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With the wind in your hair, your pedals whirling you into exhilarating momentum under your feet, and the open road stretching ahead of you—cycling is a great way to experience the outdoors. However, often all it takes to shatter the enjoyment and freedom of life in the saddle is a single distracted driver. 

Bicycle accidents are incredibly common with hundreds of riders injured by motorists in California every year. If you were hurt while cycling, you might be wondering about what to expect in the weeks ahead. 

More importantly, you will want to start thinking about how to proceed with your personal injury claim to ensure you are compensated for your injuries. In this article, we share a few important components you should be aware of before you start building your case: 

You Will Need Access to Strong Evidence 

To prevail in a personal injury case, you must provide proof that another party's negligence or reckless actions were responsible for causing the wreck. If, for instance, you believe the driver was distracted or speeding, you will need to gather evidence that demonstrates their liability. 

Such proof might include: 

• Photographs of the accident scene; 
• Dashcam or surveillance camera footage; 
• Eyewitness statements; 
• Official accident reports; 
• Pictures of your injuries and damaged bicycle; and 
• Cellphone records. 

You Should Take Stock of Your Damages 

There are many different categories of damages available to bicycle accident victims, and it's important to ensure you've accounted for the full extent of your losses before agreeing to a settlement. While you may already be aware that you can pursue compensation for your medical bills, you might also be able to factor in additional costs such as lost wages, replacement services, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. 

You Should Lay Low on Social Media 

Your social media activity could be used as evidence to challenge your case, so it's important to abstain from sharing any information about the wreck online. Additionally, even unrelated posts—such as pictures, reviews, and check-ins—could be leveraged by the insurer to deny you compensation, so it may be wise to avoid using social media altogether until your case has been resolved. 

You May Benefit from Speaking to an Attorney 

The claims process can be tricky to navigate, leaving you at risk of making serious mistakes that might cost you a fair settlement. Discussing your case with an attorney will ensure that you understand exactly what to expect in the days ahead, and—if you choose to hire them—will give you access to a strong ally throughout proceedings. An attorney can usually oversee all the logistics of your case, freeing you up to focus on your recovery and other matters. 

Speak to a California Bicycle Accident Attorney Today 

If you were struck and injured while cycling, it's important to consider your options carefully. A settlement could make all the difference, giving you the funds to pay for your treatment and get your life back on track. 

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we have decades of collective experience representing injured cyclists throughout the state. Our attorneys can assist with almost every aspect of your case, providing guidance, representation, and much-needed support at each step of proceedings. Call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or head over to our contact page HERE to request a free case review with a California bicycle accident attorney.