Melocowsky & Melocowsky 
Bicycle accidents almost always end with injuries. Fortunately, fatal bike crashes in Connecticut are rare. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only three bicyclists lost their lives in this state in 2014, but many more sustained life-changing injuries that affected their careers, relationships, and quality of life.
If you regularly ride a bicycle, it is critical that you know how to respond to an accident. If the worst happens, remember these five tips:
- Inform the police;
- Contact your insurance provider;
- Get prompt medical attention;
- Collect contact details from witnesses;
- And consult a personal-injury attorney.
If you were injured in a bike crash in Connecticut, contact Melocowsky & Melocowsky. A personal-injury attorney in Hartford will evaluate your claim and help you pursue the maximum compensation from the at-fault driver.
Call 860-633-6356 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also learn more about accident claims in Connecticut by visiting USAttorneys.com.
Here are five steps to take immediately after a bicycle crash:
- Inform the Police
If you were in an accident that caused an injury, death, or significant property damage, then you are required by law to contact the police. Law enforcement will contact the necessary emergency responders and compile a police report.
This report will contain important details about the crash including the time, date, cause, and people involved. Your personal-injury attorney may reference this report to prove liability and negligence.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider
Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible after the crash. However, do not provide too many details.
If you do not know the answer to a question, then simply say that you do not know the answer. Also, keep in mind that insurance companies are businesses. It is in their best interests to provide low payouts, so adjusters may ask leading questions to get you to admit fault, or to make statements that they can use to undervalue or deny your claim.
- Get Prompt Medical Attention
Your top priority after any accident is to seek medical attention. A fast diagnosis may reduce your recovery time and improve the outcome of your treatment.
Also, the doctor’s report can help your accident lawyer link your injuries to the crash. If you delay treatment, the insurance company or at-fault driver may claim that your injuries were not serious.
- Collect Contact Details from Witnesses
If there are any witnesses at the scene, be sure to record their contact details. Sometimes bystanders see important aspects of accidents that the people involved do not notice. Your personal-injury attorney may use their testimonies to prove liability and negligence.
- Consult an Accident Lawyer
An accident lawyer can help you avoid mistakes during the claims process, such as signing a general release, accepting a low settlement, or unknowingly admitting fault. Your attorney can also structure your claim and represent your interests if your case goes to trial.
If you were injured in a bicycle crash in Connecticut, contact Melocowsky & Melocowsky. A Hartford accident lawyer will aggressively fight for the highest possible settlement on your behalf. Call 860-633-6356 to schedule a free initial consultation.
