Bicycle accidents have the potential to cause severe injuries and trauma. They can be highly disorientating, making it difficult for people to know how to respond in the aftermath of a collision. However, the steps you take immediately after an accident can help determine critical details, like your pathway to recovery and your ability to receive financial damages from the wrongdoer.
There are two ways to think about post-accident behavior: immediate and long-term. In the immediate aftermath, safety and health are critical. In the long term, you want to take measures to protect yourself and your family’s future. Working with a seasoned bicycle accident attorney from Smith Hulsey Law is wise, as we could help you understand what to do after a bicycle accident in Clarkesville and ensure that the proper steps are taken.
Following a serious bike accident in Clarkesville, it is crucial to take the following steps:
Ideally, the cyclist can self-assess injuries and determine whether or not they can move. Injury assessment becomes the top priority once the cyclist is safe. Even with severe injuries, people may not feel pain or know that they are injured due to adrenaline from the collision. Doing a head-to-toe self-assessment can help people determine whether they have any injuries. However, a self-assessment is no substitute for a thorough check-up by a doctor.
Other people on the scene may call 911, but it is still important to call and report the accident when possible. Dispatch may inform a person that they already have first responders en route, but it is crucial to ensure they send EMTs and police officers to treat any injuries.
If a person’s condition permits, they should get contact information from all bystanders, including their name, phone number, and email address. They should also get contact information from the driver, as well as their insurance company name, policy number, and phone number.
When possible, the cyclist should take photos of the scene. This includes photos of the bike, the vehicle that hit them, surrounding conditions, and any injuries apparent at the scene. An injured person should also take photos of the responding officer’s name, badge number, and phone number. When a bicycle is damaged beyond repair or clothing is destroyed beyond use, preserve it.
After a Clarkesville bicycle accident, one vital thing to do is seek medical care. Although EMTs will usually assess a person at the scene, depending on the severity of any apparent injuries, they may recommend transporting them to the ER via ambulance or suggest they go to their primary care doctor for treatment. The injured cyclist should follow those instructions.
Many injuries get worse over time or do not heal like people believe they will. Documenting them with a healthcare provider soon after the accident helps prove that the wreck caused their harm. Plus, some accidents worsen in the immediate aftermath, and timely medical care can help prevent additional issues.
Financial recovery from a bicycle accident can be complicated. In a wreck with two vehicles, your insurance company might at least argue on your behalf to prove the driver was liable.
A diligent attorney from Smith Hulsey Law could help fight for your rights. Schedule a free consultation to learn what to do after a bicycle accident in Clarkesville and understand your potential rights and remedies moving forward.
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