Inspecting a Bicycle After an Accident
In the state of Louisiana, cycling is a popular and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. While biking throughout Crescent City can be a lovely experience, as New Orleans is known for its unique charm and vibrant streets, there is the possibility of accidents, which can leave cyclists injured and in need of legal assistance.
To explore essential next steps following an accident, including inspecting your bicycle and seeking medical care, have a conversation with a seasoned New Orleans personal injury lawyer.
Take Time to Look Over Your Bike
After a bicycle accident, assessing your own body for injuries and asking others if they have been harmed is a first step. Then, medical professionals can be alerted so care can be administered.
Additionally, you will want to inspect your bike thoroughly. This is not only important for your own safety but can also serve as valuable documentation for any potential legal claims.
- Keep the bicycle in the same condition. You want to ensure your bicycle is kept in its post-accident condition, this means that you should not repair or modify the bicycle until you have fully documented the state of the bicycle and consulted with an attorney.
- Take a lot of photographs. Capture detailed photographs of your bicycle from multiple angles. This documentation, whether taken with a digital camera, video recording device, or smartphone, can serve as evidence in your case.
- Carefully inspect your bike. Look over your bike and record any visible damage or issues, including checking the frame, wheels, brakes, and handlebars.
- Save torn clothing. If your clothing was torn during the course of the event, keep these items as they may contain valuable information about the point of impact and the severity of the collision.
- Retain accessories as well. Just as you keep the bike in its post-accident condition, keep lights, reflectors, or other specialized components and do not fix any cracks, breaks, or other types of damage. Damaged accessories may shine light on what happened when the case is analyzed later.
Of course, recovering from a bicycle accident involves more than collecting evidence. Make sure to collect the contact information of the driver and any witnesses, too. This information can be invaluable if you decide to pursue a legal claim.
Report the Accident to the Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company, letting them know the accident occurred and what forms of documentation you have about the accident. Reaching out to a skilled New Orleans personal injury lawyer can also be helpful. Lawyers who have experience in past cases similar to your own will be able to review the details of your case, put a value to your damages, and guide you through the legal process with confidence.
Could you use legal advice following a New Orleans, Metairie or Gretna bicycle accident? Recovering from a bike accident often involves seeking medical treatment, gathering evidence, and consulting with an attorney. Talk to the legal team at Palazzo Law Firm about inspecting your bicycle and preserving evidence. Call 504-433-1442 to schedule your no commitment, fee-free consultation.
