There are many health benefits associated with riding a bike. However, colliding with motor vehicles frightens almost all cyclists. Avoiding such disasters is sometimes inevitable; it can happen out of negligence of drivers or even cyclist themselves. If a driver is negligent, a cyclist has every right to seek monetary compensation for damages and injuries from the driver’s insurance company. Unfortunately, it could be very hard to determine whose fault an accident is; therefore, it is always best to wait for the police to come and investigate the accident. We also recommend to cycle with your cell phone. Not only can a cell phone be used to call for help in case of emergency, but it can also be used to take pictures on the scene, which could significantly help your case in the future.
Most commonly, car-on-bike accidents occur either when a vehicle turns left and doesn’t notice a bicyclist going in the opposite direction, or a vehicle abruptly turns right while a bicyclist is riding in the bike lane, or right shoulder, in the same direction. Other incidents may include a driver suddenly opening an automobile door without noticing a bicyclist passing by, which may result in the bicyclist crashing into the driver or the open door.
So what do you do if you find yourself in a car-on-bike accident? You should NOT negotiate with the driver. A lot of times, drivers would apologize for causing the crash only to deny their fault later. Sometimes they might even refuse to admit that they were present at the scene of an accident. What you should do is to take as much information as possible before the driver makes an attempt to leave the scene. Remember the color, the brand and the license plate of the car, if possible. Do not negotiate with the driver under any circumstances. Wait for the police to come so you can file an official report. When it comes to dealing with insurance companies, let a professional attorney handle your case to guarantee that you get the most compensation for your injuries and damages. Remember: insurance companies are not your friends. They will do their best to avoid giving you what you deserve. This is why you should always consult with an attorney regarding your case to find out how much damages you can recover after an incident.
If you’ve been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you have the right to file for financial compensation. We can achieve maximum results by securing the money you deserve for your injuries if you contact us immediately after your accident. I.S. Law Firm will represent you on a contingency fee basis – that means you pay no legal fees until we recover money for you. For a free consultation and case evaluation, please contact us: +1-703-527-1779 or via e-mail: [email protected].