8 Steps to Take if You are Involved in a Bicycle Accident

A 2015 CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) report shocked our state when it revealed that Florida has the highest bicycle death rate in the nation at 0.057 per 100,000 population. This certainly is nothing to brag about and is only partially explained by our 365-day beautiful biking weather.

As a bicyclist, are you prepared for a bicycle accident? What would you do first if you were involved in an accident? Here is an important list of steps to take if you are in a bicycle accident with another vehicle:

• Call the police even if you don't appear injured. Wait until the police arrive - it's important to identify the at-fault driver and vehicle. Request that the police incorporate your story into their report and report all injuries, no matter how minor they appear at the time.
• Don't discuss the accident with other drivers. Let the police fully document the accident in their report. Importantly, let them ticket the driver if applicable for any offense.
• Get all driver(s) information - name, address, phone #, vehicle license #, driver license #, insurance information. Obtain names and contact information for all witnesses. If you're unable to do this, ask a bystander to help.
• Document everything. Take photos of your bicycle and all accessories, other vehicles, the scene, the road and your injuries. Start a journal as soon as you can of weather, road and traffic conditions.
• Get medical attention immediately! You'll need medical documentation to prove the extent of your injuries. Even if you feel your injuries are minor, your adrenaline level may suppress physical pain that can get much worse later. Seemingly minor injuries can grow into more serious, long-lasting problems. Add all doctor visits, tests and medications to your journal.
• Have your bicycle thoroughly inspected at a professional bicycle shop. You may not notice hard to see damage. The bike shop can also give you a written statement that the bike is unsafe to ride and therefore a total loss, if necessary.
• Consult a personal injury attorney like those at the Law Offices of Diana Santa Maria, P.A. who can help advise you on how to proceed. We have the right experience to help you with a bicycle accident case and can help negotiate with the insurance company or represent you in a lawsuit.
• Don't discuss your accident with another insurance company or attorney. Don't accept any settlement without discussing it with us first.

Read tips for successful cycling in Florida from the Florida Bicycling Association.

If you or a family member has been injured in a bicycle or car accident or by any other personal injury, please contact us immediately. Our experienced attorneys have the right expertise to fight for the compensation you deserve. Please call us for a free consultation. Attorney Diana Santa Maria, personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (954) 434-1077 or contact us via the website.