People who choose to walk or bike often do so because of the environmental and health benefits these alternative modes of transportation provide. Others bike and walk because they are lower-cost alternatives to car ownership. Yet, bikers and pedestrians are also vulnerable road users, who are at risk of suffering serious and life-altering injuries if they are struck by a vehicle. These road users don’t have the protection of a car in the event of an accident and are often exposed directly to impact forces when accidents happen. Victims can suffer serious injuries that can include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputations, road rash, disfiguring injuries, and more. If you or someone you love was hurt in a pedestrian or bike accident in Millville, Ohio, Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law is a bike and pedestrian accident law firm that may be able to help you seek damages for your losses from negligent drivers, help you negotiate with insurance adjusters to get the claim you may deserve under the law, and fight for your rights either inside or outside of court.
How You Can Protect Your Rights After a Bike or Pedestrian Accident in Millville, Ohio
If you’ve been hurt in a bike or pedestrian accident in Millville, Ohio, what are some things you can do to protect your rights? There are some steps you may be able to take at the scene of the crash and after to protect your interests. Victims who have been hurt in a crash are often understandably confused, stressed, angry, and may not always know what the next steps should be. Here are some things you can keep in mind:
Call the police. Always call the police and make a police report. Police can investigate what happened and record details about the accident.
Get the names and contact information of witnesses and the other driver. That said, bicyclists and pedestrians shouldn’t rely only on the police report for evidence alone. If other people saw what happened, write down their names and contact information. Get the name and contact information of the other driver and get his or her insurance information.
Seek medical care. Even if you think your injuries are minor, some injuries can take a while before they become apparent. Mild traumatic brain injury, for example, may not always be immediately apparent right after an accident. Seeking medical care and following up with doctors, especially if you notice any new symptoms is wise and can be helpful if you need to make an insurance claim.
If you have car insurance, you may be able to make a claim with your insurance company. It can’t hurt to let your insurance company know you’ve been hurt as a pedestrian or bicyclist after an accident.
Contact a bike or pedestrian accident lawyer. A bike or pedestrian accident lawyer, like Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law serving Millville, Ohio may be able to assist you with your claim. Our lawyers may be able to identify responsible parties, seek damages from these individuals, or negotiate with their insurers to help you get the settlement you may deserve under the law. Contact the bike or pedestrian accident lawyers of Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law serving Millville, Ohio today.
These are just some things you can do to protect yourself following an accident. However, if you have questions, it can’t hurt to reach out to a lawyer like Kruger & Hodges Attorneys at Law. If you’ve been hurt in a pedestrian or bike accident, you may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim under the law. Protect your rights. Contact our bike and pedestrian accident lawyers today.