What to do if you are involved in a bicycle accident

With summer around the corner, biking season is in full force. Whether for commuting or to experience a leisurely ride around beautiful Boston, bikers are out in droves. However, with the uptick in the number of bicyclists comes an increased likelihood of bicycle accidents.

Although bicycles are a green form of transportation, they can also be very dangerous. In the event of an accident with a motor vehicle, the bicycle rarely wins. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, you may not know what to do next in the confusion that follows. Following are some tips that can help you protect your legal rights after the accident.

Post-Accident tips

First of all, it is important to take quick actions to protect your rights. Be sure to call the police and, if you are injured, the ambulance right after the accident. Even if you think you have minor injuries, in reality they could be quite serious.

After the accident occurs, it is also vital to gather and preserve any evidence. Jot down the driver’s license number and insurance information, as well as the contact information for any witnesses. Use your cellphone’s camera to take a picture of the accident scene and your broken bicycle. In addition, the camera is useful to document your injuries. Be sure to keep your bicycle after the accident, as it could prove valuable later.

Once you have preserved your evidence, contact an experienced attorney to give you the best chance of compensation. Under Massachusetts law, the driver is responsible for any damages including past and future medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Source: Wicked Local Cambridge, “What to do after a bike accident,” Mckenzie Hillam, June 2, 2013