When you are riding your bicycle, you are in a very vulnerable position. There is very little protecting you from a car if you are involved in an automotive accident. Not only that, but you may face unique challenges that could make it more difficult to prove that the motorist is at fault for the accident.
Cycling Vs. Driving
Cyclists must follow different rules from motorists. Therefore, when you suffer an accident while riding your bike, you might be held responsible for the accident because of your own actions. Cyclists should follow signs and communicate with motorists to make sure that they are not found responsible for the accident.
What To Do After An Accident
After the accident, make sure to remain calm. Wait for the police to arrive. Pay attention to everything around you, and try to recount everything that has happened. Write down a description of everything that happened, but do not admit fault.
Even if the motorist has an insurance provider, you may struggle when seeking compensation from the insurance provider. Typically, the insurance provider will ask a large number of questions with the intention of wearing you down. If you remain persistent, they will offer a settlement that is much lower than what you would otherwise be able to achieve.
The Effects of a Cycling Accident
One advantage you might have is that motorists who run over cyclists have often been drinking. If the motorist was not drinking, it's likely that he or she might have been speeding. This fact can make it easier to prove that the motorist was partially or fully at fault for the accident. To prove that the motorist was drinking, you'll need to get the police involved as soon as possible so that the motorist can take a sobriety test.
An injury involving a cyclist and a motorist is often fatal. An impact from a car causes shearing forces, which can lead to internal organ damage and the rupturing of blood vessels. If you have survived such an accident, you'll likely have expensive medical bills and years of recovery.
The best way to navigate a tricky legal case involving a bike and an automobile is to turn to an experienced personal injury attorney, such as Kenneth P Hicks. By doing so, you'll have a better understanding of how to best proceed with your case. Fortunately, many attorneys will offer a free case evaluation, so you have no reason to not give it a try.
Share28 December 2018
After I was in a car accident, I wasn't sure what I was going to do in the future. I had some really significant back and neck pain, so I started talking with a lawyer about how to recover some of my losses. I began working with an attorney to take care of things, but I was nervous about how the process would unfold. I began working with the attorney to evaluate every component of the incident, and help me to decode the problems I was faced with. We worked on learning more about the lawsuit, and it helped me to make sense of the situation. Learn more about accidents on this blog.