People take legal matters into their own hands every day, and sometimes they lose money and property in the process. You can make a legally binding contract without using an attorney, but you are risking missing some big legal loopholes and laws you may not be familiar with that can not only make your contract invalid but can actually cost you in the end. When you are selling or purchasing real estate, tackling the creation of a will or even just loaning money to a friend, a consultation with an attorney can be a positive step. I'll show you when and why you need an attorney.
When on your bicycle, you might do what you can to keep yourself safe, such as wearing reflective clothing, wearing safety gear, and using hand signals. However, no matter how careful you might be, there is always the potential that you could be struck by someone in a vehicle. If this ever happens to you while you're on your bike, these are a few steps that you can follow afterward.
1. Call the Police
First of all, you're probably going to want to call the police, even if the injury does not seem very serious. It's always a good idea to get a police report that details exactly what happened so that you can give it to your attorney later on.
2. Take Down Necessary Information
Even with the help of a police report, it's not a bad idea to write down your own information about the incident. While the incident is still fresh in your mind, jot down exactly what happened. Make sure that you include any details that might have had an impact on the accident, such as if the driver was speeding or smelled like alcohol. You'll also want to get the driver's insurance and contact information and jot down any witness information from any witnesses who might have seen the situation.
3. Seek Medical Attention
In any accident, it is a good idea to seek medical attention. This is especially true when you are on a bicycle, since you just don't have the same protections that someone in a car or truck might have. Even if you don't think that you are hurt at first, there is a chance that you have injuries that you aren't able to see. Seeing a doctor right away or going to the hospital can help you get any medical attention that you need, and it can also provide you with documentation of your injuries, which can help if you need to miss work or if you need to file a claim.
4. Keep Your Clothing
One good way to provide proof of any injuries that you sustained when you were hit on your bicycle is to keep your clothing and helmet. If your helmet is damaged, for example, it can help provide proof of any head injuries that you might have sustained. Torn clothing can also indicate how serious the accident was. Additionally, your clothing can help provide proof that you were wearing reflective clothing and that you were wearing your proper safety gear to help keep yourself safe.
5. Contact an Attorney
Getting hit while on a bicycle can be a serious situation that can result in costly medical bills. To help protect yourself and ensure that these things are covered, working with a personal injury lawyer who has experience with handling bicycle accidents can be helpful. Then, he or she can help with your claim and can provide you with guidance about how to handle the situation.
Getting hit by a car while you're on a bike can be an incredibly scary and painful experience. If you find yourself in this situation, however, following the right steps can help. If you have additional questions and need more guidance, a personal injury lawyer should be able to help.
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