What to Do Following a Bicycle Accident in Los Angeles

Safety should always be everyone’s number one priority. It should include not just their own safety but the safety of those around them. By operating this way, people could cultivate a commute where everyone gets to their destinations expediently and safely. Unfortunately, this is far from the case, and that reality puts bicyclists at risk.

If you spend any amount of time on a bicycle riding through Los Angeles, you should understand what to do in the event of a bicycle accident.

There are almost twice as many cars as there are bikes on Los Angeles roads at any given time, which puts bicyclists at increased risk of experiencing an accident. This post will explain what you can do to keep yourself safe and recover compensation for any injuries or damage to your property.

Wait for the Police

If you experience an accident in Los Angeles that results in injuries or property damage, you and the other individual involved are legally required to remain at the scene of the accident until the police arrive, no matter who is at fault. This law is for the benefit of all involved, as it ensures that all information is indexed and locatable.

Always Get the Other Driver’s Information

Make sure to obtain the driver’s information. This will allow your attorney to contact them at a later time. You may also need to provide some of this information when reporting the accident to your own insurance company.

Make sure to grab the following information:

First and last name
Driver’s license number
Address
Phone number
Insurance policy number
License plate number
Make and model of their vehicle

In addition to obtaining the driver’s information, make sure to provide your information to them.

Obtain Witnesses’ Contact Information

Make sure to obtain the contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident. This kind of information can prove indispensable for a lawyer formulating a claim. It will give them an easy avenue for contacting witnesses without having to engage in lengthy detective work.

Document Everything

Write down everything that happened as you remember it. Make sure to include key details of how you were feeling and what your mental state was like. Include descriptions of traffic and road conditions.

Much like contact information, your notes on the accident can provide a wealth of insight into your mental state and how the accident impacted you, which can come in handy during negotiations or a lawsuit.

Preserve Any Evidence

By preserving evidence, you are ensuring that any items involved in the accident remain as they were directly after the accident. This can go a long way in proving how your bike was hit and how you fell. It can also provide telling information regarding how fast the vehicle was going when it hit you.

Don’t Negotiate with the Insurance Company Alone

The insurance company will try to minimize the amount they are required to pay out. By contacting them without an attorney, you are basically asking for a lower settlement that might not address all of your needs.

Been in a bicycle accident? Contact Saeedian Law Group

If you or a loved one has been in a bicycle accident and need a Los Angeles-based personal injury attorney by your side, contact Saeedian Law Group today. We have years of experience helping personal injury victims maximize their claims. Our knowledge of personal injury laws and litigation experience gives us a unique edge.