As a cyclist, you know there is always a concern about being hit by vehicles. That is why you do everything that you can to ensure you are visible and stand out. Also, by placing yourself in the lane strategically and not up against the curb will make drivers have to enter the other lane of traffic to pass you, so they won’t get as close. But, despite all the proper precautions, you can be injured in a crash. If you were sideswiped while cycling, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the driver to recover compensation for the damages that you sustained in the accident.
What To Do If Sideswiped While Cycling
If a vehicle has gotten too close to you while passing and sideswiped you, you should immediately call the police. If your injuries are serious, ask for an ambulance. Otherwise, stay on the scene and wait for the police officer to come and prepare an accident report. If it is physically possible to do so, take photos of the accident scene from different angles, and get photos of the damages. Get the license plate information plus make and model of the vehicle and get the driver’s name and insurance details.
Be sure to tell the officer your account of what happened. State only facts, not opinions. Also, check to see if there are witnesses. If so, ask them to provide written statements along with their names and contact details. Documentation is the key to tying your damages into the accident and with showing what happened. Corroborating witnesses can be very beneficial to your accident injury claim. The officer will also investigate the crash and determine what went wrong and why it happened.
What To Do After Being Sideswiped While Cycling
Assess your injuries. Often, injuries are worse than they initially appear. You should establish medical care right away. Go get examined by a medical professional. Postponing medical care can be devastating to your personal injury claim. The immediate exam can help tie your injuries to your accident, so the insurance company cannot allege you suffered the injuries elsewhere. Be sure to maintain thorough documentation in support of your personal injury claim. Here are some documents that you will need to keep:
- The accident report
- Damage repair estimates
- Proof of missed work and lost wages
- Medical bills
- Prescription receipts
- Photos of the injuries and damages
- Copies of witness statements
A personal injury attorney can help you with your personal injury claim. Here are some of the more common damages claimed after being sideswiped while cycling:
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney
If you have suffered injuries because you were sideswiped while cycling, you should consult with a personal injury attorney who handles accident injury claims in your state. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to get your claim on track.
Additional Resources
Here are some additional resources to help you take the best possible course of action.
