Experiencing a bicycle accident can be both frightening and disorienting. Knowing the immediate steps to take can greatly influence the outcome of any legal actions you may need to take and help ensure your safety. The moments following a bicycle crash are vital for protecting your rights and health. Staying calm and following these guidelines is needed to handle the situation effectively.

Bicycle accidents can leave you in shock, making it difficult to think clearly about the next steps. However, your actions immediately following the accident are vital for your recovery and potential compensation claims.

At Vaziri Law, we are here to help you after a bicycle crash. Remember, your decisions can have a lasting impact on the legal and recovery processes.

The Dangers of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities, especially when involving motor vehicles. Cyclists have less protection than cars, making them vulnerable to severe injuries from minor collisions. These accidents can result in long-term disabilities that may affect every aspect of your life.

Moreover, recovering from a bicycle accident can be lengthy and costly. Medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses can quickly accumulate, adding financial strain to the physical and emotional stress. Understanding these risks underscores the importance of knowing how to react in a bicycle crash.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

• Distracted driving. Many bicycle accidents occur because drivers aren't paying attention to the road. Distractions like texting, using in-car technologies, or eating can cause a driver to veer into a bike lane or overlook a cyclist at an intersection.

• Poor road conditions. Potholes, cracked pavement, and poorly marked bike lanes can create hazardous conditions for cyclists. These road issues can cause cyclists to lose control and crash, especially if they must make sudden maneuvers to avoid a hazard.

• Driver error. Errors such as failing to yield the right of way, making improper lane changes, or misjudging the distance to a cyclist can lead to collisions. These mistakes are often due to misunderstanding bicycle safety rules or underestimating bicycles as a legitimate form of traffic.

• Speeding. Speed increases the severity of accidents involving bicycles. When drivers exceed speed limits, their ability to stop or avoid a collision with a cyclist decreases dramatically, often resulting in more serious injuries or fatalities.

• Alcohol influence. Both cyclists and drivers under the influence of alcohol pose substantial risks on the road. Impaired judgment and reduced motor skills can lead to poor decision-making and delayed reaction times, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

What Should You Do After a Bicycle Crash?

After a bicycle crash, your priority should be your safety and the safety of others involved. Assess yourself for injuries and leave the road to avoid further danger. Remember that adrenaline may mask pain, so be cautious even if you feel fine.

Check Yourself and Others for Injuries and Call 911

Immediately check for injuries, both on yourself and others involved. If there are any signs of major injury, such as head injuries, unconsciousness, or extreme bleeding, call 911 right away. Don't try to move anyone who is violently injured unless there is immediate danger.

Move To a Safe Location if Possible and Wait for Police

If you can move, get to a safe location away from traffic. Wait for the police to get there so you can submit a report. This report is essential for future insurance claims or legal actions. Don't leave the accident scene until you've spoken to the police and gathered all necessary information.

Collect Contact Information from Witnesses

Try to gather contact information from all witnesses at the scene. Witness statements can be critical in determining fault in bicycle accidents. They can provide an objective perspective on the events that led to the accident. You should also get a crash report from the authorities. This should have each party's driver's license number on it.

See a Doctor

Even if your injuries seem small, see a doctor quickly. Some injuries, like internal head injuries, may not be immediately apparent. A medical evaluation will provide a professional assessment of your injuries, which is important for potential health complications and legal claims.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Reach out to a personal injury lawyer who specializes in bicycle accidents. They can help you make a claim. Your lawyer will ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. An experienced lawyer will handle negotiations with insurance companies and take legal action if needed.

Follow the Instructions of Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Your personal injury lawyer will provide specific instructions on handling the aftermath of your bicycle accident. Follow their advice carefully to position your case for the future. They will represent your interests throughout the process.

In addition to following legal advice, your lawyer will likely advise you to document everything related to your accident. Save records of all medical care, discussions with insurance companies, and any expenses incurred from the accident.

Common Injuries We See in Bicycle Accidents

• Head injuries. Cyclists are at high risk for head injuries. These can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries. Helmets can mitigate the severity but do not always prevent these injuries. Each head injury is serious. See a doctor as soon as possible.

• Road rash. When riders fall or are tossed from their bikes, they often suffer from road rash, a skin abrasion from sliding across the pavement. This injury can vary from minor to dangerous, requiring professional medical treatment.

• Broken bones. Collisions often result in broken bones, with arms, legs, and ribs being particularly vulnerable. A crash with a vehicle or the ground can cause considerable fractures that require immediate medical attention.

• Spinal injuries. Serious bicycle accidents can lead to spinal injuries, which can be permanently debilitating. These injuries require urgent and extensive medical treatment.

• Dental and facial injuries. Face-first falls or hits can lead to dental fractures and facial injuries, which might need surgeries and can lead to long-term disfigurement.

• Internal injuries. Internal injuries, including organ damage and internal bleeding, are less visible but potentially life-threatening. They can result from the blunt trauma associated with hitting the ground or a vehicle.

• Psychological trauma. The mental and emotional burden of a bicycle crash can be just as severe as physical injuries. Symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common and can alter daily life.

How an Insurance Claim Works for a Bike Crash

After a bike crash, you'll need to report the accident to your insurance company. Provide them with all the relevant details without admitting fault. Your personal injury lawyer can help you with this process to ensure you communicate the right information.

Your insurance company will then assess your claim, which may involve reviewing medical reports, the police report, and statements from all parties involved. They will determine the fault and the amount of compensation you're entitled to based on the damages and your policy.

When You Might Need To File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Bicycle Accident

If the insurance company's offer does not adequately cover your damages or if the fault is contested, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is often required when there are major injuries that result in extensive medical bills, lost wages, or long-term disability.

A lawsuit can compensate you for damages not typically covered by insurance claims, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Your personal injury lawyer will help you decide whether this is the best course of action based on the specifics of your case.

Factors Dictating the Value of Your Bicycle Accident Claim

• Severity of injuries. The worse your injuries, the greater the potential compensation in a bicycle accident claim.

  Serious injuries result in higher medical costs, more lost wages, and greater pain and suffering, all of which are considered in the valuation of your claim. Always seek medical attention promptly after a crash.

• Impact on quality of life. If your injuries affect your ability to work, enjoy life, and perform daily activities, these factors will highly influence the value of your claim. Chronic pain and disability are particularly impactful.

• Fault and liability. The clearer it is that the other party was at fault, the stronger your claim. Evidence like police reports, witness statements, and traffic cam footage can help establish this fault.

• Long-term medical treatment. If your injuries need ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, or future surgeries, these anticipated expenses and ramifications on your life can increase the value of your claim.

• Emotional distress. Psychological effects from the accident, such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression, can also be considered in your claim. These emotional consequences can significantly affect your daily life and overall well-being, influencing the compensation you may seek.

Contact Our Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

If you've been involved in a bicycle accident, don't wait to seek legal help. At Vaziri Law, we have experience with all types of bike accidents. We always put our clients first. Now, we can also fight for your rights after your bike accident.

Even if you have seemingly minor injuries, see a doctor first. Then, contact us to schedule a free case consultation. We can see if we can fight for compensation on your behalf.