Getting into a bicycle accident can leave you in a state of shock and unsure of what to do next. For better or worse, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath of the crash can have a real impact on your health and on any legal bicycle accident claim in Chicago you decide to pursue down the line. Knowing what to do ahead of time puts you in a much better position to protect yourself as a result of this state of affairs.
Here’s what you should keep in mind if you’re ever involved in a bicycle accident in Illinois.
Stay at the Scene and Call 911
No matter how minor the accident seems, stay where you are and call the police. Illinois law requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury and/or property damage to remain at the scene, and the same expectation applies to all parties involved. When officers arrive, they’ll create an official police report documenting what happened, which can serve as a key piece of evidence for your claim down the road.
It’s important to stick to the facts when speaking with the police. Describe what happened without speculating about who was at fault and without downplaying your injuries.
Get Medical Attention Right Away
Some bicycle accident injuries are obvious. Others, like concussions, may not show symptoms for days after the fact. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible protects your health and creates a medical record that connects your injuries to the accident.
If you wait too long to seek treatment, the insurance company may argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the crash or that they aren’t as serious as you claim.
Document Everything You Can
If you’re physically able to do so, gather as much evidence at the scene as possible:
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including your bicycle and any injuries
- Get the driver’s contact information and insurance details
- Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened
- Write down your own account of the accident while the details are still fresh
This evidence can become extremely valuable later if liability is disputed and the insurance company tries to minimize your claim.
Be Careful About What You Say
Avoid apologizing for the accident or saying anything that could be interpreted as accepting blame. Seemingly casual statements like “I should have been paying more attention” can still be used against you in these cases. This applies not just at the scene but also in follow-up conversations with the insurance companies as well as on social media.
Ideally, it’s best to let a personal injury lawyer in Chicago handle the communications with the insurers on your behalf. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that reduce the value of your claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Illinois Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, hiring an experienced attorney can help you determine your legal options and avoid costly mistakes early on in the process. Meyers & Flowers is here to help you maximize the compensation you recover from the responsible party.
Call us today at (630) 576-9696 or message us online for a free consultation. We’ve won more than $6 billion for our clients to date and will work just as hard on your case.