The beauty of Long Beach is a natural draw for bicyclists. Whether taking a leisurely ride for exercise or commuting to and from work on a bicycle to avoid the busy Southern California roads, riding a bike can be dangerous. Without warning, a driver’s negligence can cause a collision that leaves the bicyclist with severe injuries. From head, neck and back injuries to broken bones, the consequences resulting from a bicycle accident can be devastating. Knowing what to do in the moments, weeks and months following an accident can make all the difference to any lawsuit you bring forth.
Immediately following a collision with a motor vehicle, a bicyclist is often left confused and unsure of the next steps. You are likely to see damage to your bicycle and gear. You may also feel pain, but oftentimes the pain comes later. Your first step should be to call the local Long Beach police, regardless of your pain level or immediate assessment of your injuries. Filing a report and reporting damages is vital, especially since your injuries and pain may grow more severe over time. As you wait for the police, begin to document the accident with photos and notes if you are able.
Once the Long Beach police have arrived, you will want to speak to them directly to get your story properly recorded in the police report. This is also the time to gather the contact information of witnesses and the driver involved with the accident.
Call your lawyer as soon as possible and write down any physical symptoms on paper along with dates and times. Your memory of the events is most reliable immediately following the accident.
Your Duque Law Group personal injury lawyer may recommend that you seek medical attention as evidence of the injuries caused. Documenting your injuries, no matter how small you think they are, is a crucial step.
Be sure that you preserve as much evidence as possible. This means that fixing your bike may have to wait as you will want it in the same condition as it was when you left the accident. If you have any other damaged property from the accident (including clothing or a helmet), keep that available as well as our attorneys may request photos of the pieces.
By this time, you will probably have met with your attorney and discussed the accident. Your attorney will decide which circumstances will allow you to earn the compensation that you deserve.
If you are contacted by an insurance company, direct them to your attorney to discuss the issue. Your attorney may wish to hire an independent expert to analyze the situation before you communicate with insurance agents.
Personal injury cases are difficult and require a skilled attorney. Do not try to take on the insurance company lawyers by yourself. The Long Beach lawyers at Duque Law Group want to get to the bottom of the case and help you receive any compensation for injuries, damage or pain and suffering that you may deserve.
Contact our Los Angeles County Personal Injury Attorney at 1-877-241-9554 to learn more about your legal options. A free consultation is just a phone call away. You can even use our online contact form, and we’ll reply to you quickly.
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