Coatesville Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Bicyclists have the right to share the road safely, but reckless drivers and dangerous conditions often put them at risk. If you’ve been injured in a bike crash, Kingbird Legal’s skilled bicycle accident lawyers in Coatesville will fight for the compensation you deserve. From medical expenses to lost income, we will advocate for your rights every step of the way. Contact us at 484-289-4880 for a free consultation and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.

What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Pennsylvania

Bicycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or enjoying a leisurely ride, a collision with a motor vehicle or other hazards on the road can result in serious injuries. If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Pennsylvania, taking the right steps afterward is crucial to protect your health, your rights, and your potential for compensation. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the aftermath of a bicycle accident.

Prioritize Your Health and Safety

Immediately following an accident, your health should be your primary concern. Regardless of how minor the collision may seem at first, injuries from bicycle accidents can worsen over time. Check yourself for any signs of injury, including neck or back pain, dizziness, or difficulty moving your limbs. If you are injured, try to stay as still as possible and wait for medical help to arrive.

If you can move and it’s safe to do so, try to get to a safe location, away from traffic. This can prevent further injury or risk of a secondary accident.

Call for Medical Assistance

Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to call 911. Some injuries, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show symptoms immediately but can still be serious. Calling emergency services ensures that medical professionals assess your condition on the scene. Additionally, a police report from this step can be helpful for any future insurance claims or legal actions.

When the paramedics arrive, make sure to describe any symptoms or pain you are experiencing, even if it seems minor. Having a thorough medical evaluation can help document your injuries in case you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action later on.

Report the Accident to the Police

In Pennsylvania, it is mandatory to report accidents involving injuries or property damage to the police. When they arrive, provide them with accurate details of the accident. Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened. Stick to the facts and provide a clear account of the events leading up to the collision.

A police report will help establish the facts of the accident, including details about the location, parties involved, and potential causes. This can be essential when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action later on.

Gather Information from Others Involved

After the accident, exchange contact and insurance information with the driver of the vehicle involved, if applicable. Be sure to collect the following:

The driver’s name, address, and phone number
Their driver’s license number and license plate number
The vehicle’s make, model, and year
Insurance company information and policy numbers

If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their names and contact information as well. Witness statements can be valuable in determining the cause of the accident and supporting your case if you decide to take legal action.

Document the Scene

If you are physically able to do so, take pictures of the accident scene, including any damage to your bike and the vehicle involved. Document any visible injuries you sustained, as well as the surrounding area, including road conditions and any traffic signs or signals that may have contributed to the accident.

Photographs can provide valuable evidence to support your version of events. This documentation is essential if you need to file a claim with your insurance or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s still a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like soft tissue damage or whiplash, may not show symptoms until later. By seeing a doctor promptly, you establish a record of your injuries, which can be important for any potential claims.

Keep all medical records, bills, and treatment documentation related to the accident. This will be necessary if you decide to file a claim for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Whether you have car insurance, bicycle insurance, or health insurance, it’s important to notify your provider. In Pennsylvania, if you were hit by a motor vehicle, your car insurance may be able to cover your medical expenses under your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.

If you don’t have PIP coverage or the accident wasn’t caused by a motor vehicle, your health insurance may step in to help cover medical costs. It’s important to speak with your insurance provider about the best course of action to ensure your medical expenses are covered.

Consider Consulting an Attorney

If your injuries are severe or the accident involved negligence or wrongdoing on the part of another driver, you should consider consulting a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, whether that means negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing a lawsuit.

A lawyer can help you build your case by collecting evidence, speaking with witnesses, and ensuring that you receive the compensation you are entitled to for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In some cases, insurance companies may try to settle for less than you deserve, but an attorney can help ensure you receive fair compensation.

Keep Track of Your Recovery

As you recover from the accident, keep detailed records of your medical treatments, any missed work, and how your injuries affect your daily life. This information can be important if you decide to file a claim or pursue legal action. Documenting your recovery process can also help you quantify the impact of your injuries, both physically and financially.

Understand the Local Laws

Pennsylvania has specific laws and regulations regarding cyclists’ rights and responsibilities. Cyclists are required to obey traffic laws, use bike lanes when available, and signal turns. Drivers, in turn, must give cyclists at least four feet of clearance when passing and be mindful of their presence on the road.

Understanding these laws can help you determine fault in the accident and protect your rights as a cyclist. If you are unsure about the legal aspects of your case, consulting with an attorney familiar with bicycle accident law can be invaluable.

Get Back on Track with a Bicycle Accident Attorney

Bicycle accidents can result in serious injuries, but knowing the right steps to take afterward can help protect your health and your legal rights. Prioritize your well-being by seeking medical attention, reporting the accident, and gathering necessary information. If the accident is serious, consulting a personal injury attorney can ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Kingbird Legal’s skilled bicycle accident attorneys in Coatesville are ready to fight for the compensation you need to heal and move forward. Whether your accident was caused by a negligent driver or hazardous road conditions, we are here to help. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation and let us advocate for your rights.