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While swapping four wheels for two can help you circumvent the state’s gridlock traffic, shrink your carbon footprint, and get fit as you pedal; cyclists face serious risks every time they hit the road. Drunk, reckless, and distracted drivers could be lurking around every corner, and crashes are often fatal for those in the saddle. 

If you were seriously injured in a bike wreck, you may be planning to meet with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. As such, you are probably wondering what they might ask during this meeting so that you can prepare accordingly. 

Let’s look at a few questions you should be ready to answer: 

Do You Have Photos of the Accident? 

If you were able to take pictures of the wreckage, your attorney will want to see these images. A photograph can give your lawyer insight into what happened so that they can start planning their investigation. For instance, if your photos show that your bike was struck from behind or that the collision happened in a cycling lane, these pictures could help show the other party was at fault. 

Did Police Investigate the Wreck? 

When you reported the accident, it’s likely that law enforcement officers were sent out to investigate. Officers will usually compile a report wherein they might note down details such as the time, date, and location of the wreck and their own observations on what happened. If, for example, the officers suspected that the at-fault motorist was fatigued, they may include this information in their report. While police reports aren’t usually admissible in court, these documents could help support your case during settlement negotiations.  

Have You Given a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Adjuster? 

Until you’ve had a chance to investigate the crash, you shouldn’t provide a recorded statement. Without a clear idea of how much your case is worth or what exactly happened on that fateful day, you run the risk of saying something inaccurate or untrue. If you have already given a recorded statement, your attorney will want to know about such communications so that he or she can plan on how to counter potential disputes. Make sure that you bring along copies of any correspondence with opposing parties. 

How Soon after the Wreck Did You Visit the Doctor? 

In a personal injury case, you will need to undergo a comprehensive medical assessment so that you have detailed records of your injuries, treatments, and the other healthcare interventions you’ve received. If you didn’t visit the doctor immediately after leaving the accident scene, the insurer will have room to dispute whether your injuries stem from the crash or a separate incident. They could also argue that you failed in your duty to take reasonable measures to mitigate further losses. 

Discuss Your Case with a California Bicycle Accident Attorney 

Did your last ride end in a wreck? Turn to the legal team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers for guidance. We have decades of collective experience representing injured cyclists, helping our clients secure millions of dollars in compensation.  

We are available to take your calls 24/7, and—if you can’t visit our offices—can meet you wherever works best for you. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or drop us a message using our contact form HERE to request a free case review with a California bicycle accident attorney.