The Importance of an Eyewitness in a Fresno Bicycle Accident Case
Being hit by a car or other motor vehicle when you are riding your bicycle is a traumatic event. Because a bicycle does not offer the same type of protection for the rider as a car does for its passengers, the bicyclist receives the full impact of the collision. The injuries to the bicyclist are often devastating if not fatal. This is why it is so important to follow procedure when reporting a bicycle accident. You want to preserve your right to file a bicycle accident lawsuit if necessary to receive compensation for your injuries.
What Should I Do After A Bicycle Accident?
Remain at the scene of the accident and contact the police and emergency medical services. If the driver refuses to stay at the scene of the accident, try to take a picture of the car, especially of the license plate, or note the make, model, color, and license tag of the vehicle. Any unique details such as bumper stickers, dents, and custom equipment can also help identify a hit and run driver.
Take pictures of the accident scene or ask another person to take pictures for you if possible. Make sure that you obtain the names and contact information for any eyewitnesses to the accident. This will be very important if you need to file a bicycle accident lawsuit against the driver who hit you. If possible, ask the witnesses to write down what they saw or text you what they witnessed. Memories fade over time; therefore, it is good to get this information while it is fresh in their minds.
If your injuries are not severe enough for emergency medical assistance, visit your personal physician as soon as possible to document your injuries and protect your health. Also, keep all equipment (your bicycle, helmet, torn clothing, etc.) as evidence for your attorney to use during your case.
Why Are Eyewitnesses So Important?
In order to receive compensation for your injuries, you must prove that the driver was at fault for the accident. Sometimes, there might be video available from traffic cameras or other sources; however, this is not always the case. It then becomes your word against the driver’s word as to what occurred immediately prior to the collision. Having independent eyewitnesses to confirm your version of the facts is strong evidence to prove that the driver was at fault for the accident.
Have You Been Injured in a Fresno Bicycle Accident?
Regardless of whether there were any eyewitnesses to you bicycle accident, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries. Our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling bicycle accident claims so we understand how to use the evidence available to prove that the driver was at fault for the collision.
Contact Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000 or use our convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We can discuss the circumstances of your accident and explain how we can help you receive a fair and just settlement for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, physical pain, and other damages and losses.
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