What to do if You are Injured in a Bicycle Crash

Aug 28,2017

Two people were injured in a bicycle crash in Rancho Mirage Friday night after they were struck by a drunk driver. The collision occurred on Bob Hope Drive near Rancho Las Palmas. Police say 71-year-old Linda Jean Brechtel was driving under the influence when she struck the bicyclists.

One of the bicyclists was transported to the hospital, while the other was treated on the scene and released. Brechtel was arrested for driving under the influence. She was then booked into the Riverside County Jail in Indio.

7 Steps to Take if You are Injured in a Bicycle Crash

If you are struck by a vehicle while bicycling, remain calm and follow these 7 steps:

Call 911 to report the accident.
Take down the driver’s information, including name, address, phone number, and auto insurance information.
Do not discuss the accident with the driver. When the police arrive, give them your statement for the official police report.
Take down the information of any witnesses and ask the police to take their statements for the police report.
Take photographs of your bicycle and the vehicle involved in the collision. You should also take photos of your injuries and anything else that might be relevant, such as bloodied clothing or tire marks on the road.
Seek medical attention for your injuries immediately. Even if your injuries do not seem serious, get checked out by a medical professional. The adrenaline from the accident might be suppressing pain from your injuries, and certain symptoms do not occur right away.
Consult a personal injury attorney for guidance on how to proceed. There is a good chance the insurance company will provide you with a lowball offer that might not cover your ongoing medical treatment. However, a personal injury attorney experienced with bicycle accidents can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

What if the Driver Flees the Scene?

If a driver hits you and fails to stop, he could be charged with felony hit-and-run. Jot down as many details about the driver and his vehicle as you can. Ask anyone who witnessed the hit-and-run to do the same. If the driver cannot be found, you will need to submit your claim to your insurance company. Your uninsured motorist coverage should cover this type of accident.

“Being injured in a bicycle accident is a frightening experience that can leave victims with severe injuries. If you are hit while riding your bicycle, seek medical treatment right away and make sure you file a claim with the insurance company,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.