What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Miami

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Miami’s gorgeous year-round climate makes it a great place for people to use a bike to get where they need to go. Riding a bicycle is not only good exercise, but it is also better for the environment and is cheaper than driving a car. Unfortunately, negligent motorists do not always watch out for cyclists, nor do they always respect their space. As such, there are too many bicycle accidents around the city every year.

The moments after a crash between a cyclist and a much larger vehicle are confusing. With so little protection on a bike, you are likely suffering from serious injuries and you may not know what to do next. Below, our Miami bicycle accident lawyer explains the most important steps to take to protect yourself, and any future claim you may file.

Call 911

You may need to report the accident to the police, or you may need medical help from an ambulance. Calling 911 will bring both of these authorities to the scene so you can get the help you need. Remain at the scene until police arrive so you can give a statement that will be included in the report, and to ensure a report is filed.

Even if an ambulance does not come to the scene, it is imperative that you receive medical treatment as soon as possible after the crash. Your safety and well-being are the most important priority after an accident. Also, the medical documentation you will receive is important to show the extent of your injuries.

Locate Witnesses

Eyewitness testimony is given a lot of weight by insurance companies and juries. This is because witnesses are considered objective third parties that have nothing to gain or lose, so they will tell the whole truth about what they saw and about how the accident occurred. Locate the witnesses at the scene and ask for their names and contact information.

Take Photo and Video Evidence

While you are still at the scene, take as many photos and videos as you can. Take close-up pictures of any damage to the vehicles involved, and of the damage to your bike. Also, take pictures of your injuries. Take a photo of the accident scene as a whole too, as this can often show how the accident occurred.

Do Not Fix Your Bicycle

The damage to your bicycle is important evidence that will help you collect full damages. Do not repair it, or the insurance company will argue that your bike was not even damaged, so you could not have been hurt.

Call a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Miami

The driver that hit you, nor the insurance company, is going to be on your side after a crash. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, our Miami bicycle accident lawyers will always fight for you and make sure your rights are upheld. Call us now at (786) 681-0978 or contact us online to request a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]