Getting hit by a car while riding your bike can turn your whole world upside down. According to the CDC, every year, over 130,000 U.S. bicyclists are injured in crashes. Between hospital stays, doctor appointments, and time off work to recover, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. On top of dealing with your injuries, you also need to think about your legal rights. Here’s what you should know about seeking compensation after a bicycle accident from personal injury lawyers.

Report the Crash

As soon as you are able, file a report about the accident with the police. Provide as many details as you can remember, like the time and location. Give the names of any witnesses or others involved. Having an official report from the police will start a paper trail and can help your case later. Be sure to get a copy of the report for your records.

Seek Medical Care

Making your health a priority should always come first after an accident. Get checked out thoroughly and follow up with any treatments your doctor recommends. Keep going to appointments until you are cleared. Save all records related to your medical care, including bills, notes, and test results. This documentation will come in handy if you pursue legal action down the road.

Consult a Lawyer

Once some time has passed after the accident, you may want to consider speaking with personal injury lawyers. Look for someone experienced with bicycle accident cases. They can examine the facts and advise if you have grounds for a claim. If so, they’ll walk you through your legal options and rights.

Consider Filing a Lawsuit

If insurance isn’t providing enough for your losses, your lawyer may recommend taking legal action. They can file paperwork and represent you in court to recover money damages to cover medical costs, lost income, bike repairs, and other accident-related expenses.

Dealing with the legal process on top of recovering from injuries can be draining. Let an experienced personal injury lawyer handle the specifics of your bicycle accident claim. Their legal knowledge can help protect your rights, while you focus your energy on getting back to full health. With the law on your side, you can seek fair compensation and start moving forward. When you're ready to work with personal injury lawyers, reach out to Peters & Nolan, LLC today for a free consultation.