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What Happens When you Get Hit by a Car while Riding Your Bicycle?

On Behalf of | Sep 7, 2015 | Personal Injury

Ask any commuting cyclist: The rules change when you commute on your bike. Not only are you more exposed to accident an injury, you also don’t have your car insurance to protect you in the event of an accident.

In most cases, cyclists are protected by state and local lawsthat make cars responsible for most accidents between a cyclist or pedestrian. In these cases, you need to get the insurance information from the driver who hit you and proceed as if you were in a car accident. Here are some helpful tips to remember:

  • Get out of the street if you can. Move to safety as soon as possible to avoid being hit again. Do a quick check to figure out where you are hurt. Following an accident, you may not feel every injury since your adrenaline will be running high. Try to calm down and observe where you are injured.
  • Call 911. You need to report the accident and get looked over by a paramedic or a doctor. Head injuries can be slow to present but very serious when they do.
  • Get the driver’s information. Take photos of everything, including driver’s license, license plates, the car’s condition, insurance information, and of course your own injuries and the damage to your bike.
  • Wait for help to arrive. Don’t try to leave the scene, even if you don’t think you’re hurt.
  • Don’t talk. Don’t admit fault or absolve the other driver of blame in an attempt to reassure them. If you want to make any kind of claim at all, admitting fault or trying to make the driver feel better can be used against you. When talking to the police to make your accident report, try to relay what happened succinctly, and leave your emotions out of it.

If you are ticketed for your bicycle accident, don’t hesitate to fight the ticket. It’s not uncommon for police to ticket cyclists who have been hit. You shouldn’t challenge the office right then and there, but if you get ticketed after being injured, have a lawyer take a look at your case for sure.

At Bouchillon, Crossan & Colburn, L.C., our attorneys have more than 40 years dedicated to giving clients the attention, advice, support and empowerment they need to effectively meet their goals. We are committed to the principle that all persons shall have equal justice under the law. If you or a loved one has been injured and is seeking a qualified personal injury attorney, contact our Huntington, West Virginia office to speak with an attorney about your case, or call 304-521-4636.

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