Even if you do not seem to be seriously injured following your bike accident, you may be shocked and bewildered. Eventually, you will probably want to call a bike accident lawyer in Las Vegas, NV, at Eglet Law, but there are a couple of other things you need to do at the scene before you can make that call. Here are some important steps to take in the immediate aftermath.
1. Call 911
There are two very good reasons you should summon emergency services after a bicycle accident. If you are seriously injured, calling 911 allows you to summon an ambulance to the scene to provide medical attention. Even if you do not think you are hurt, calling 911 allows you to file a report with the police when they arrive. This may provide crucial evidence that your bike accident lawyer in Las Vegas, NV, can use to your benefit while negotiating a settlement or arguing your case in court. The quickest and easiest way to summon police to the scene of the accident is to call 911 rather than attempting to dial the non-emergency number.
2. Get Off the Road if Possible
If you were not injured in the accident, or if your injuries seem to be relatively minor, you should try to get off the road to a safe area out of the way of traffic. Otherwise, the driver of another vehicle may not see you in the road and you could get hit again. However, if you have symptoms that impede your ability to move, such as severe dizziness or paralysis, stay where you are. These are possible symptoms of a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury. Any attempts on your part to move may make it worse.
3. Gather as Much Information as You Can
Ask the driver of the vehicle for his or her contact information, or ask a bystander to do it if you are too badly hurt. Don’t press the issue if the driver does not comply. Instead, record the license plate number on a piece of paper or take a picture of it with your phone if you happen to have it with you. Take pictures of any visible injuries you sustain as well as damage to your bike. Even if you cannot collect all the information you want, whatever you can collect can be valuable to you later as evidence to support your case with the help of a bike accident lawyer in Las Vegas, NV, from Eglet Law.