A bicycle accident can inflict severe injuries that make it difficult to return to your everyday life. If you get hurt in a bike accident in Fort Collins, it is essential to know what steps to take to hold someone responsible successfully. The right actions can maximize your physical and financial recovery. For legal advice at any point during a bicycle accident case, contact Cannon Law.
Contact Our Fort Collins Injury Lawyers
CALL US (970) 471-7170Put Your Safety First
If you get hit by a car while riding your bicycle in Fort Collins, prioritize your safety by moving your bike to the side of the road, out of the way of traffic. If you suspect serious injuries, such as a spinal cord injury, restrict your movements until first responders arrive. Moving the wrong way could exacerbate your condition.
Get Medical Attention
It is normal not to recognize injuries from a bicycle accident immediately. Many victims experience a rush of adrenaline that masks pain. Even if you don’t think you are hurt, go to the nearest emergency room for a checkup. You may have a hidden or delayed injury that manifests later.
Call 911
Report the bicycle accident and request medical assistance, as needed, by calling 911 from the scene. Notifying law enforcement about the crash is a legal requirement in Colorado if it causes injuries. It can also help you with an insurance claim to obtain an official police report.
Exchange Information
Remain at the scene of the accident until you have recorded the information of the driver who struck you, including his or her name, a description of the vehicle, license plate number, and insurance information.
Document the Scene
Use your cell phone to capture images and videos of the scene of the bicycle accident, if possible. Include any visible injuries, traffic signs and signals, and road conditions. If anyone witnessed the accident, get their names and contact information. Make note of any traffic or surveillance cameras in the area.
Preserve Evidence
Keep your damaged bicycle as evidence to use during your insurance claim. Collect copies of all relevant documents, such as your police report, full records from treatment, bike repair estimates and letters from insurance companies. Consider keeping an injury journal to document your recovery journey day by day.
File an Insurance Claim
In Colorado, the person or party at fault for causing a bicycle accident can be held financially responsible. Contact the motor vehicle driver’s insurance company to initiate your claim. All drivers in Colorado are required to carry minimum amounts of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance.
Protect Your Rights
When discussing your case with an insurance claims adjuster, do not admit fault and do not agree to give them a recorded statement. This is something the insurance company may try to use against you later to deny your claim or diminish your payout.
Resist the urge to accept the first settlement offer, as it is most likely less than you deserve. If you don’t feel comfortable communicating with the insurance company on your own, consult with a personal injury lawyer to do so for you.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Fort Collins
You don’t have to seek justice alone as the victim of a bicycle accident in Fort Collins. You have the right to consult with a bicycle accident attorney who can investigate, determine fault, collect evidence, and handle negotiations with an insurance company (or file a lawsuit if a settlement cannot be reached) on your behalf.
Cannon Law offers free bicycle accident case reviews from our local law office. Call us at (970) 471-7170 today to speak directly to an attorney about your situation.