Chicago bicycle accident lawyer Scott DeSalvo answers the question "What should I do if I am injured in a bike accident?"

After a bike accident you can be injured and shaken up.  Also, if you've never been hurt in an accident beofre, its hard to know what to do.  That's why I made this video.  This way, if you or a loved one ever needs to talk to a lawyer, you will know what to do.

Get a police report after a bike crash.

First, you should make sure that you get a police report. Police report list insurance information and sometimes have witness information. Insurance companies will hassle you if you do not make one.

Some car insurance companies will not even open a claim for you if you do not have a police report.  So getting one immediately or at the latest, the day after the bike injury is very important.

Collect witnesses to your bicycle accident.

Second, collect witness information. When someone is hurt in a bike accident, the other driver always says that the bike "darted out" in front of the car. Witnesses destroy that bogus defense.

The sad truth is that there is substantial bias in crowded areas and on crowded streets.   Drivers see bicyclists as a nurisance, and they are willing to be less than honest about what happened, so getting witness info will definitely make your case stronger.

Document your injuries and get to a doctor.

Any Chicago bicycle injury lawyer worth ihis or her salt will tell you the same thing.

Why?

Well, every injured person should always document their injuries and damages. If you have "road rash" or scars, cuts or bruises, get pictures. If your bike is damaged, get photos and an estimate for repair. Documenting damages after a bicycle accident is key to proving the case.

And seeing a doctor after a bike crash is key because insurance companies and Judges and Juries expect to see a doctor's diagnosis of injury if we are going to make a claim for personal injury after a bicyle accident.

If you have questions or need more help, give me a call, 312-500-4500. That phone line gets answers all times, day and night, so you can always call. I always tell people to get a free, no obligation consultation with a Chicago bicycle accident lawyer.  (Just make sure they are nice to you and answer all of your questions).

Or if you aren't ready to talk to a lawyer, I have created an "Injury Cheat Sheet" that tells you how to protect your rights if you have been injured.  Same deal. Free, no obligation. You can click below to get your free copy emailed to you immediately (free and no waiting).