Automobile accidents involving bicycles happen more often than you might think.  These types of accidents occur because of a variety of reasons such as road hazards, distracted driving, carelessness, and product defects.  If you are involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek legal counsel immediately.  The Law Offices of d’Oliveira and Associates, P.C., are prepared to help if you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident.

We understand that a bicycle accident can be confusing.  First, get medical help.  Then, if you are able, it is important to take the right steps to get the help that is needed in order to get the compensation that you deserve. 

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, follow the steps below to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.

1. Call the police and wait for their arrival.

It is important to make sure that you call the police and wait for them to arrive to the accident scene.  Even if your injuries are minor, you need to file a police report.  You may not realize the full extent of your injuries until hours or even days after the accident. 

While you are waiting for the police to arrive, do not talk with the driver except to get contact and insurance information.  It is unnecessary to try and get the driver to admit fault.  Let the police handle all interactions.

2. Tell the police your side of the story.

Make sure that you tell the police the details of what happened in your own words.  It is also important to mention injuries to the police officer.

Be cooperative and remember that a police report may aid in your case.

3. Take down driver and witness information.

Get as much information from the driver as possible.

This includes name, phone number, car make and model, insurance information and driver’s license information.

If any witnesses are present, try to get names and phone numbers as well as any other important information that they might offer.

4. Document all information while it is fresh in your memory.

Take note of all information that you can remember.  This includes details about the accident, road conditions, injuries that occurred, and anything else that may be helpful.

It is important that you also take care to preserve accident evidence.  This may include pictures of injuries and damage to your bike or equipment. 

5. Consult with a professional.

Get the help of an experienced personal injury attorney. 

An injury attorney will be able to advise you on the next steps as well as answer your questions and address your concerns.

Your attorney will also be able to communicate with the insurance company and represent you in court.

You should not attempt to try to handle a complex legal issue such as a bicycle accident on your own!
The Law Offices of d’Oliveira and Associates, P.C., are prepared to help if you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident. Email us or call now for FREE case evaluation. For your convenience, our telephones are answered 24 hours a day and 7 days a week (1-800-992-6878). CALL NOW.

A time of stress is no time to be learning what to do if you’ve been in a car accident.  The Law Offices of d’Oliveira and Associates is providing this guidance so you can both review and print this advice before you need it.  We recommend that you keep this checklist in your glove box in case of emergency.   If you have any questions or concerns, email us or give us a call (1-800-992-6878.)  We answer 24/7, for your convenience, if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident. 

• Think safety first.  Get yourself out of the car and off the roadway to avoid further injury.  Try to get off the shoulder of the roadway in case other cars come upon the accident too quickly and cannot stop.

• Call 911.  Don’t hesitate.  It is always in your best interest to have professional help for medical care, fire prevention or extinguishment, and accident investigation.

• Call our offices as soon as possible so we can send an investigator to the accident scene immediately to assure you that your interests will be protected and evidence will be preserved.  It would be in your best interest to store our phone number (1-800-992-6878) in your phone along with that of your medical doctor and insurance company.

• Use your cell phone to take still photos and video of the accident scene.  Take pictures even if you don’t think they are relevant.  Our trained investigators and lawyers can identify important evidentiary details not apparent to a lay person.  If you don’t have a cell phone camera, keep a disposable camera in your glove box or center console.

• Exchange information with other drivers involved in the accident.  At a minimum, get names and insurance information.  Do your best to get as many details as possible including:  names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance company and policy number, license plate number, and car information (such as the registration number, make, model, and year).

• Note and collect any physical evidence that could have caused or contributed to the accident.  Sketch out the scene, noting the location of physical evidence such as the location of the cars, skid marks, road ruts, signage, lack of signage, ice, roadway obstructions and the like.  Include weather detail.

What should you do if you or a loved one has been in a car accident?  Protect your rights, pay your bills, and keep more money in your pocket. Email us or call now for FREE case evaluation.  For your convenience, our telephones are answered 24 hours a day and 7 days a week (1-800-992-6878.)  CALL NOW