Many people ride a bicycle for different reasons, whether it may be leisure, exercise, or transportation. It is important for bicyclists to be careful while on the road, as bikes do not offer riders the same protection that other vehicles do. This is why bikers should wear additional protection, such as helmets, padding, and reflective wear for night rides. However, this does not always prevent accidents. In the event that an accident does occur, riders can sustain serious injuries as a result. When this happens, it is important to retain the services of an experienced attorney to build your case.
What to Do After the Accident
It is frightening to be involved in an accident. While this is true, it is crucial to try and remain calm and collected during the hectic situation. This allows you to follow the necessary steps towards building a case and protecting your recovery. This can include the following:
- Move the bicycle off the road to prevent further accidents.
- Do not apologize, accept blame, or negotiate with the other driver involved.
- Contact the necessary emergency services. This includes law enforcement as well as an ambulance if anyone is injured. It is important not to downplay injuries in your initial statement.
- Complete an accident report with the police.
- Obtain contact and insurance information from the other individual involved in the accident.
- Document the accident. This can include where, when, how, and why the accident occurred. It can be done by taking pictures or video of the wreckage as well as documenting road and weather conditions.
- Gather witness information for testimonies.
Seeking Compensation
Those who are harmed in an accident with another vehicle usually find themselves burdened by certain damages. This includes not only physical, but emotional and financial damages as well. When faced with these situations, injured victims often seek compensation to cover these costs related to the accident. There is more than one way this may be recovered.
In these situations, it is important to understand what Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is. This is coverage that car insurance policies in Pennsylvania must carry. It provides compensation for anyone injured in an automobile accident, regardless of who is at fault. This can cover damages such as medical bills, lost wages, lost future wages, and more. In the event that it does not cover all of these costs, further compensation may be sought through a personal injury lawsuit to prove negligence. If successful, the injured party may be able to receive additional compensation. With this, the injured party is able to recover from the accident without worrying about affording these costs on their own.
Contact our Firm
If you or a loved one has been in a personal injury accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important that you contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney to help you with your case and to make sure that you are not taken advantage of. Contact Spear Greenfield to get the right attorney in your corner.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
