It’s horrifying to get hit while biking in Oklahoma City. You’re having a wonderful ride one second, and the next one, you’re on the ground, suffering, and experiencing a panic attack. During such a hectic situation, you make several hasty decisions that are petite in nature but can end up being devastating to your capacity to accrue just compensation. The thing is, you need to call an Oklahoma City bike accident attorney immediately and get initial advice on what to do next.
There are five big mistakes you should not make even before that first call.
- Leaving the Scene Without a Police Report
You may be okay, but the other driver may be on their knees, and you may think, ‘I will do that later.’
If the police aren’t called and an official Oklahoma Traffic Collision Report isn’t filed, it’s basically your word against the driver’s later on. Without that official document, insurance companies can – and will – argue that the accident never happened or wasn’t serious. Even if you only have minor injuries, call 911. Having the police document the scene, the driver’s information, and the immediate conditions is non-negotiable for any successful claim.
- Saying, “I’m Fine,” or Apologizing
Shock is a powerful thing that you might not sense your injuries. Don’t tell the driver, the police, or anyone at the scene that you are okay, all right, or unharmed.
Also, don’t ever apologize or blame. Considering that even such a statement as, I’m sorry, I was in your blind spot, can be construed as an admission of an evil deed in the eyes of the insurance company. Keep it simple: My leg aches, or I have to visit my doctor. That’s it.
- Delaying Medical Treatment
Let’s say you walk away with just road rash and a stiff neck. Waiting for a week or more to see whether it improves is the fastest way of spoiling your case.
Insurance adjusters look for gaps in treatment. When you’re waiting days or weeks to visit a doctor, the insurance company will claim that your injuries can’t be that serious, or even worse, that there’s something between the crash and your visit. Immediately visit the Emergency Room or an urgent care clinic, even without a specific reason. Professional medical documentation will directly relate your injuries to the date and time when the accident occurred.
- Talking to the Other Driver’s Insurance Adjuster
The insurance company of the other driver will likely call you in a few hours, a day, or two, and be quite polite. They might offer you a quick, low-ball settlement. Don’t take this call lightly.
Keep in mind that the adjuster doesn’t work on your side. Their task is to reduce how much they have to pay you. They’ll attempt to make you accept a settlement without you even having any idea of the full scope of your injuries or the overall price of your medical bills. Refer all inquiries to your lawyer or inform the adjuster that you won’t talk to him unaccompanied.
- Cleaning Up or Repairing Evidence
When you crash, you always want to repair the damage on your bike under running water, stuff your ragged jersey, or have your helmet repaired.
However, your damaged equipment (bicycle, helmet, clothing) is important evidence. The impact can be evidenced by the destruction. Never discard anything, and also don’t rush to have your bike repaired immediately. Use a camera to record photos of the damage, your injuries, the intersection, and any skid marks, and place your damaged equipment in a safe place until your legal team has examined it.
Recent Comments