What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in Illinois

 Posted on April 29, 2024 in Personal Injury

Getting into a bicycle accident can be an incredibly unsettling experience. You may feel shaken, disoriented, and uncertain about the proper course of action. An Illinois lawyer can help you determine the next best step based on your situation.

Always Seek Medical Attention First

After a bicycle accident, your immediate concern should be your health and well-being. Even if you do not feel severely injured at first, you should seek prompt medical attention. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not present obvious symptoms right away. A medical evaluation will ensure you receive the necessary treatment and create documentation of your injuries, which can count as evidence in any potential legal proceedings.

Report the Accident

In Illinois, you are legally required to report any traffic accident that results in property damage, injury, or death exceeding $1,500 to the local police department or the Illinois State Police. Provide the responding officer with a detailed account of the accident, including the time, location, and circumstances surrounding the incident. Obtain the officer’s name, badge number, and a copy of the official police report, as this document can serve as valuable evidence.

Gather All Evidence That You Have

If possible, gather as much evidence as you can from the accident scene. Take photos or videos of the accident site, the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Collect the contact information of witnesses who may have seen the accident occur. These witnesses’ accounts can provide crucial corroborating evidence if the case proceeds to court.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Even if you believe you may have contributed to the accident, make sure not to admit fault or apologize at the scene. Such statements could be used against you later in legal proceedings. Stick to the facts when providing your account to the police and avoid speculating about who or what caused the accident.

Make Sure You File a Claim Within the Timeframe

In Illinois, you have a limited time frame to file a personal injury claim after a bicycle accident. The timeframe to submit a claim for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident. However, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible, as various factors can affect the statute of limitations, and delays in filing can jeopardize your ability to seek compensation.

Contact a Rolling Meadows, IL Personal Injury Lawyer

You do not have to try and figure out the next steps on your own. Let a Schaumburg, IL personal injury attorney review your case and help you make an informed decision. Call Newland & Newland, LLP at 847-797-8000 for a free consultation today.