According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, there were 39, 370 injuries related to bicycle accidents in 2012. While this is only a small portion of traffic-related injuries that occurred in the state that year, the reality is that an accident can happen to anyone—especially as the weather improves more people venture outdoors on bicycles.
Fortunately, however, there are steps you can take in order to protect yourself if you are involved in a bicycle accident resulting in personal injury.
Seek Assistance
If you are involved in a bicycle accident, seek immediate medical assistance. Even if you do not believe you require medical assistance, you may be suffering from less noticeable injuries which could lead to significant medical issues if left untreated.
Next, ensure that you are out of harm's way. If the collision took place in an area that sees a lot of traffic, it is important that you, and any other people involved in the accident, are no longer in danger.
Call the Police
Regardless of the injury level, you should always call the police to file a police report. If possible, it is best to call the police while you are still at the scene of the accident. Remember to get your account of the accident on record with the police, and report any injuries you sustained in the crash.
Gather Information or Evidence
Once you have taken precautionary steps to ensure the safety of yourself and anyone else involved in the collision, the next step is to gather information. As with any incident involving motor vehicles and/or bicycles, ask for the driver's license and registration information of the person operating the motor vehicle which struck you. Additionally, if you have a camera available, take as many pictures of the scene of the accident as you can. Photograph the following:
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Traffic signs or signals at the scene;
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Injuries;
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Your bicycle;
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The car that injured you; and
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The license plate.
One fact to keep in mind when taking pictures of the scene is that you should not move or alter any evidence at the scene of the accident. If there are any witnesses nearby, remember to get their contact information. You also want to make mental notes of how the accident happened, since important details might be harder to recollect after time.
Talk to an Attorney
Finally, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Even if you do not believe that you are entitled to recover monetary compensation for your injuries, you should still seek out a legal professional. Discussing your case with an attorney can help you figure out your options, and if you can recover monetary compensation.
If you or a loved one is injured in a bicycle accident due to another person's negligence, please contact one of our experienced Appleton personal injury attorneys or Green Bay personal injury attorneys at Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. Our offices are located in Oshkosh, Appleton, and Green Bay, and we are prepared to offer you professional assistance. Call us today.