Cycling is very common in Virginia, with many locals cycling from one place to another. Generally, Virginia is a safe place to ride — the League of American cyclists ranked Virginia the 13th bicycle-friendly state in the country. Some of the factors contributing to this reputation include the enforcement of bike laws and the establishment of cycling lanes. However, despite the remarkable ranking, bicycle accidents still occur in Virginia. If you or your loved one has been involved in a Virginia bicycle accident, you should file personal injury claims. Knowing what to do after such a disorienting experience is crucial for your well-being.
Here are steps you should take after a Virginia bicycle accident to maximize on your personal injury claim.
Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you should do is seek medical attention. You should get evaluated by a doctor and get treated if necessary. Given the nature of cycling, cyclists involved in crashes, especially with vehicles, are more likely to suffer from severe injuries like neck, spine, and TBI injuries. Sometimes, the damage caused by these injuries depends on how quickly you are treated.
Therefore, you should call for emergency medical help as soon as possible. Let the emergency treatment team evaluate your injuries and, if necessary, take you in for further assessment and treatment. Some cyclists ignore injuries when they feel they are not seriously injured — a mistake that could turn costly.
No matter the extent of your injuries, you should still see a professional doctor to get medical clearance. Going for checks is vital because it ensures there are no internal injuries that are not presently showing symptoms. Such injuries will be detected and treated on time.
Contact the Police
The next thing you should do is contact the police. Call the police at the accident scene and obtain a copy of the official police report. Personal injury attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp encourage that you get the police report because it contains valuable information that helps prove the trucker’s or motor vehicle driver’s negligence. The report contains vital information like;
- Details of how the accident happened
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Statements from you, witnesses, and the other party
- Any traffic citations issued
- Police remarks as to who might have caused the accident
Preserve Evidence
Getting the necessary evidence is vital for your case after a Virginia bicycle accident. You should take photos of the truck or car that struck your bicycle, the damage to your bicycle, road and weather conditions, the crash scene, your injuries, and any other detail that might help your case. If your injuries are severe and you cannot do any of this, ask someone else to take the pictures. You should also preserve your bike and the clothes you wore in the same condition they were after the collision. Such photos will be crucial if your personal injury case goes to trial.
Do You Still Need To Consult an Attorney After a Virginia Bicycle Accident?
As soon as the accident scene has been cleared and you have obtained the necessary medical treatment, you should speak to an experienced personal injury attorney to find out more about your legal options. An attorney will guide you on how to seek compensation and represent your case. Remember that you will have a limited amount of time to file a compensation claim after being involved in a bicycle accident in VA. Once the given time period elapses, you might be unable to seek compensation for damages.
A personal injury lawyer understands this time limit and will ensure you meet it. With so much at stake, the attorney will complete his/her investigation on time and initiate the process of seeking compensation. It is beneficial to hire an attorney because they understand the Virginia law about bicycle accidents and will present a strong case. They also negotiate on your behalf, especially with settlement offers.
Call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp Today
If you or your loved one have been involved in a bicycle accident in Virginia, our knowledgeable and experienced personal injury law attorneys are here to help. We will thoroughly investigate your bicycle accident case and explain your legal rights and options. Contact Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to schedule a free evaluation of your case with one of our dedicated Virginia bicycle accident attorneys.
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