Have you recently had a traumatic experience of a bike accident in Albuquerque?
Knowing what steps to take can impact your ability to recover both physically and financially. It will help you receive proper medical attention, protect your legal rights, and seek financial compensation for damages.
Immediate Actions to Take After a Bike Accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico
New Mexico ranked as the seventh most dangerous state in the U.S. with 2.91 bicyclist deaths per 100,000 and state’s 53% of the bicycle crashes between 2016 and 2020 happened in Albuquerque. [1], [2]
In the event of a bike accident in Albuquerque, follow these instructions to ensure your well-being and protect your legal rights.
Call 911
In emergencies, one of the most necessary actions is calling 911. When a bike accident occurs, promptly calling 911 should ensure a swift response and providing the necessary support. Medical teams will be sent, reducing the time it takes for treatment to begin.
The police will play a vital role in documenting the scene, speaking to all parties involved, and providing valuable information that may be necessary for potential lawsuits.
They act as an objective assessor, ensuring that an unbiased investigation takes place. By documenting the scene, they capture important details such as the position of the vehicles, road conditions, and any potential contributing factors. These thing will prove beneficial when determining fault party and liability.
Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention promptly after a bicycle accident, as some bicycle accident injuries like internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries may not be immediately apparent. The adrenaline rush that occurs during such an event can mask pain, leading you to underestimate the extent of your injuries.
Timely diagnosis is inevitable for supporting insurance claims. By prioritizing immediate medical services, you can receive proper care, avoid long-term consequences, and ensure your insurance claims are supported by accurate documentation.
Gather Information at the Scene
After a bike accident, gather information at the scene to assist with any legal or insurance claims. It includes taking pictures of the accident scene, damage to the bicycle and surrounding vehicles, and any visible injuries.
Gather the names and contact information of any witnesses present, as their statements may be valuable for future reference. Obtaining a police report or incident number can also help provide official documentation of the accident.
Call Your Insurer
After being involved in an accident, contact your insurance company immediately. Reporting the incident promptly and accurately to your insurer is of utmost importance to start the claims in a timely manner.
Insurance companies often have specific time frames within which accidents need to be reported. Failing to report the accident within the specified timeframe may result in denying your claim, leaving you responsible for all expenses related to the accident.
Don't Negotiate with Other Party
When involved in a cycling accident, you must cautiously handle interactions with the liable party, as engaging in negotiation discussions could harm your legal claim.
Instead of engaging in communication with the responsible party or their insurance, it is advisable to let a personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque handle the negotiations. They have expertise and experience in negotiating fair settlements while protecting your rights.
Obtain a Copy of the Police Report
After a bike accident, obtain a copy of the accident report. It contains vital information gathered by the responding officers, such as the accident’s date, time, and location, statements from involved parties and witnesses, and any traffic violations or citations issued.
A copy of the police report can benefit insurance claims and legal proceedings and ensure accurate incident documentation.
Document Any Injuries or Damages
Document any injuries or damage incurred after a bike accident. Take photographs of visible injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or abrasions, and any damage to your bicycle and other involved vehicles.
In addition, make sure to keep records of medical care received, including doctor’s visits, X-rays, prescriptions, medical bills, and any related expenses, as these can be significant when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.
Collecting Evidence
Collecting evidence can determine the course of justice. Through meticulous collection, preservation, and analysis, providing evidence supports a fair, sound, and thorough investigation, guiding the authorities towards the truth and helping you make informed decisions based on facts rather than speculation.
Take Photos of the Accident Scene
Capture images of the location, including any road signs, traffic signals, or other relevant features that provide context. Take photographs of any skid marks, debris, or damage to the vehicles involved, as this can help establish fault and determine the severity of the accident.
Document any weather conditions or visibility issues that may have played a role in the accident. These photographs can serve as valuable evidence when dealing with insurance claims or potential legal disputes.
Get Contact Information from Witnesses
Witnesses play a vital role in providing accounts of the incident, and their testimony can significantly impact any legal or insurance proceedings that may follow. To effectively gather their contact information, it is recommended to collect their names, phone numbers, and email addresses if possible.
Preserve Any Damaged Property or Clothing as Evidence
If you have experienced an accident that has caused damage to your property or clothing, preserve them as evidence. By doing so, you can provide substantive proof of the extent of the damage incurred.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer After a Bike Accident
After a bike accident, contact a bicycle accident attorney for legal advice. Personal injury attorneys can guide you in navigating the legal process and help protect your rights.
The legal consultation can assist in gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing fair compensation for financial losses, including medical expenses, property damage, loss of income, quality of life, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
File an Accident Claim
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Statute of Limitations for personal injury claims, including those arising from accidents, is three years from the date of the incident. [3] Act promptly to ensure you meet this deadline, as failing to file the bicycle accident claim within the specific time period may result in losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries.
To schedule a free initial consultation, call Goldberg & Loren law firm at (505) 317-5813 or submit a contact form.
FAQs
After a bike accident in Albuquerque, prioritize your safety and well-being. Move to a safe location out of traffic, if possible. Assess your injuries and call 911 to get the necessary support.
Yes, if there is another party involved, exchange information with them. Obtain their name, contact information, driver's license number, license plate number, and insurance information. Similarly, provide them with your information as well.
Sources:
1] Richwine, H. (n.d.). New Mexico and Southeast Arizona news releases. https://www.grantcountybeat.com/news/non-local-news-releases/71548-new-mexico-is-the-7th-most-dangerous-state-for-bicyclists
[2] Marquez, F. (2023, July 31). Albuquerque Bicycle Safety Overview: Infrastructure and Crash Stats – People Powered Movement. People Powered Movement. https://www.peoplepoweredmovement.org/albuquerque-bicycle-safety-overview-infrastructure-and-crash-stats/
[3] NEW MEXICO CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION. (n.d.). Retrieved March 10, 2024, from https://www.generalservices.state.nm.us/wp-content/uploads/New-Mexico-Civil-Rights-Commission-Report.pdf
