A bicycle accident can be a traumatic experience, especially if you sustained injuries. The steps you take after a crash can have a profound impact on both your health and any potential personal injury claim.
If you are unsure what to do after a bicycle accident in Merrillville, it may be time to discuss your case with our team at The Law Offices of David W. Holub. Our dedicated bicycle accident attorneys could help you protect your rights and explore your opportunities for recovering damages from the person who injured you.
Move Away From Danger
After a cycling accident in Merrillville, the first thing you should do is to move away from danger. Even if you feel disoriented or in shock, take a moment to assess your surroundings before moving. If you are able, get yourself and your bike out of traffic and onto the shoulder, sidewalk, or another safe area. Passing vehicles can strike you again if you remain in the roadway, especially when distracted drivers or poor visibility increase the risk of a crash. Once you are in a safe location, you can better evaluate your injuries, call for help, and begin documenting the accident responsibly.
Should You Call the Police?
After ensuring you are safe, the next action you should take is to call the Merrillville police to report your bike crash. A police report provides an official record of the bicycle accident, which is essential for insurance claims and potential legal action. Officers will document the accident site, interview witnesses, and record details about the driver and any apparent injuries. Even if you think your injuries are minor or the driver apologizes, do not skip this step—some symptoms and damages appear later. Remain at the location until officers arrive, and ensure the report accurately reflects your account of the incident before you leave.
Seek Medical Care
If you sustained injuries in a Merrillville bicycle collision, one of the first steps you should take afterwards is seeking out medical care. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, you can improve your chances of a full recovery by talking to a doctor right away. In some cases, the shock of being in an accident can mask your symptoms for the hours following the crash. Waiting to seek treatment can leave you in unnecessary pain in the future.
It is not enough to see a doctor once and move on with your life. To protect your compensation case and ensure you heal to the best of your ability, you should follow the treatment plan prescribed by your medical team or seek out additional medical opinions. Failure to do so can leave an opening for the liable party to limit your compensation if you end up litigating your claim.
Assess the Accident Site
If your injuries do not require emergency medical care, another useful action you should take following your Merrillville cycling accident is to evaluate the site of the crash and collect any evidence that is available. This includes taking photos of the location as well as the vehicle that struck you. If witnesses were present, recording their contact information can be invaluable for your legal counsel as they build your case for compensation. After the accident, write down your recollections of the crash so the details remain fresh.
Talk to an Attorney in Merrillville About How To Proceed After a Bike Crash
If you sustained injuries in a bike crash, the following days and weeks can have an impact on your health and happiness. When it comes to what to do after a bicycle accident in Merrillville, few steps are more important than speaking to an attorney.
The Law Offices of David W. Holub are ready to help you pursue the damages you deserve. Reach out to our team for a private consultation today.