Should I Call the Police After My bike Accident?
Being hit by a vehicle while riding a bike can be scary, painful and tragic and often creates a need for help from a bike accident lawyer Baltimore, MD bike accident victims can rely on.
Bike riders do not have the luxury of an exterior shell made up of strong and sturdy materials. A cyclist may sustain agonizing injuries that require prompt medical intervention. While at the scene and in the aftermath of the accident, a rider may have plenty of questions about what to do next. Here in the article below, we have aimed to answer a few of the more common questions riders may have when it comes to handling being struck by an automobile.
Is it always necessary to call the police after an accident?
It is recommended that police are called at the scene of a bike accident. The car driver may try to convince you to not call 9-1-1, especially if he or she was at-fault for the accident. The officer can create an incident report about what happened, which can be an influential document later on if you decide to seek legal action. This may wind up being valuable evidence to your Baltimore, MD bike accident lawyer.
What information should I gather from the car driver?
If you were hit by a car while on a bike, keep in mind that the driver may be very nervous about the consequences he or she may face. The driver may try to give you false information in order to elude responsibility for the crash. Be sure to copy down the driver’s details from their license, and not based off what they say. If you do not have any critical injuries that need immediate attention, you can exchange the following information from the driver:
- Driver’s license number
- Full name
- Home address
- Vehicle license plate number
- Car make, year, model and color
- Home phone number
- Insurance company name
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bike accident, it may be in your best interest to discuss your situation with a reputable Baltimore, MD personal injury lawyer who is experienced with successfully defending the rights of injured cyclists.
What should I take photographs of at the scene?
If you are of stable enough health, you may want to take as many photographs as you can of the scene. These pictures can support your accident claim, so be sure to include photos of your bike damages as well as any visible injuries. If the bike and car are not interfering with traffic, take photos before moving them.
Should I reach out to my insurance company the same day as the crash?
Yes, do inform your insurer about the accident right after it happens. However, do not share more details about what happened than you need to. While your insurance company represents your side, they may also be motivated to spend the least amount of money as possible when it comes to your claim. One of the many reasons people recommend enlisting the help of of a Baltimore, MD bike accident lawyer who knows how to fight powerful insurance companies is because they are notorious for trying to pay out as little as they can even if an injured person deserves more.
What should I do if an insurance company keeps calling me for a statement?
Insurance investigators may contact you appearing to innocently want to know more about the accident. These questions may be designed to trick you into saying something that can have a negative impact on your claim. By reaching out to your lawyer first, he or she can help you navigate conversations with these representatives. When in doubt, do not answer any questions until you have spoken with your lawyer.
For a highly rated bike accident lawyer Baltimore, MD cyclists and their families recommend, contact Cohen & Cohen for a free case consultation and evaluation any time of the day or night, any day of the year.
