Whether you ride your bike for pleasure or as your main mode of transportation, a crash can happen at any time. Due to the lack of protection surrounding them, bicyclists can suffer serious injury in a collision. If you’re involved in a bike accident, it’s important to know what to do to protect your rights and interests. Our Lehigh Valley bicycle accident lawyers at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices offer some advice on steps to take if you’re involved in a crash.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
As more people across the country get into biking, the incidence of bicycle accidents is rising, especially in urban areas. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report on Traffic Safety Facts, 85% of all bicycle crashes occurred in urban areas in 2021.
In Pennsylvania, bicycle crashes accounted for 0.7% of the total reported crashes and 1.3% of all traffic fatalities in 2022. While these percentages seem small, 15 bicyclists were killed and 801 were injured, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s 2022 Crash Facts and Statistics report. In 2022, most bicyclists in Pennsylvania were injured at intersections, but more than half of all bicycle accident fatalities occurred in non-intersection areas.
Regardless of where a crash happens, bicycle accident attorneys understand that the physical, emotional, and financial aftermath can be devastating, and advise bicyclists to take the following steps to protect their rights after a crash.
Get to Safety
After a bicycle accident, you may feel dazed and disoriented. If you’re in a dangerous position and you are able, move to a safe area to avoid further injury. If you can’t move, make sure you are visible to other vehicles.
Call 911
Call 911 to report the crash to the police. When describing the events leading up to a bicycle or motor vehicle accident, stick to the facts and don’t admit fault. If possible, get a copy of the police report before leaving the scene. Calling 911 can also help to ensure you get the immediate medical attention you need.
Gather Information
Ask for the contact information of any other involved parties. This includes their name, address, phone number, driver’s license, and insurance information. Collect contact information from any witnesses who may have seen what happened.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, including your bicycle, other vehicles, and road conditions. It’s also a good idea to take photos of your injuries. If possible, jot down everything you remember or use your voice recorder on your phone to document how the accident happened and any other relevant information, such as weather conditions.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, go to the emergency room or urgent care, or see your doctor as soon as possible. Life-threatening injuries such as internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms of other injuries such as whiplash or traumatic brain injury may not appear for days or even weeks. Your medical records also provide valuable documentation of your injuries, which is crucial if you intend to file a personal injury claim.
Preserve Evidence
Keep all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with insurance companies. If possible, preserve any evidence such as damaged clothing, your bicycle, or any other items that might be relevant to your case.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt, contact a bicycle accident attorney in Pennsylvania as soon as you can. Do not give a statement, sign anything, or accept a settlement from an insurance company without speaking to a bicycle accident lawyer first. Personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, so it won’t cost you anything to have your case evaluated.
A bike accident lawyer can assess the situation and determine whether you have a valid claim, help you understand your options for recovering compensation, and advocate for your interests if you decide to proceed with a claim. Hiring an experienced bike accident attorney can help to ensure you obtain the full amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Schedule a Consultation with a Lehigh Valley Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices has provided exceptional legal representation to personal injury clients in eastern Pennsylvania for more than 40 years. Our track record of success in helping injured victims recover maximum compensation speaks for itself. To schedule your consultation with a bicycle accident attorney in the Lehigh Valley, contact us online or call us at 610-867-2900. We’re proud to serve clients at several convenient locations.