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When a cyclist is involved in a collision, there can be some confusion about how the cyclist can be compensated for any damage to their bike. If the collision was not the cyclistu2019s fault, the cyclist is entitled to pursue a claim for the property damage to the bike.
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Essential Procedures to Improve Bicycle Accident Claim Compensation
Introduction • More than 45000 cyclists are injured or killed annually by collisions with motor vehicles. • If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bike, you can file an insurance claim for compensation.
Gather Evidence at the Scene • Call 911 after an accident with a motor vehicle. • Tell the dispatcher you were hit by a car while riding a bike. • Get the at-fault driver’s information. • Also collect the vehicle information.
Watch What You Say • Don’t be distracted by apologies from the at-fault driver. • Your initial reaction might be to forgive a motorist for hitting you, especially when the apology seems sincere. • Anything you say may be used against you during settlement negotiations.
Write it All Down • Pay close attention for admissions of fault by the driver who hit you. • Make detailed notes for yourself as soon as possible after the crash, while it’s fresh in your mind. • Include everything the other driver or passengers said.
Look for Witnesses • Point out to the officers any witnesses to the bicycle-car accident. • If you don’t let the officers know who they are, you may lose the opportunity to have their statements included in the police report. • After pointing out any witnesses to the police, try to get their contact information yourself.
Check for Hazardous Road Conditions • If you crashed your bike because of obstacles or damage in the roadway, such as broken pavement or potholes, note the exact area where you were injured. • Look for mile markers, street signs, and other landmarks. • If you have a camera or cell phone, take photographs of the scene that include reference points like stores, cross street signs, and other identifiers.
Get Treatment and Document Injuries • Most personal injury settlement offers are based on the claimant’s medical bills. • Getting prompt medical treatment and documenting your injuries is essential to building a strong bike accident claim.
Protect the Value of Your Claim • Treat a bicycle accident with the same gravity as a car accident. Contact a bicycle accident lawyer for help. • Too many motorists believe colliding with a bicycle doesn’t really count. • The driver may slow down to see what happened, or drive away, blaming the cyclist for being on the road. • If a motorist doesn’t stop after injuring a cyclist, it’s a felony hit and run. If this happens, alert the police immediately.