I Was Involved in a Car Accident with a Cyclist. What Should I Do?
Updated On July 31, 2021 | by Benjamin Garfield
Being involved in a car accident with a cyclist is a terrifying experience for both the cyclist and the driver. The most important thing about this situation is the safety of both individuals. If you were unharmed, hopefully, you immediately went to check on the well-being of the cyclist. The best thing for each of you to do is to call 911 to report the situation.
Alert the Authorities.
After any motor vehicle accident, it is crucial to get checked out by a healthcare professional. Even if you feel at the time that you haven’t sustained any injuries, a minor unseen problem can develop into a more severe condition down the road. Medical bills can be detrimentally expensive. Don’t let yourself get caught without coverage in the future because you didn’t seek treatment today.
Swap Information with the Cyclist.
Similar to being involved in a car accident, you will need to provide your insurance information. The cyclist is likely not required to have insurance, but you should try to get their contact information. This step is vital if your insurance company needs to reach out to them. Even if you do not want to make an insurance claim, you need to report the incident to your insurance carrier.
You may be reluctant to notify your insurance carrier of an accident because you want to avoid raising the costs of your premiums. If your insurance company finds out about the accident through the other party and you did not report it, though, your policy could be invalidated. If the accident did not occur due to a driver error, your insurance company would be able to investigate the circumstances for you.
Obtain Legal Representation.
In some cases, like those with discrepancies regarding liability, it may be necessary to retain the services of a lawyer. If you have doubts about the fairness of your settlement offer or are facing medical expenses after a catastrophic injury, consult with a legal professional. Industry leaders like California car accident lawyers the May Firm are well-versed in many autos accident cases, including those involving pedestrians.
Personal injury law is a complicated field to navigate on your own. These complexities can be especially challenging to deal with if you are healing from a physical injury like broken bones. The best way to ensure your legal rights are protected is to retain the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer. The claim process can be tough to manage, especially if you are the at-fault party. By employing the services of a personal injury attorney, you can focus on recovering and let the professionals handle the rest.
No matter the type of accident, collisions are inherently stressful. Between vehicle repairs, medical expenses, and time off of work, a car accident has the potential to uproot your entire life. To ensure the best result possible, it may be in your best interest to retain a lawyer. This practice is beneficial regardless of who is at fault for the incident and how serious the damages are. Consulting with a law firm can give you the peace of mind you need to begin recovering.
