THE SIX MUST-DO'S FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

Get off the road. Unless you are too injured to move, do your best to get off the road where you can safely evaluate what has happened and call for emergency help, if necessary.

Seek medical treatment. Don't hesitate to have someone take you to the hospital or doctor's office if you don't feel right. Continue to see medical health professionals as often as is necessary until you completely recover from your injuries.

Document the accident. If you are well enough to stay at the scene of the accident, document everything you can about the accident, including taking pictures (if you have access to camera on a cell phone or something) and getting the names and contact information of all witnesses. If a vehicle is involved, ask to see the driver's proof of insurance and record all the information. If you were unable to take pictures following the accident, return to the scene of the accident as soon as possible to take pictures. Be sure to also photograph your bicycle and any other property injured in the accident. (Ideally, much of this should be done by local law enforcement, which you should not hesitate to contact for assistance.)

Document your injuries. Take photographs to document your injuries as soon as possible after the accident and throughout the course of recovery. Keep a copy of all medical records and bills. It is also a very good idea to record how your injuries are affecting your daily life in a log of some sort.

Consult with a trusted legal advisor. Once you are ready, consult with an attorney to determine what rights and remedies you have as a result of the accident. A skilled attorney can help you obtain compensation for your injuries, reduce the stress of mounting medical bills and deal with possible lost time from work. Click here to see the League of American Bicyclists' list of bicycle attorneys near you.

Get your bike checked out. Before you ride again, be sure to have a qualified bike technician check out your bike and confirm it is safe to ride. Likewise, make sure your other equipment, especially your helmet, is in good repair. If your helmet is cracked or otherwise damaged, you should replace it.

To learn more about your legal rights, call (801-424-5252) or email Greg for a free consultation.