What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles

Every year, hundreds of California bicyclists get injured because they are hit by cars or involved in traffic accidents. Sadly, many of these victims will not receive the compensation they need due to not knowing what steps to take after their accidents. What you do after a bicycle accident can impact an insurance company’s decision on your injury claim. Injury lawyers in LA suggest to take the following steps to put yourself in the best position for an optimal settlement.

Get to a Safe Place

A bicycle accident may leave you stranded in a dangerous place, such as in the middle of a busy LA street. If possible, move to a safe location out of the way of the flow of traffic. If you are experiencing extreme pain in your back or other signs of a potential spinal cord injury, however, you should restrict your movements until paramedics arrive.

Check for Injuries

Take a moment to assess yourself for injuries. You may notice signs and symptoms such as pain, bleeding, swelling, bruising or road rash. If you hit your head in the accident, be on the lookout for signs of a concussion or brain injury. This may include loss of consciousness, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, blurred vision or nausea.

Get Medical Care Immediately

Medical attention is paramount after a bicycle accident, as these collisions often inflict severe to catastrophic injuries that require emergency treatment. Even if you initially feel fine, it is still important to see a doctor. 

Your adrenaline from the collision may be reducing your pain. You may also have a hidden injury that does not show signs until hours or even days later. Prompt medical attention can quickly diagnose and treat your injuries for the best possible prognosis for recovery.

Call the Police

You should always call the Los Angeles Police Department closest to you by dialing 911 after a bicycle accident. Reporting your bike accident can create an official record of what happened in a police officer’s unbiased words. 

An officer will come to the scene of your bicycle accident, conduct an investigation, and write up a report containing all of the key facts and information about your crash. The police report can then be used as evidence during your insurance claim.

Gather Information

While still at the scene of your bicycle accident, exchange information with the driver who hit you. Write down his or her name, contact information and insurance information. Take photos of the scene of the accident before you leave. Look around for video cameras, as well, including traffic cameras, security cameras, dashcams and GoPros. If anyone witnessed your bike accident, get their information for statements.

File a Claim

California is an at-fault state, meaning that as an injured cyclist, you can file a claim with the car insurance company of the driver who negligently hit you in pursuit of financial compensation. However, you may need to prove fault using evidence. 

Contact the driver’s car insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and file a claim with their policy. Do not admit fault, give the insurance adjuster a recorded statement or accept the first settlement offer.

Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Los Angeles

It can be difficult to get full and fair financial compensation from a car insurance provider as an unrepresented bike accident claimant. Insurance companies know how to protect their own bottom lines by minimizing claim payouts. You can protect yourself by hiring an experienced bicycle accident attorney in LA to represent you. Start your legal claim with a free, no-pressure consultation with an attorney from Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP. Our bicycle accident lawyers have decades of experience and are passionate about protecting the rights of vulnerable cyclists in Los Angeles. Call us at (800) 362-7427 today to begin your claim.