What a Cyclist Should Do if They Get Hurt Going to Work

It can be easy to not think straight when you are involved in an accident while cycling to work. But if you get hurt, you need to click your brain into action and take the appropriate steps. Here’s what you should do if you become injured.

Think About Your Own Safety

If you are cycling to work and suddenly get hurt, the first thing you need to do is think about your own safety. If you can, get off the road straight away to ensure you do not become more injured or cause another accident. When you are involved in an accident, it is normal to feel lightheaded or in shock. Sitting down can help you to handle that feeling. Stay sitting for a while and breathe deeply. Then assess your situation. If you are not badly hurt, you can get up and find who else was involved in the accident. If you are badly hurt, stay where you are and call 911.

Know Your Rights

Many cyclists are not aware of their rights, which means they resort to paying medical fees from their own pockets after suffering an injury from a cycling accident. However, if you are hit by a vehicle or involved in an accident that is not your fault while cycling and you become injured as a result, you can hire professional personal injury lawyers like the experts at Nicoletti Law Firm to help you obtain compensation. 

In addition to gaining a financial settlement, the person who caused the accident will be held responsible. If you are cycling to work as part of an employer-led scheme, you may wonder if your employer can also be held responsible, but the answer in the vast majority of cases will be no. Focus on gaining compensation from the individual that was directly responsible.

Obtain the Other Party’s Details

Knowing your rights is important, but hiring a personal injury lawyer will probably not be the first thing on your mind if you experience an injury while cycling to work. However, you do need to give it some thought to ensure you get all the necessary details of the parties involved. If a driver hits you, it is crucial you make a note of the registration. Other details like the vehicle’s color and model can also be useful to record. You need to get the driver’s name, address, and insurance details too. Similarly, if you are knocked off your bicycle by a pedestrian or someone’s pet, make sure you get the person’s details for an insurance claim. You should also take photographs of the accident and get the details of witnesses.

See a Doctor if You Have Injuries

Even if you do not appear to be badly hurt, you should take note of your health over the next few days. If you discover an injury after the accident, make sure you visit a doctor. Do not just take some painkillers and carry on because your injury could be worse than you think. Of course, if you are seriously injured at the time of the accident, make sure you get to the emergency department as soon as possible.

Report the Incident

If a motor vehicle was involved in the accident, you need to report the incident to the police as soon as you can. When you speak to the police, make sure you get hold of the name of the officer you speak to and the police incident number. If something like a hole in a road caused your accident, contact the official body responsible for road maintenance. Again, keep a log of the incident report so it will be easier to make an insurance claim.

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