If you are a cyclist, you understand the importance of ensuring you are visible so drivers will notice you. With the help of fluorescent gear and by knowing the traffic laws, you can improve the likelihood of being noticed.
If you are a cyclist who was hit by merging, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the driver who caused your damages. Personal injury claims are challenging, so be sure to protect your rights immediately after such an accident.
What to Do If Hit While Merging While Cycling
If you are hit while merging while cycling, you must stay on the scene and call the police. The accident must be reported. An officer will come out and investigate, completing the accident report.
If your injuries are serious, you should call an ambulance. If they aren’t life-threatening, you should still seek medical care right away. If you are physically able, you should take photos of the crash scene and of the damages sustained.
Get the name, contact details of, and the insurance information from the other driver. Tell your side of the story to the responding officer. Be sure to state the facts, not the opinions. The officer will conduct an investigation and usually indicates fault in the accident report.
You will need to get a copy of the accident report for your records. It will be helpful when you pursue a personal injury claim against the driver of the vehicle that hit you while you were merging.
The Damages That Might Result
You can suffer various damages after being hit while merging while cycling. You will need to maintain thorough supporting evidence for your claim. Below are some of the common damages suffered in such situations:
- Medical bills – past and future
- Lost wages – past and future
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Permanent scarring and/or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Listed below some of the documents that you should maintain to help support your claim and to use as evidence:
- Medical bills
- Medical records
- Prescription receipts
- Proof of missed work
- Prescription records
- The accident report
- Witness statements
- Photos of the damages
- Photos of the injuries
- Photos of the accident scene
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Every state has its own laws regarding personal injury claims. There is a statue of limitations, and if you don’t adhere to that and wait too long, you will not be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your losses.
Your lawyer will not be paid until you are awarded compensation through a judgement or a settlement. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation Form above to have the details of your case reviewed by an attorney in your area who handles accident injury claims. With a lawyer representing you, your odds of a successful personal injury claim increase significantly.
