Cycling accidents can be a traumatic experience, especially when they result in serious injuries. Statistics show that most cycling accidents occur due to cyclists losing control of their bikes by hitting fixed objects like parked cars, trees, and curbs, or due to poor road conditions like bad paving, litter, debris, and sand. However, this doesn’t mean that collisions between cyclists and vehicles are typically the cyclist’s fault.
When a crash between a cyclist and a car occurs, the results can be severe. That’s why it’s essential to know what to do if you ever find yourself in such a situation. Our bicycle accident attorneys in Hyannis are here to offer some crucial advice.
Ensure Your Safety First
The first and most important step is to make sure you’re okay. Don’t panic—take a few moments to calm yourself, assess the situation, and gather your thoughts. If you suspect you might be seriously injured, it’s vital to remain still until medical help arrives. If you’re in the middle of the road or another unsafe location and you can move safely, try to get to a safer spot.
If the drivers involved in your accident move their vehicles, make a note of where they moved them. This information will be useful when the police arrive or when you file your accident report. Even if you don’t think you’re injured, don’t refuse medical care when it arrives—some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Identify Everyone Involved in the Accident
Our Hyannis bicycle accident attorneys recommend taking the following steps while still at the scene of the accident:
Cooperate with the Police: Provide the police with a clear and accurate account of what happened, but avoid admitting fault or claiming responsibility for the accident.
Document Injuries and Damages: Note any injuries you or others sustained, and take pictures if possible.
Gather Witness Information: If there were witnesses to the accident, collect their names and contact details. Witness statements can be crucial in supporting your case.
Exchange Information: Obtain the names, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details of all drivers involved in the accident. You should also be prepared to provide your information to others.
It’s important to remain calm and composed when interacting with others involved in the accident. Losing your temper won’t help and could harm your case.
What to Do in a Hit-and-Run Situation
If the driver involved in the accident flees the scene, they are committing a serious offense. Try to get a photo of their license plate or commit it to memory and report it to the police as soon as possible. Make sure this information is included in the accident report.
Check for Damage to Your Bicycle
After ensuring your safety, check your bicycle for any damage. Look for issues with the headset bearings, handlebars, or fork. High-quality bikes often have lightweight aluminum alloy handlebars, which can snap if bent. For your safety, we recommend not riding your bike if you notice any damage. Instead, call a taxi and keep the receipt, as you can include this expense in your insurance claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you didn’t receive medical care at the scene, it’s crucial to visit a hospital as soon as possible after the accident. If you have the other driver’s insurance information, your doctor can use it to process a medical claim for your visit. If you pay for medical expenses out of pocket, keep all receipts. Massachusetts law requires the driver’s insurance to cover the first $2,000 of your medical expenses under the no-fault provisions of standard auto policies. Be sure to save receipts for:
- Transportation to and from the hospital
- Medical supplies like bandages, prescription, and non-prescription drugs
- Doctor’s fees and medical tests
If your injuries cause you to miss work, document the hours missed and the income lost. This can be recovered from the driver’s insurance company.
Filing an Accident Report
Massachusetts law requires you to file an accident report within five days if you were injured or if property damage exceeds $1,000. Accident report forms are available at any police station. When filling out the report, make four copies:
- One for your personal records
- Send the original to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
- Provide a copy to the Hyannis Police Department
- Send one copy to the other driver’s insurance company if requested
Before submitting the report, it’s wise to consult with one of our bicycle accident attorneys in Hyannis. They can help you accurately describe the accident in a way that supports your case.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Never give a recorded statement to the insurance company without first consulting an attorney. Insurance companies may ask you to sign authorization forms to access your medical records. Ensure that any form you sign specifies that only records related to the bicycle accident are accessible. Without this clause, the insurer may access all your medical records, even those unrelated to the accident.
You can recover damages to your bicycle if the insurance company determines their client was at fault. Following the law while cycling is crucial, but if the insurance company is giving you trouble, consulting an attorney is your best course of action.
Why Timely Legal Guidance Can Strengthen Your Bicycle Accident Claim in Hyannis
One of the most overlooked steps after a bicycle accident in Hyannis is seeking legal guidance early in the process. Many victims wait until they encounter issues with insurance companies before contacting an attorney, but by then, certain mistakes may have already been made. A Hyannis bicycle accident lawyer can help preserve critical evidence, guide you on what to say (and what not to say), and ensure that all deadlines are met, including filing requirements and insurance notifications.
Early legal assistance can also help accurately calculate the full value of your claim. Bicycle accident victims often underestimate the long-term impact of their injuries, including ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity. An experienced attorney will evaluate all aspects of your damages, not just immediate expenses, to help you pursue maximum compensation. By taking action sooner rather than later, you give yourself a stronger position when negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing legal action.
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident in Hyannis and want to learn more about pursuing an insurance claim, contact one of our bicycle accident attorneys.
