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What Are the Most Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in San Diego?
Bicycle accidents can lead to devastating injuries, given that a cyclist’s body is primarily exposed to external factors that increase the likelihood of severe injuries. San Diego personal injury lawyers highlight the following common causes of bicycle accidents:
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Loss of control
- Mechanical failure
- Adverse weather conditions
- Distracted riding
- Mistakes when taking corners
- Inexperienced cyclists
- Negligence
- Violation of traffic rules
If you get involved in a bicycle accident, knowing what to do and what not to do is crucial. Bicycle accident attorneys in San Diego explain that your action or inaction can affect your claim if you wish to pursue compensation from the party responsible for the accident.
Check Yourself for Injuries
The first most important thing is to check for injuries before getting off the ground. Perform a quick body scan by checking if you can move your hands, feet, legs, or arms. Take note of anything that feels unusual. For example, does your sense of sight feel off or your head heavy?
If you feel okay and can, move to a safe spot off the road or out of the way of other road users. When you’re out of harm’s way, you can do a more thorough assessment. For example, check your helmet for scratches, cracks, or dents, which could indicate the severity of the accident’s impact.
Call the Police and Don’t Leave the Accident Scene
The law stipulates that parties involved in an accident should remain at the scene if they have injuries or property damage. Even if you don’t feel like you’ve been injured, it’s advisable to wait for the police to arrive. Leaving the accident scene without a police report may make it difficult to obtain compensation if you later discover an injury related to the accident.
San Diego bicycle accident lawyers say the police report is crucial to strengthening your claim. It gives more perspective into the cause and events leading to the accident, which can help determine liability. Ensure you give your statement of what happened and that the officer captures it in the report, and be careful to report any injury, no matter how minor.
If you’re not able to give your statement at the scene, ask to have it modified later. However, obtain a copy of the police report or the accident report number, which your lawyers will use to help you create a strong claim.
Document the Accident Scene
The strength of your compensation claim largely depends on the type of evidence you submit. Personal injury attorneys in San Diego say collecting as much evidence as possible from the accident scene is crucial. Take photos or videos of your injuries, the surrounding area, the car that hit you, and the damage to your bicycle.
Accident experts will carefully analyze the damage on the bike’s wheels, brake levers, shifters, saddle, seat post, and frame, which can give insights into the impact of the collision. Don’t have the bike repaired before your case is settled. It’s also essential to preserve any damaged clothing and not wash it.
Obtain Information from the Driver
Talk to the driver involved in the bicycle accident and exchange information such as their name, phone number, address, make of the car, license plate number, and insurance policy number. This information is crucial in helping you file a compensation claim for your damages.
Your conversation should be short and focused on collecting these details. Avoid saying anything that could incriminate you or shift the blame to you. Additionally, don’t negotiate with the driver even if they apologize or accept the blame.
Your damages and injuries could be more than they seem initially, and you may not recover the full amount you deserve. Besides, the driver could change their mind before compensating you, or deny the accident. It’s advisable to let skilled bicycle accident attorneys in San Diego handle negotiations with the relevant insurance company.
Collect Eyewitness’s Contact Information
Eyewitness accounts of the events before and during the accident are crucial in strengthening compensation claims. Request them to give you their names and phone numbers so your lawyers can contact them later for more details. If your case proceeds to litigation, the witnesses can testify in court to corroborate your claims.
Seek Medical Help
Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s vital to seek medical assistance as soon as possible after the accident. Medical professionals can critically assess you for injuries, both external and internal. They may discover internal damage or bleeding that could otherwise have passed unnoticed and later develop into a life-threatening complication.
Bicycle accident lawyers in San Diego add that medical reports and bills are crucial evidence to strengthen your claim further. They give more insights into the type and extent of injury sustained, factors that affect your compensation claim, and the settlement amount you can obtain.
Get the Assistance of a Skilled Personal Injury Attorney After a Bicycle Accident
Getting involved in a bicycle accident can leave you confused and unsure of what to do. During this time, seeking legal counsel and representation is important to help you navigate the nuances of a compensation claim for your damages. Experienced bicycle accident lawyers in San Diego can fight for a fair amount on your behalf to protect your rights.
Finn Trial Attorneys, APC, a reputable personal injury law firm in San Diego, hosts dedicated bicycle accident attorneys. We can evaluate your case specifics and provide legal counsel to help you weigh your legal options after a bicycle accident. We focus on pursuing the compensation you deserve to help you rebuild your life. Call us at 619-375-5105 to schedule a FREE case assessment.
