What to Do if You're Involved in a Jefferson City Bicycle Accident

bicycle lane

According to a report from the Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Foundation, more than 500 bicyclists are injured every year in this state. Whether you are one of them, or you regularly ride a bike and are worried you might one day be included in this statistic, it’s good to know what to do after an accident in Jefferson City, MO. Take a look at the steps to follow, and then contact Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys when you’re ready to talk to an attorney and receive legal advice.

Call the Police

Your first step should be to call 911. Once the police arrive, they can call an ambulance for you, if necessary. Even if you have no injuries, you need to make sure a police report is taken after your accident in Jefferson City, MO. The report will include the driver’s contact and insurance information, which you will need if you want to make sure the driver is held accountable for the crash. This is especially important if you need any property damage or medical bills paid for in the near future.

Get Treatment for Your Injuries

If you have major injuries, such as broken bones or open wounds, the police will get an ambulance on the way. But even if you only have minor injuries, you should see your doctor as soon as you can. This way, you can get the medical treatment you need, and you will also have your injuries documented. This is helpful in case you need rehabilitation or other treatment in the future and expect the driver who caused the accident to be financially responsible for your medical bills.

Collect Important Information

As you wait for the police to arrive, gather information that may be helpful if you need to take legal action. This includes the names and contact information of any witnesses. You should also take pictures of the damage your bicycle incurred, as well as any injuries you have. Having this proof can help your personal injury lawyer build a case.

Keep Any Evidence

It may be tempting to get your bike repaired right away, but you should keep it as-is for a while since it’s considered evidence of the crash. Without it, it may be hard to prove how bad your bike accident was, which can make it difficult to get compensation for property damage and medical bills. If you really need a bike to use for now, consider buying a new one and keeping the receipt so you can get reimbursed when your case is over.

Hold Onto Related Documents

Even if you don’t buy a new bike, you should keep receipts for anything you do pay for after your accident in Jefferson City, MO. This includes medical bills, such as payment for your emergency room visit and any pain medication you have to buy.

File a Claim With Insurance

Negotiating with the driver right after the bike accident is not advisable. Instead, call both your insurance provider and the drivers. Then, contact personal injury attorneys handling auto accident cases in Jefferson City, MO, so you can find out what your options are before you agree to anything either insurance company suggests.

Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer

You deserve to know that someone is looking out for your well-being after your bike accident in Jefferson City, MO. When you come to Mann Wyatt Tanksley Injury Attorneys for guidance, you can rest assured we’re on your side. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.