If you’re a cyclist in West Palm Beach, there’s a good chance you’ve experienced at least one close call while riding. And if you haven’t, you soon will. It’s an unfortunate reality that cyclists must contend with as they share the road with drivers who often aren’t used to seeing them. Unfortunately, this also means that collisions between cars and bikes can and do happen regularly.
If you are involved in a bicycle crash in West Palm Beach, here are some steps to take to protect yourself and ensure that you receive fair compensation for any damages incurred
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Seek Medical Attention
Your health and safety should be your first priority after a bicycle crash. Even if you do not believe you have been seriously injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Some injury, such as traumatic brain injuries, may not be immediately apparent. A medical professional will be able to diagnose and treat your injuries properly.
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Notify the Police
The best way to ensure the safety of everyone involved in a bicycle crash is to notify the police as soon as possible. By calling the authorities, you can help ensure a proper investigation is conducted and all parties involved are accounted for.
Additionally, the police will inform you about what steps to take next and how to obtain any necessary medical treatment.
In some cases, you may also file a police report, which can be used as evidence in future legal proceedings. While exchanging information with the other party may be tempting, it is always best to avoid caution and notify the police following a bicycle crash.
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Gather Evidence
Gathering evidence can include taking photographs of the damage to your bicycle, the other involved vehicles, and any visible injuries you may have.
If there are any witnesses to the crash, get their contact information so they can be interviewed later. It is also crucial to obtain insurance information for all parties involved. This will be essential if you decide to file a claim for damages.
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Obtain Driver Information
Get the driver’s information if the crash was caused by a motor vehicle. This should include their name, contact information, insurance information, & license plate number. This information will be useful if you file a claim against the driver or insurance company.
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Never Negotiate with the Motorist
After a crash, many cyclists are tempted to negotiate with the driver who hit them. However, this is seldom productive. Drivers often become defensive and may even try to blame the cyclist for the crash.
Remember that insurance companies are in the business of making money, not protecting cyclists. They will often use any information they can get from a cyclist to deny or minimize a claim. For these reasons, it is best to avoid negotiation and let an experienced West Palm Beach bicycle accident lawyer handle the case.
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Contact West Palm Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in a bicycle crash, contact an experienced attorney in West Palm Beach as soon as possible. An attorney can help you to understand your rights and options under the law and will fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you have been seriously injured, you may be entitled to damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Do not wait to contact an attorney. There may be time limits for filing claim. An experienced attorney will help you protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Contact West Palm Beach Bicycle Accident Lawyer
When it comes to bicycle accidents, there are a lot of factors that come into play. Because bicycles offer little protection to their riders, even a low-speed collision can cause serious injuries. And when an automobile is involved, the results can be catastrophic. If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident, you need to speak with a West Palm Beach bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.
An experienced bicycle accident lawyer will be able to help you file a claim and may be able to recover compensation for your injuries.
