What to Do After a Car Hits You On Your Bike

Attorney John S. Williams fights hard for the injured

In a large, populated city like New Orleans, bicycle accidents happen far too often. This type of accident can be traumatic for everyone involved, but the cyclist is most at risk for a severe injury.

If you were hit by a car while riding your bike, you may be wondering what to do. There are many things you can do at the scene to help aid your future case if you decide to file a claim. First and foremost, you should seek medical attention. Then you should talk to an experienced New Orleans bicycle accident attorney to learn about your legal options.

At The Law Offices of John S. Williams, we know how bad these types of car accidents can be. Even if your injury is severe, these cases aren’t as simple as we’d like them to be. That’s why you need an experienced attorney who can prove the driver who hit you is liable for your accident, and Attorney John S. Williams can do just that.

Steps to take after you were hit by a car while biking

1. Take pictures

After an accident, it’s common to feel shaken up. Getting hit by a car is a traumatic experience. There is a lot to process, and you may be overwhelmed. When the time comes to file a claim, having evidence in support of your case is key. That’s why if you can, you should take as many pictures of the scene as possible.

It's hard to remember everything but pictures can document it all. If possible, try and photograph the following things at the scene:

Weather conditions
Traffic lights and signs
The damage to the vehicle
The car’s license plate
Any visible injuries
Driver insurance and contact information
Witnesses’ contact information

2. Seek medical attention

Don’t skip out on seeing a doctor. Many people do this when they feel unhurt after an accident, but they may be experiencing delayed pain. If your injuries were not checked by a medical professional at the scene of the accident, visit a doctor as soon as you can afterward. Most of the time, these types of accidents leave a cyclist seriously injured. Even with the proper protective gear, a cyclist is much more exposed than a driver in a vehicle. Some injuries a cyclist may suffer after being hit by a car include:

Fractures and broken bones
Bruising
Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Cuts and lacerations

The sooner you seek medical attention, the faster you will recover, and the more credible your claim. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the driver who hit you may try to argue that your injury happened after the accident.

3. Contact an experienced attorney

Soon after your accident, the at fault driver’s insurance company may reach out to you and try to settle your case quickly. They may offer you a low amount of money that may barely cover your medical bills. It’s important to know your rights when you were riding a bike and hit by a car. The sooner you contact an experienced car accident attorney, the better. They can deal with the insurance company for you and share with you what other legal options you have. In Louisiana, you typically only have a year from the date of your accident to file, so don’t delay.

Who is at fault for a car-on-bicycle accident?

Under Louisiana state law, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Bicycle car accidents can be complicated, but in most cases, the driver is at fault for the accident. Some examples where a driver may be found at fault include:

Dooring: a driver is parked on the side of the street and opens their door into the path of a cyclist.
A driver fails to yield the right of way and hits a cyclist.
A driver takes a turn and hits a cyclist.
A distracted driver veers out of their lane and hits a cyclist.

In these examples, the driver is found at fault because they are driving recklessly. In these situations, the cyclist can sue the driver for their injuries.

Damages you may claim

The compensation available to you will depend on the details of your accident. Accidents involving a bicycle and a car are always unique. An experienced attorney can help fight for the compensation you deserve. You may be entitled to collect for any of the following damages:

Present and future medical bills
Pain and suffering
Property damage
Lost wages
Loss of quality of life
Scarring and disfigurement (for instance, because of road rash)

Call a trusted attorney after your car accident

If you were struck by a car while riding your bicycle, you may be suffering from a serious injury. The last thing you need is to deal with the insurance company on your own. It’s important you have a trusted attorney by your side to fight for your rights.

Attorney John S. Williams and his team take pride in fighting for the fights of those injured in New Orleans. We believe everyone deserves professional legal representation. that’s why we serve clients on a contingency fee basis. In other words, you pay no money out of pocket, and we only get paid if we win your case.

To learn more, contact us today and schedule a free consultation. Talk to a bicycle accident lawyer about your legal options today.