The Dos And Don'ts If You're Hit While Riding A Bicycle
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Many major cities are making their city centers more bicycle friendly by adding dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian green-ways. San Diego recently implemented their Downtown Mobility Plan and is spending nearly $64 million to do just that. However, by increasing the number of people riding bicycles in a downtown urban area, the number of accidents could increase as well. What would you do if you were struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle? Take a look at what you should and should not do if this happens to you.
What You Should Not Do
- If you are hit while riding your bicycle, do not communicate to anyone that you feel okay. This includes the person that hit you, the police that show up, a best friend who was riding with you, and any concerned witnesses that rushed over to offer assistance. If any injuries develop later, your insurance company may be suspicious of your claims. Instead, say something alluding to the fact that you're not sure how you feel, and that you want to see your doctor to make sure.
- After an accident, do not immediately repair your bicycle. Borrow another bike in the meantime. It's important to keep your bike in the same condition as it was after the accident happened. You can get a repair estimate from an expert, but do not let them begin any repairs. The advice of the repairman will be needed in case you settle with an insurance company.
What You Should Always Do
- Call the police, even if you don't feel like you were injured. The police will complete an official police report, which you might need if you develop injuries later. Also, any damage to your bicycle will be noted in the report as well.
- Try to get as much information as possible from the driver that hit you. If they drive away after hitting you, a license plate number may be all that you need to track him or her down. If they stick around, ask to see their driver's license and insurance information. Verify their phone number by calling the driver right there at the scene to avoid being given a false number. Make sure all this information is included on the police report, too.
- Document as much evidence as possible. If you can, take pictures of the driver's insurance information, driver's license, license plates, and any damage to your bike. If there are any witnesses, obtain their name and contact information in case you need their testimony in the future.
- Visit your doctor as soon as possible after your accident. Hopefully you are just fine, but you need a record of a physical exam in case you develop injuries later. Insurance companies want to have proof that you really do have legitimate injuries.
For more information on how you should proceed after any accident, contact a firm like Lerner, Piermont & Riverol, P.A.
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19 May 2017
