What to Do If Hit by a Car on a Bike
Make sure to protect your health and your legal rights
Being hit by a car while riding a bike is a frightening experience that can lead to serious injuries, costly medical bills, and a long road to recovery. In the chaotic moments following a bike accident, it can be difficult to know what to do or who to turn to for help.
The Tampa bicycle accident attorneys at Armando Personal Injury Law can guide you through the necessary steps to take if you are hit by a car while on a bike, from ensuring your immediate safety to protecting your legal rights.
Immediate actions to take at the scene of the bicycle accident
The moments immediately following a bicycle accident are critical for your health and your potential legal case. Here’s what you should do right away if you’ve been hit by a car:
Ensure your safety
If you can move, get to a safe location away from traffic. Your priority should be to avoid any further harm, whether from oncoming vehicles or other hazards at the crash scene.
Call the police
Always call the police to report your bike accident and wait for an officer to arrive at the scene. A police officer can make observations, speak to witnesses, and document the details in a crash report.
Our Tampa bicycle accident lawyers can obtain a copy of this report and use it as a basis for a broader investigation.
Gather information from the crash scene
If you are physically able, collect as much information as possible at the scene. This includes the driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, insurance details, and the make and model of the vehicle. Additionally, take photos of the bicycle accident scene, your bike, any visible injuries, and any damage to the vehicle involved.
Speak with witnesses
If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw. Witness testimony can help support your version of events.
When should I seek medical attention?
Even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a bicycle accident. Initially, you might not be aware of your injury.
The shock can mask pain, and some injuries may not show immediate symptoms. This is common with concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage. These injuries can have serious consequences if left untreated.
When you visit a doctor or emergency room, be sure to explain that you were hit by a car while riding a bike. This will ensure that your injuries are documented correctly. Also, follow all medical advice and keep detailed records of your treatments, medications, and any follow-up appointments.
How do I report my bicycle accident?
After ensuring your safety and receiving medical attention, the next step is to report the accident to the appropriate authorities and your insurance company:
File a police report
The police report is a key piece of evidence in your case. It provides an official account of the bicycle accident and can include the officer’s assessment of fault. Obtain a copy of the police report as soon as it is available. Our Tampa attorneys can also get a copy for you.
Notify your insurance company
Contact your insurance company to report the bike accident, even if you believe the driver was entirely at fault. Provide them with all relevant details, including the police report and any medical records. Your insurance may cover some of your medical expenses, depending on your policy.
Consult with a Tampa bicycle accident attorney
Before making any statements to the other driver’s insurance company or accepting any settlement offers, it is highly advisable to consult with an experienced bike accident lawyer who can protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve under Florida law.
How do I deal with insurance companies after a bike accident?
When dealing with insurance companies after a bike accident, it’s important to remember that their primary goal is to minimize your compensation. They may contact you and ask for a recorded statement. It’s best to decline this request until you have spoken with a lawyer, as anything you say could be used to devalue or reject your claim.
Insurance companies may also offer a quick settlement in the hopes that you’ll accept it before fully understanding the extent of your injuries. Before accepting any offer, make sure it covers all your damages. Let an attorney accurately value your claim and tally up all eligible economic and non-economic damages.
You can help the process by keeping all documentation related to your bicycle accident. This includes medical bills, evidence of lost income, bike repair estimates, and notes from conversations with adjusters.
Injured in a bicycle accident? Don’t wait to seek justice
Being hit by a car while riding a bike is a traumatic experience that can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident can help protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your damages.
At Armando Personal Injury Law, we understand the challenges bike accident victims face and are committed to providing the legal support you need during this difficult time. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in the Tampa area, contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get on the road to recovery.