Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers in Waterford, CT
Bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles can be severe and, in the worst cases, deadly. Taking prompt action to organize and begin preparing your claim can protect your health, preserve crucial evidence, and strengthen your claim when seeking damages from the responsible party.
You have every right to expect them to pay for the damages if someone else’s negligence causes you harm. Contact our office to speak with a skilled lawyer and learn more about what to do after a bicycle accident in Waterford.
Knowing what to do after a bicycle crash in Waterford can benefit you in countless ways, and prioritizing safety is at the top of the list. Immediately in the aftermath, take a moment to assess your injuries to determine if immediate emergency care is needed. If injuries are severe or life-threatening, call for help right away.
If not, and it is possible, try to move out of the roadway to a safe location to avoid further damage or blocking the flow of traffic. Even if emergency responders are unnecessary, visit a medical facility to have your injuries assessed and treated.
Sometimes, in the aftermath when adrenaline is running high, the seriousness of injuries may not be apparent. When the shock wears off, that may change. Even seemingly minor injuries, like concussions and whiplash, can worsen, and an evaluation from a medical professional is critical. That is also important for documenting your damages during the injury claims process.
Even when first responders are not necessary, calling to report the incident to the authorities is vital. They will meet you at the scene of the crash to conduct investigations and prepare an official report. The police officer’s accident report is essential for establishing fault.
Additionally, when damages of $1,000 or more occur in a collision, Connecticut law requires that you report the incident to the authorities immediately. Call and provide them with specifics about the incident without giving too many details that they could mistake as an admission of fault.
Exchange information with all parties involved, such as names, driver’s license, license plate, and description of vehicle. Request their insurance information, such as the provider, contact number, and policy number.
Gathering evidence while still on the scene, when possible, can help prove liability to establish fault and obtain a settlement. That includes using your smartphone to take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicles, road conditions, road signs or traffic signals, and your injuries.
Notifying your insurance provider to inform them about the accident is also essential, but avoid giving recorded statements until you have spoken with a qualified legal professional. Even a minor mistake in words could have a significant impact on your injury claim.
It is not uncommon to unintentionally admit fault, especially in the immediate aftermath, while still recovering from a traumatic incident. A seasoned attorney could walk you through the process of what to do after a Waterford bike accident and handle the insurance company communication on your behalf.
Compliance with tort laws is crucial for successfully pursuing a claim for damages. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-584, you must file the case in court or with an insurer within two years of the day of the accident leading to injuries and losses. Missing the cutoff date of the statute of limitations could mean losing eligibility to obtain compensation from the liable party.
A bicycle crash caused by another person’s recklessness can leave you traumatized, with severe and painful injuries, a stack of hospital bills, and out of work for rest and recovery. Therefore, holding them accountable is crucial.
Call our experienced lawyer to review your case and learn more about what to do after a bicycle accident in Waterford. Call us today and schedule an appointment for next week at a convenient time for you.
We are committed to provide personalized attention to each and every client’s case – no matter how large or small– because that is each client’s only case. We are proud of our firm’s reputation of combining integrity and compassion with an unflinching dedication to getting the right result. We will do what we say.
