As a cyclist, you understand that the most important aspect of safety is ensuring that you are visible so drivers will notice you. Visibility is the key to your safety. You can stand out by wearing fluorescent colors, such as hot pink, lime green, neon yellow, or bright orange. But even when you make yourself visible and you obey traffic laws, you can still be involved in a crash. If you were hit at an intersection while cycling, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the driver who hit you.
What to do if Hit at an Intersection
When you approach an intersection, you should make eye contact with the drivers. This way, there is no doubt that they see you. But, if something goes awry and you are hit, you should stay on the scene of the accident. If your injuries are serious, call for an ambulance. If injuries aren’t life-threatening, you should wait for the police to arrive to complete an accident report. You should still seek medical care right away. It is imperative to your personal injury claim to establish medical care right away.
If it is physically possible to do so, take photos of the accident scene and of the damages. Ask any witnesses to give written statements regarding what they saw and include their names and contact details. The police officer will prepare an accident report. The officer will investigate and determine what happened and who is at fault. Maintain documentation to support your claim and help you show that the driver who hit you at an intersection while cycling was at fault.
What to do After Being Hit at an Intersection while Cycling
You should establish medical care right away. Sometimes injuries are worse than they appear. Failure to establish medical care can be devastating to a personal injury claim. By establishing care, you are proving that the injuries were suffered in the accident. You need to maintain documentation that shows your damages. For example, you will need to keep records including:
- Medical bills
- Medical records
- Proof of missed work and lost wages
- Photos of injuries
- Repair estimates for your damaged bike
- Witness statements
- The accident report
You should claim all the damages you suffered in your personal injury claim. Here are some of the more common damages that might result from such a crash:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been hit at an intersection while cycling, you should consult with a personal injury attorney who practices accident injury law in your state. Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing at all to lose. To get your claim on the right track, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page. A personal injury lawyer in your area will review the details of your case and determine how to proceed.
