What to Do If You’re Involved in a Bike Accident

Whether you’re riding a bike for exercise or simply to get to the grocery store, you need to be aware of the dangers of biking. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself, and if you’re involved in an accident, you should make sure to get an official police report and recover any damages you’ve sustained.

Getting an official police report

If you have been involved in a bike accident or car crash, you may want to get an official police report. These are helpful to law enforcement as they document the time and place of the incident. They can also help you bolster your insurance claim and personal injury lawsuit.

You can request an accident report from your local law enforcement office or from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Some cities allow you to request them online. In some cases, you will be required to pay an administrative fee.

When you request a report, you will be asked to provide your driver’s license and picture ID. The fees cover the costs of administrative work. Most departments will not charge you for copies.

After you request a report, you will have to wait for it to be processed. It usually takes about three to five business days. Once it is ready, you will receive a receipt with the police report number on it.

Avoiding right cross collisions

When you ride a bicycle, you’re at risk for collisions. You’ll want to be aware of the most common types of crashes and ways to avoid them. If you’re riding your bike at night, you should make sure you have lights. The laws require you to have headlights.

You can minimize your risks by knowing how to avoid right cross collisions. These are accidents in which a car turns into the path of a bicyclist. They usually occur in residential areas.

You should know how to use turn signals when you’re riding a bike. It’s also important to know the difference between left and right. Whether you’re turning right or left, you should give other vehicles plenty of time to react to your maneuver.

There are many ways to avoid right cross collisions. One way is to ride farther to the left of the road. This will give you more room to swerve, and will also make you more visible. Another way to be more visible is to use a rear red reflector.

Keeping your wits about you after a bike accident

A bicyclist can be seriously injured in an accident with a car. There are a few simple steps that a bicyclist should follow to ensure their safety. These actions may be a bit rudimentary, but can have a huge impact on the outcome of an accident.

One of the most important things a cyclist can do is to stay calm. It is tempting to take immediate action, but waiting to see what happens is a good idea. This will allow you to see if you need emergency medical treatment.

Another step to consider is contacting an attorney. The legal system can help a cyclist pursue a claim for damages. You will also want to preserve your physical evidence. For example, you can take pictures of your bike and vehicle. Take photos of license plates as well.

Finally, you should seek medical attention. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need round-the-clock care.

Recovering damages

If you or a loved one have been injured in a bike accident in Pennsylvania, you may be entitled to compensation. There are many types of damages you can collect from the party responsible for the crash.

Medical costs are a common type of damages. You can recover the cost of medical care and treatment, including emergency surgery. However, you need to find out if you can also recover future medical costs.

Loss of income is another type of economic damage. If you were not working when the crash occurred, you may be able to receive a settlement for the amount of wages you would have earned had you been working. This can be calculated through a pay sheet or through conversations with your employer.

Physical property such as your bicycle and your belongings can also be damaged or destroyed. In these cases, you may be able to recover the value of your possessions and the cost of repairs.