There’s no contest in a collision between a bicycle and a vehicle. You’re the small guy in this equation and it’s likely any collision will result in damage to you and your bike.
There are a few do’s and don’ts you need to know if you have been in a bicycle accident in Iowa.
Do See a Doctor For Any Injuries Suffered During Your Bike Crash
The most important thing you should do is to get treated for any injuries. If an ambulance is called to the crash scene, take it – even if you don’t feel any pain. Adrenaline from the crash can wear off after a few hours and you may realize you’re hurt worse than you first thought.
Seeing a doctor as soon as possible after your accident may also help you prove the extent of your injuries. Medical records are essential for a fair settlement for your personal injury claim. Having complete records from the time of the crash can help prove the damages you suffered.
Do Wait For Law Enforcement to Arrive to the Crash Scene
After a bike wreck, make sure both you and the other driver wait for law enforcement to arrive on the scene. If you are able, talk to the officer who responds and give your statement. Do not admit any fault or speculate what happened. Simply give your side of the story as you remember it.
The law enforcement officer will write up an accident report, which is an official report of how the crash occurred; you can request a copy of this report to review.
Don’t Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
Take down the other driver’s contact information, including their insurance information. It’s likely their insurance company will try to contact you sometime after the crash. They may reach out and ask how you’re doing, or ask you to give a recorded statement about your side of the story. We recommend that you don’t talk to them. You are not required by law to give any statement to the insurance company and can politely decline to do so.
Don’t Say You’re “All Right”
While at the crash scene, do not tell anyone that you’re “all right” or that you aren’t injured. As we discussed earlier, adrenaline may be masking any pain symptoms you’re having. If you tell people at the crash site you’re not injured, and it turns out that you actually are injured, this inconsistency may hurt your case later on. The other driver’s insurance company could then argue that you are lying or exaggerating your injuries.
Do Talk to an Experienced Iowa Bike Accident Lawyer
It’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury lawyer who has dealt with bicycle accidents before. They can explain the best way to pursue a personal injury claim and fight for a fair settlement for you.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, call RSH Legal today at 1-319-774-1534.
