If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident due to a negligent driver, it’s likely that you’ll be looking to file a personal injury claim for any injuries you sustained from the accident. In the high stress of recovering from an accident, you may be confused on where to begin. In this blog, our Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney explains the three steps to successfully building a personal injury claim after a bicycle accident.
Step One: Take Action at the Scene
Some of the most crucial pieces of information are obtained at the scene of the accident. You should always call 911 to report the accident and call an ambulance if you’ve been injured and are in need of medical attention. In the moments following a bicycle accident, you’ll want to take note of the driver’s personal and insurance information – this includes name, number, address, phone number, the name of the insurance company and his or her policy number. Refrain from engaging in any unnecessary conversation that may lead you to admitting fault or an argument. Admissions of guilt or apologies can be used against you during settlement negotiations.
Step Two: Gather Evidence
Any type of evidence can prove to be invaluable to your personal injury claim. Take pictures of the collision scene and include photos of skid marks, street signs and damaged guardrails. If you are able to point out any witnesses, take down their information and ask them to write a brief statement of what they saw happen. If your bicycle accident involved an object in the road or some type of road hazard, take note of the exact area it occurred and be sure to mention points of references such as cross streets, nearby stores and other landmarks.
Step Three: Document Every Follow-Up Appointment
Write a detailed account of everything you can remember from your bicycle accident. If you wait a couple days, you may forget important pieces of information. Make copies of every medical document associated with the accident and if needed, seek treatment right away. These documents will prove that any injuries you sustained from the accident required continuous medical treatment.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact our Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney today. Piscitello Law will work tirelessly to determine liability and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us at (215) 372-8768 to learn more about your case.