Immediately after a high-speed bicycling accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it can be hard to think clearly and take proactive steps to protect yourself physically and legally. Nevertheless, your actions in the days, hours, and even minutes after such a wreck can have a huge impact on your ability to seek civil compensation for your injury-related losses later on.
With that in mind, it can be very helpful to know in advance what to do after a bicycle accident in Albuquerque and how much a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer could help you through each stage of the legal process. Here is a brief overview of the steps you should be considering right after being struck by a negligent driver or hitting an unfixed pothole. An attorney could offer further guidance during an initial consultation.
If someone involved in a bike accident has suffered a serious injury requiring emergency medical care in Albuquerque, the first thing they should do is to call 911 and get help from emergency medical personnel. Even in less serious situations, contacting the police should still be the priority of any bicyclist who has been struck by a negligent driver. This is to make sure a police officer takes their statement and writes up a court-admissible report about the incident.
Once the police are on their way, the next step a bicyclist involved in a collision in Albuquerque should take is to try to remove themselves and their bicycle from the flow of vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic if they can. This is important not only to prevent further collisions but also to comply with state law regarding what action people involved in traffic accidents should take.
Unless they need emergency medical care, staying at the scene of an Albuquerque bicycle accident is an important step for bicyclists to take until police have authorized them to leave. During this time, they should collect contact and insurance details from others directly involved in the incident. They should also try to obtain contact information from people who witnessed the crash or who own security or dashboard cameras that captured the crash in progress.
Bicyclists can also gather preliminary evidence by taking photos of the crash scene, any obstacles or visual impediments that may have contributed to causing the wreck, and any damage their bicycle or other vehicles involved sustained. Taking photos of crash-related injuries at various stages of the healing process can also help to establish the severity of an injury and the impact on the injured rider’s life.
Knowing what to do after a bicycle accident in Albuquerque can be hard, even if you have prepared for the possibility of a wreck in advance. Fortunately, you have assistance available from dedicated legal professionals who could guide you on how to act quickly and protect your rights. Call our experienced lawyers today to discuss a possible claim.
