Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Chatom, Alabama

Cycling is a fun, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to get from A to B. Unfortunately, however, American roads are not built with cyclists in mind. On top of that, driver training programs spend way too little time teaching drivers how to navigate safely around cyclists and respect their space. As a result, bicycle accidents are a serious problem in the United States.

If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, the team at Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough, Howell, Huggins & Bradley is here to help you. Call us at 251-847-2237 (Chatom) to schedule a time to talk now.

Limit Immediate Contact with the Driver

This can be difficult, particularly if the driver is apologetic and worried about your safety. However, you don’t want to say something that will hurt your case unintentionally. For example, if you feel bad that the driver is crying and asking if you’re okay, you might tell them, “Don’t worry, I’m fine.” They tell that to the cop, and it ends up in the police report, which ends up in the insurance company’s lap. They now wonder why they should give you compensation if you said you were fine at the scene of the accident. Make sure someone has called 911 and wait to talk to the driver until police officers are present.

Assess Your Injuries

While you wait for emergency personnel to arrive, take an objective look at your injuries. Look for any cuts, scrapes, or bleeding. Note any muscle tenderness or soreness, as well as any unusual movement in your bones. This will help you give the police officer a quick, concise rundown of your symptoms and injuries when they arrive.

Wait for Police to Arrive and Give Your Side of the Story

No matter how minor your injuries may appear, wait at the scene until the police arrive. They may focus on the driver and get their side of the story first, but make sure you get the chance to tell them what you experienced. Furthermore, make sure they write it down to include it in the accident report. A surprising amount of police officers are more concerned about what the driver experienced, which puts you at a disadvantage when it comes time to seek compensation.

Make Sure You Get Contact and Insurance Information

Before leaving, ensure that you have obtained the other party’s contact and insurance information. You will need this to file a claim with their insurance to get compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses. If anyone stopped to provide assistance at the scene of the accident, consider getting their information as well. They may be a helpful witness for your claim.

Get a Medical Checkup

This is where many bicyclists are hesitant. The cost of an emergency room checkup or urgent care visit can be prohibitively expensive, but remember that your health is at stake. Even if you feel fine, you could have internal injuries, some of which could even put your life at risk. A thorough medical checkup can give you peace of mind and help you get the treatment you need. Keep copies of any scans, reports, or documentation you receive.

Contact an Attorney

Before you have any contact with the other party’s insurance company, get in touch with a personal injury attorney you trust. Before the insurance company reaches out to you, you should know that they are already thinking of ways to pin the accident on you and limit the payout they offer you. You need a strong advocate on your side who is committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve.

A personal injury attorney will know how to approach your claim. They will investigate the accident, get an understanding of your injuries and how they have affected your life, and determine how much your injury may be worth. With that information, they will begin negotiations with the insurance company and fight aggressively to get you a full and fair settlement.

Reach Out to Turner, Onderdonk, Kimbrough, Howell, Huggins & Bradley for Help with Your Injury Claim

A bicycle accident can leave you with physical injuries, mental trauma, and plenty of debt. Our team can help you navigate this challenging time. To schedule a consultation and discuss your options, call us at 251-847-2237 in Chatom, Alabama, or reach out to us online.