Bicycle accidents are not as common as vehicle accidents; however when they do occur the injuries incurred are usually quite serious. With the increase in bicycle use and allocated bike paths in Melrose MA and beyond, there has been a significant increase in related injuries. If you are a loved one is involved in an accident of this nature it is critical that you consult with an experienced and reputable attorney.
Often after an accident of this nature all parties at the scene are focused on the safety of victims but occasionally once the crisis has passed peoples “story changes”. The phone number is ‘wrong or she can’t be reached. The contrite driver starts to think about how the collision happened, and a possible latent injury. He starts worrying about his insurance rates. His version of events changes over night. It wasn’t his fault — so why should he be the one who must pay.
So now what do you do? You didn’t collect insurance information, have no witness’s names or contacts no pictures and no police response. What a mess — the bike and wheels are worth over $10,000.
What to do (and not to do) after any collision:
- DO call the police. It is wise ot have a medical exmas There are many instances when the cyclist feels “OK” immediately after the crash, only to have pain show up a few days later. So instead of emphasizing that you are all right be sure that you have been assessed in the (just in case your syptoms surface after the adrenaline dies down
2. DON’T volunteer that you are “OK.” Ever. you feel you have to say something at the scene, be vague about your sensations, and be clear that you need to go to a doctor for a medical evaluation.
3. DO get the driver’s insurance, license, and contact information.
4. DO Take pictures. Of his car, license plate, driver’s license, vehicle, collision scene, your bike, and damage to vehicle.
5. DO get witness information. Ask any witnesses for their names and phone numbers in case you need somebody to say what they saw.
6. DO go to a doctor afterward. If the doctor feels you are sound, that’s great. But if you don’t go to a doctor, and then injuries begin to show up afterward, it will be much more difficult to the insurance company that you’re not faking it and that their driver injured you.
7. DO preserve your evidence. You may want to get your bike repaired right away — DON’T! Leave your bike in exactly the state it was in after the crash. Take photos. Have a mechanic review it but don’t fix anything. His opinion is important to demonstrating the loss of value of your property.
- Contact an experienced Massachusetts Personal Injury Attorney
John Tramontozzi at Tramontozzi Law is as a former insurance defense counsel and has extensive knowledge from working on the other side as well as years in private practice. In addition, his extensive courtroom experience as a former assistant DA assures you that that he will be as at ease in the courtroom as he is in office! This experience saves everyone worry, time and minimizes unnecessary expenses. Contact John Tramontozzi and Tramontozzi Law Offices for a free initial consultation.