Five steps to follow after a bicycle accident in Huntington Beach

Bicycle accidents are not rare on the roads of Huntington Beach. Like motorcyclists, bicyclists are also at a greater risk of suffering severe injuries in an auto accident. It is no secret that drivers are often negligent in California, and therefore, such accidents can happen to the most cautious bicyclists. If you have suffered injuries in such an accident, you should contact top injury attorneys Huntington Beach to know the worth of your claim. California is a fault state, and the at-fault driver must pay for your injuries and damages. It is also important to take the necessary steps after an accident. Here is a list of things you need to do.

Call 911. Bicycle accidents can cause serious injuries. Often, you may only notice the signs and symptoms of your injuries weeks after the crash. Ensure that you call 911 from the accident scene. You need to also check with an injury doctor for a complete checkup.

Call the police. Always alert the police from the accident site without delay, even when your injuries don’t seem that severe. Keep in mind that the other driver may persuade you from doing so when they are at fault.

Wait for the police. Do not leave the scene until a police officer arrives. This is important because you need to share your side of the accident and get a copy of the police report for your claim.

Keep your calm. You are required to keep your calm after the crash. It is normal to feel agitated because the other driver didn’t clearly follow the rules or was negligent. Don’t engage in a verbal confrontation, and if possible, don’t talk too much with anyone at the scene.

Document your injuries. Your memory of the accident may fade with time. Ensure that you have recorded every aspect of the accident scene on your phone. Take as many photos and videos of the scene as you can.

Call an attorney

Most personal injury lawyers in California won’t charge a fee until you win. This is called the contingency fee arrangement. You only pay the lawyer when you win a settlement. Make sure to contact an attorney soon after the bicycle accident to get an overview of the case. Your lawyer can handle the negotiations on your behalf with the other party and their attorney, and when there is a third-party insurance claim involved, they will deal with the same. A skilled attorney is your best bet at winning a settlement.