Florida is known for the beautiful weather and scenery, so it should not come as a surprise that bikes are so popular. While some ride them to work, others will do it purely for the excitement. However, not one biker dares to think about the dangers involved in bike accidents.
If you are riding your bike and get in an accident involving a car or a truck, what you do right after the accident is vital if you hope to get compensation. Dan Zohar is the leading bicycle accident attorney with more than thirty years of experience practicing law in Tampa, Florida. Today, he is sharing the most important tips you need to know.
Wait for the police.
If you were involved in an accident, do not leave the scene of the accident. Instead, wait for the police to arrive so they can file a police report. Remember, you might be injured even if you think you did not get injured in a bicycle accident. Some accident victims notice the injuries later on when the shock wears off, while some minor injuries can turn into serious problems down the road.
Write everything down.
While you are more than likely to feel overwhelmed, make sure you write down the information about the driver involved. Write their contact details, license plate number, and other relevant details. If there were witnesses around, ask them for their contact details as well.
Take photos.
We live in a digital era, which means practically everyone is carrying cameras in their pockets. Photos are a great way to prove the fault, so take as many photos of the scene of the accident as possible. Take photos of the surrounding area, nearby crossroads, damages both on your bike and the car involved. And if you are seriously injured, get a friend or a relative to take them for you.
Do not start cleaning up right after the accident, and if it does not endanger the traffic, leave your bike where it fell. After the police leave the scene of the accident, hold onto your clothes and equipment. Do not wash it or send it off for repair. This will be used as evidence by your attorney for your compensation claim or lawsuit.
Seek medical attention.
If you suspect you sustained injuries, make sure to seek medical attention. Having a medical professional document all injuries you sustained is the best way to prove the damages. In some cases, insurance companies will question why a victim waited too long to seek medical attention and can use that as an argument to reject your request for compensation.
Consult a Tampa bicycle accident attorney
While you can file a compensation claim on your own, it is best advised to consult a Tampa bicycle accident attorney for multiple reasons. First, they will know the local laws and regulations. Second, they will have the necessary experience to negotiate fair compensation.
Third, insurance companies are always represented by large legal departments or legal firms, which makes it almost impossible to get what you deserve on your own.
Schedule your free consultation today!
Dan Zohar is a personal injury attorney and has been working on bicycle accident cases for more than three decades and can help you ensure you get what you truly deserve for your damages and pain and suffering. Do not delay – call (800) 963-3311 toll-free and schedule your free consultation today!