What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in New Orleans?

What to do after a bicycle accident in New Orleans? After a bicycle accident, ensure your safety first, then call 911, and remember to contact a New Orleans bicycle accident attorney.

A collision while riding your bicycle can be jarring, and emotions can run high. The steps you take immediately after an accident can help you obtain the best outcome for your case.

Check for Injuries and Move to Safety

After a crash, the number one priority is always ensuring the safety and health of everyone around, regardless of fault. If possible, move yourself and your bike out of the road and into a safe area. 

Injuries can hide at first. With the adrenaline and shock you experience after an accident, it’s not always easy to determine the severity of injuries. Seek medical assistance as soon as possible to evaluate your condition. This will help protect you physically and strengthen your case, as it demonstrates that you were proactive in seeking assessment. 

If you are able, check on others who were involved in the crash. It may be challenging on a busy street in New Orleans, but staying alert and vigilant in these initial moments can help protect your safety and legal rights.

Call 911 and Report the Accident

Even in the event of a minor accident, it can be beneficial to have an official police report documented right away after a bicycle accident in New Orleans.

This can help strengthen your case if you need to make an insurance or legal claim down the road. After calling 911, you can generally expect:

• EMTs or other medical professionals are to come to the scene.
• The responding officer is to collect witness information, assess the scene, and note any extenuating circumstances, such as weather conditions.
• A law enforcement officer will take down your statement, along with the driver of the vehicle’s recollection.

Louisiana law requires drivers to report any crash involving an injury, death, or major accident (La. R.S. §32:398). Although this may be mandatory, not all drivers comply with it. Ensure that you do not skip this step, as it could mean losing vital evidence for your case. 

Gather Evidence Promptly After a Bicycle Accident in New Orleans

Collecting as much evidence as possible while it is still fresh is an essential action after a bicycle accident in New Orleans. While you wait for first responders, you can take pictures of the scene, your bike, the vehicle involved, and any visible injuries.

Exchange contact information with the driver. Gather their name, phone number, and insurance details. If there are other witnesses, get their information as well. While police may obtain this information, it is also helpful for you to have it, as it can be given to your attorney.

If you are unable to gather evidence due to your injuries, you can ask a friend or bystander to help. Obtaining as much evidence as quickly as possible is essential to building your case, as it can fade quickly. A good lawyer will also work swiftly to ensure evidence is preserved.

Get Medical Care As Soon As Possible

Even if you walk away from the crash feeling ok, it is important to get checked by a doctor the same day. Injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, and whiplash don’t always present right away. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to connect your injuries to the accident when filing a claim.

Keep copies of all test results, doctors’ notes, medical charts, and procedures. This documentation helps link your injuries to the bicycle accident and will help support your case. Ensure you follow through with all treatment plans and appointments as set by your healthcare provider.

Early medical care shows you’re serious about your recovery. Suppose your case needs to go to court. In that case, a judge may review the timeline and, if they see that you received care immediately after the accident, it is more likely that they will link your injury to the accident, allowing you to receive compensation. 

Keep Track of Expenses During Your Recovery

Expenses after an accident can be more than just medical bills. Everything, from property damage to pain and lost work, can be potentially covered. Tracking these expenses is an essential part of what to do after a bicycle accident in New Orleans. 

Some possible recoverable damages include:

• Medical bills
• Future medical treatments
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning potential
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering

Tracking your finances and what you’ve had to pay is an essential part of building your case. Speaking with an attorney will help determine if you have a personal injury case and will guide you in taking steps to pursue it if you do. 

Contact a New Orleans Personal Injury Lawyer

Obtaining legal counsel is a vital step to take after a New Orleans bicycle accident. Having an attorney means having a partner, so you do not have to face insurance companies alone. They can fight on your behalf, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Personal injury attorneys generally work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. You have enough stress to deal with when enduring the pain involved in the recovery process; having an attorney means you can focus on that rather than filing paperwork.

Your attorney is privy to the legal process. They understand which documents need to be filed when, how to complete them correctly, and how to ensure they are appropriately filed.

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the accident (Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.1), so time is of the essence.  

Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers are Here for You

There are several important steps to take after a bicycle accident in New Orleans, but the most important thing is to take time to focus on your recovery. 

When you choose Scott Vicknair Injury Lawyers, you are choosing a team that will fight for the win and for the justice and compensation you deserve.