What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in New Braunfels

Bicycle accidents can be terrifying. They can come out of nowhere and leave the involved parties unsure what to do. Some drivers respond appropriately by checking on the cyclist and offering immediate aid. Others may blame the cyclist for the accident. The worst-case scenario is a driver who fails to respond at all. In some cases, the person may not realize they hit someone.

The first step for anyone after a bicycle accident is to check for injuries. Cyclists often experience substantial harm in these incidents. Knowing ahead of time what to do after a bicycle accident in New Braunfels can help you be better prepared if and when this occurs. If you have been in a crash as a cyclist, contact an experienced bicycle collision attorney for support.

Call Emergency Services

After checking people for apparent injuries and, when possible, moving them to a safer location, the next step is to contact the police and emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Even if everyone at the scene seems physically okay, the risk of severe injuries is very high in a bicycle accident. EMTs can evaluate cyclists for injuries and help them get follow-up care from their medical providers.

The police also play a critical role after a bicycle accident. They can document the scene, take photos, interview the driver and the cyclist, and get witness information.

Many bike accidents are hit-and-runs. In those cases, the police must investigate, create a record for insurance, and then use resources to find the driver.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

Injured people need to gather evidence when possible. This includes collecting contact information from any witnesses at the scene. People are often willing to be involved at the time of an accident but are less likely to come forward later. Getting their information at the scene can help cyclists verify their version of events.

It is also essential to take photos of the scene, such as the location of the accident, any obstructions, or proof of negligence. The photos should include the entire perimeter of the involved vehicles, including the license plates. A New Braunfels attorney can help gather evidence after a bicycle accident, but collecting initial proof at the scene is vital.

Get Follow-Up Medical Care

Cyclists need to get follow-up medical care. Bicycle wrecks can result in severe injuries that may not be immediately apparent but, if left untreated, can grow worse over time.

For example, many cyclists receive traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in a collision. These injuries can worsen with swelling over time. Internal bleeding is another injury that may not be recognizable without a medical exam. Once these steps are taken after a bicycle accident, the next thing to do is contact a New Braunfels lawyer for assistance in pursuing compensation.

Learn More About What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in New Braunfels

Bicycle accidents are often a traumatic ordeal. You may be dealing with pain, ongoing medical bills, financial stressors, and an uncertain future. It can feel overwhelming to think about filing a legal claim for damages on top of recovery.

A hardworking personal injury attorney with the Felix Gonzales Law Firm can help you obtain compensation while you focus on healing. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about what to do after a bicycle accident in New Braunfels.