Thousands of cyclists ride their bikes across Philadelphia each day for a variety of reasons. From getting to work or simply exercising, cycling is a great way to use your time. However, biking can be dangerous, especially when you share the road with careless drivers. When accidents happen, the results can be devastating.
Unsure what to do after a bicycle accident in Philadelphia? You do not have to go through this difficult process on your own. By relying on a dedicated injury attorney, you have the chance to get the compensation you deserve.
The police must be called any time a collision involves bodily injuries. This is true when a cyclist is struck by a larger vehicle, like a passenger car. Notifying the police complies with the law and jumpstarts the investigation into the accident. When officers arrive on the scene, they will interview the parties and make a report. This report can be crucial to an injury case.
The police report identifies the parties involved in the crash, notes basic details like the date and location, and often includes a diagram of the accident scene. Often, it provides contact information for any witnesses. The information provided in this document can be invaluable to an injury attorney.
One of the most important things to do after a Philadelphia bike accident is to seek medical care. Any injury should be checked out by medical professionals. There is always the chance for a condition to worsen, so getting treatment right away is vital. The failure to talk to a doctor can also harm an injury lawsuit, as the defense could use that as evidence that the cyclist was not actually injured in the crash.
Seeing a doctor once is usually not enough. The important thing is complying with the treatment plan until the physician determines a person has reached their maximum level of medical recovery.
It is never in an injured person’s interest to discuss the details of their accident. This is especially true at the scene of the crash, given that anything they say to the driver that struck them could ultimately be held against them during a lawsuit. Avoid giving statements to the driver’s insurance carrier as well.
Few steps after a Philadelphia bicycle accident are more important than speaking with legal counsel. An attorney could review the facts, determine if there is a case for compensation, and pursue a civil suit against the at-fault party. Throughout this process, they could answer questions and provide guidance during what can be a distressing period.
While there is no requirement to hire an attorney, working without one is risky. The right legal counsel could help avoid the kind of mistakes that put financial compensation at risk.
If you are still unclear on what to do after a bicycle accident in Philadelphia, let a dedicated attorney advise you of your options. You have the opportunity to pursue justice and recover the compensation you deserve. Call right away to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your accident.
