What to Do If You Get Into a Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accidents in Nevada are on the rise and can happen anywhere, from roadways and sidewalks to bike trails and beyond. As such, it’s vital that all cyclists know how to respond to potentially life-threatening collisions before they strap on a helmet and start pedaling; if you’ve recently been in a bicycle accident, there are a few key things you should keep in mind.
Note that regardless of whether or not you’ve violated one of Nevada’s bicycle laws in the process, you’re always eligible to attempt to open a claim and receive fair financial compensation for your losses, just as if you were driving a motor vehicle yourself. It’s usually best to talk to a local personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas to make sure you don’t miss anything or jeopardize your claim unwittingly.
Steps to Take Immediately After the Accident
In the minutes, hours, and days following your bicycle collision, you should prioritize these steps in descending order:
- Prioritize your safety. Make sure to move out of harm’s way (i.e. get off the road) immediately to avoid additional accidents. Ensure anyone who needs it receives emergency medical attention before anything else; barring that, you should inspect yourself visually to ensure that you aren’t overlooking injuries in an adrenaline-fueled state of painlessness.
- Gather contact information. Whether drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, or other witnesses, you should make sure you know who was involved in your accident and that you can contact them in the future. As a bonus, this also reduces the odds of experiencing a hit-and-run accident drastically.
- Document any relevant evidence. Take photos and notes of everything that comes to mind, including the scene of the accident, damages to your bicycle, injuries you’ve sustained, road conditions, eyewitness testimonies, license plates, and similar bits of useful information.
- Get your injuries and damages appraised. Even if you think you’re unhurt, you should still see a doctor who can ensure that you don’t have internal or delayed-onset injuries; you’ll also want to see a bicycle repair shop and get a quote for potential repairs or replacements.
Once the immediate concerns of your accident have settled down somewhat, you’ll likely want to start looking into ways to cover everything financially. While it’s fine to take things slow, you should also start thinking about the process before long, as under Nevada’s statute of limitations, you’ll only have two years in which to file your claim.
Get Help From a Bicycle Accident Attorney
While bicycle accidents do have overlap with traditional personal injury and auto accident cases, the unique nuances of your injuries and applicable laws mean that it’s best to talk to a specialized Nevada bicycle accident attorney rather than a general practice which may lack relevant experience with the ins and outs of bicycle accidents. Aaron Law Group has the experience and prowess necessary to advise you accurately, so call us today (702) 550-1111 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the claims process for bicycle accidents.
The mere act of talking with a lawyer can not only minimize tedium and uncertainty but has also been shown to consistently increase the average winnings of a victim; even if you and your attorney agree that hiring legal representation isn’t for you, it’s still an extremely valuable experience to get a consultation.
