Bicycle Accidents Do’s and Don’ts

Bicycle Accident Help

Were you injured as a bicyclist by another vehicle and have numerous questions? At Dawson Law Group we can provide you with the most qualified personal injury attorney Portland Oregon has to offer in order to answer any and all of your questions. Our attorneys specialize in personal injury law and most especially accidents involving both bicycles and cars. We have represented countless clients who have been injured in auto accidents while riding a bicycle that was the fault of the vehicle driver. Should you find yourself in such an accident, there are some very clear things that you should and others that must be avoided entirely. Below we have listed the dos and don’ts of accidents involving both a bicycle and car.

What Not To Do

Do NOT attempt to come to an agreement with the driver of the car that hit you. In the heat of the moment, the driver may admit fault and agree to pay for the damages you have sustained only to back out later down the road. Often the responsible party will later attempt to shift blame from them and onto you. In some cases the driver will give false contact information at the scene in order to avoid taking responsibility. This would make it difficult for you to receive compensation later on. If you find yourself in an accident always call the police. They will file an official report and ensure that you are given valid contact and insurance information from the driver. Any negotiating should be left to the most qualified personal injury attorney Portland Oregon has to offer that you have hired as your representation.

Do NOT talk directly to the driver’s insurance company. The adjustor you would be speaking to is trained to coerce you into settling for an amount that is far below what you are due if you receive anything from them at all. They will ask you to give a recorded statement of the accident and under no circumstances should you do this. The insurance company will distort the statements that you have made in order to place fault on your shoulders. Allow the personal injury attorney in Portland Oregon working for you to handle the driver’s insurance company. Your lawyer will fight to see that you are fairly compensated.

What To Do

If you were not severely injured in the accident stay on the scene until the police arrive. They will file an official report that the personal injury attorney in Portland Oregon you have hired will be able to use this report later to prove that you were not at fault for the accident.

Ensure that the police have recorded your version of the events. If you were not taken to the hospital after the accident it is important that the police include your side of the story in the official report. The driver will often claim that the bicyclist was at fault even if they were. Without your statement the police will most likely go with this version of events. Later on in the claims process when you are working with the most skilled personal injury attorney Portland Oregon has to offer they will be able to use your statement as proof that you were not at fault.

Always make sure to get the driver’s name, insurance and contact information. You will need these to file a claim later on. The police on the scene will make sure that the contact information you receive is valid. In certain cases the at-fault party of an accident will give false information in order to prevent taking responsibility for the accident and paying damages.

Take pictures of the scene of the accident and the surrounding areas. If you are unable to take pictures yourself have a witness to the accident take them for you. Skid marks, the damage to your bike and the car are all important to record. During the claims process they can be used to recreate the accident and in doing so prove who was at fault. It is also crucial that you get the contact information of any witnesses. Your personal injury attorney in Portland Oregon will be able to use their statements eye witness reports of the accident. There statements could be used to show that the driver of the car was in fact responsible for the accident.

Make sure to see a doctor as soon after the accident occurred as possible. It is important that any injuries you have sustained are treated. Even if you believe you are uninjured go to a doctor anyway. Often injuries will not immediately present themselves and only a trained medical professional will be able to see them. Some injuries can take months to present themselves. The doctor will record the injuries in your medical file which can later be used to prove that you were injured in the accident. Hire the best personal injury attorney Portland Oregon can provide to aid you in the claims process. They will be able to ensure that you receive the compensation you are due.

Take photos of any injuries that you have sustained. Do this once a day for several days after the accident. Bruising may take a few days to fully develop and it is vital that you have a visual record of the severity of your injuries. These photos in addition to the doctor’s medical report are essential to the claims process. The personal injury attorney in Portland Oregon that you hire will use these later on to demonstrate the severity of your injuries which is a crucial aspect to you receiving damages for all that you have suffered.

At Dawson Law Group we specialize in personal injury law and most especially accidents involving motorized vehicles. We will provide you with the most qualified personal injury attorney Portland Oregon has to offer. Our firm has the experience necessary to successfully handle your claim. We operate with a standard of honesty and integrity that sets us apart from our competition. Call Dawson Law Group today and gain an advocate in your claims process.