What To Do If You Are In A Bike Accident In BC

As more people choose to use bikes both recreationally and as a means of regular commute, more bicycle-related injuries are reported. It was recently estimated that around 5 bicyclists are killed and 670 bicyclists are injured between June and September. If you are in a bicycle accident in British Columbia, you will want to make sure that you take the right steps to make sure that you receive any compensation you are owed from insurance or the party responsible for the accident. The following is a guide on what you need to do after a bicycle accident in BC.

Steps to Follow After a Bike Accident in BC

Naturally, the first thing you should do after an accident is assess yourself for emergency injuries. If you have any injuries that are critical, receive emergency medical attention before considering what to do next.

In cases where minor injuries or non-life threatening injuries have occurred, then you can take the time to follow the steps on what to do at the scene of the bicycle accident and beyond.

File a Police Report

The first thing to do is file a police report regarding the accident. It’s important that you stick only to neutral facts when you report the accident to the police–and don’t forget to give police your version of events, as you will need to file a report on “your side” of the accident for best results. You can–and should–ask for a copy of the report.

Exchange Contact Information

Next, you will need to get the contact information of several people at the scene. The first is the contact information of the other person involved in the accident. You should also ask for contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident, as you may need to ask for their witness testimony in order to legally determine fault in the accident.

Contact a Lawyer

Bicycle accident claims are complex and you will need the services of an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to help you navigate the world of accident claims. A personal injury lawyer will be able to help you understand how to document injuries, file your claim—and fight for your claim.

Document Injuries and Damages

You will need to properly document all injuries and damages, including immediate injuries as well as any long-lasting impact the injuries have created. For instance, if the injuries you received in the accident caused you to miss work, then you may be able to claim lost wages as damages; or if your knee is now experiencing pain after the injury to the point that your daily life is impacted, you may be able to claim medical expenses for your knee and get compensation. It is best that you work with a lawyer at this point because they will be able to guide you on the proper way to document and write down injuries and damages for your case.

The Final Step: File Your Claim

Finally, you can file your claim. This is best done with the services of an experienced lawyer who has experienced handling bicycle accidents in BC.