Nobody goes out on a bike ride expecting to get hurt in an accident. Even if you are prepared for that possibility, a collision with a speeding car, or just pavement, can still be an immensely jarring experience. However, being proactive about enforcing your rights after an incident like this can be vital to protecting your best interests not just right now but well into the future.
One of the best ways to improve your chances of success with a potential bike injury lawsuit is to know a little bit in advance about what to do after a bicycle accident in Woodland Hills. Our lawyers are ready to come to you when you need help, to take your case to trial when needed, and to fight aggressively for every cent of compensation you deserve. Reach out today to learn more.
Get Contact and Insurance Information From Everyone Involved
When a negligent driver strikes and injures someone who was on their bicycle at the time of the collision, the injured rider’s first source for financial recovery will almost certainly be the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. With that in mind, one of the first things a bicyclist should do after this type of bike crash in Woodland Hills is get the contact and insurance details from all drivers involved in their wreck. It is worth noting that drivers are required by California law to provide this information in these types of situations.
Call the Police So They Can Respond to the Scene
It can feel a little awkward to get the police involved in a bicycle accident. It can also feel especially odd if it did not seem to cause any major injuries or if it stemmed from a poorly maintained riding path rather than a negligent motor vehicle driver.
However, a police accident report can serve as crucial evidence during a bicycle accident lawsuit. A key step to take after almost any bicycle wreck in Woodland Hills is calling 911 to get both a police presence at the scene and access to emergency medical services if needed. Learn more by working with our trusted team.
Take Photos and Gather Other Evidence
If a bicycle accident in Woodland Hills results in a rider suffering a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention, the only thing they should worry about is getting to a hospital or urgent care clinic. This way, the rider can receive the treatment they need to stabilize their condition.
Outside of such scenarios, it can be very helpful for bike crash victims to take photos of the scene where their crash occurred. They should pay particularly close attention to bicycle or vehicle damage, their own injuries, traffic patterns, and any obstacles nearby that may have impeded someone’s visibility.
Get Professional Medical Care as Soon as Possible
Finally, it should be emphasized that going to the doctor is not just something a bicycle rider should do if they need emergency care after an accident in Woodland Hills. In fact, everyone involved in any kind of bike wreck caused by another person’s misconduct should make getting a professional checkup one of their top priorities
This helps to ensure that more subtle injuries do not develop into long-term disabilities. It also provides medical documentation of injuries, which can be later used as evidence during a lawsuit or a settlement demand.
Contact a Woodland Hills Attorney To Learn What To Do After a Bicycle Crash
Of course, this is just a basic overview of some key actions to take after a bike accident that results from legally actionable negligence. The actual process of filing a suit over this kind of incident can be extremely complicated in its own right, especially if you try to navigate that process without support from qualified legal counsel.
Working with a bicycle accident lawyer from Valero Law Group will dramatically improve your chances of getting the best possible result from your claim. Call today to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss what to do after a bicycle accident in Woodland Hills.