steps on how to protect yourself after being involved in a bicycle accident. Taking the appropriate steps can make a big difference in the future of your potential bicycle accident case.
