Many kids enjoy riding bicycles. However, this pastime is not without its risks. You would like to see your children enjoying themselves while riding a bike. However, you may be worried about injuries.
Your child could suffer injuries in a bicycle accident, especially if they are hit by a negligent driver. It is your responsibility to make sure that the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident compensates your child.
It is important to know the steps you should take when your child is involved in an accident on a bike. This will help your child get the correct amount of compensation from the insurance company. When your child is involved in an accident involving a bicycle, you need to be aware of several things. These include:
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Keep the accident scene untouched
If your child is not too hurt to move and hasn’t been injured in the accident, it is important to remove them from the scene as soon as possible to avoid further damage. While doing this, make sure to leave the accident site in the same place as it was when the accident occurred.
The police will be able to determine the cause of the accident when they arrive at the scene.
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You can get medical care for your child
After a bike accident, it is important to get your child medical attention. You should treat the injuries of your child immediately, regardless of how severe they are. It would not only help to reduce the injury but also provide evidence in case of a lawsuit.
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Get Evidence
After a child’s bicycle accident, you should also get evidence of the injuries your child has suffered. You can take photos of the whole accident scene using your smartphone. All the property that was involved in an accident should remain as it was. Note down all important information.
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Call the Police
You should always call the police once you have taken your child to a doctor, regardless of their injuries. The police will document all scenarios in the report they provide. You can use this information to resolve any disputes that may arise later.
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Collect contact information
You should contact the police after you have called them. Then, get the information about the driver, including the insurance, the license, the contact information and the name of the driver. This information would be used to file a claim for your child.
You should also immediately contact any witnesses. The testimony of witnesses can be used to convince the jury or the insurance company that the driver was negligent.
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Find an attorney
It is important to hire an attorney before filing a lawsuit. This is best done before contacting the insurance company. It is not advisable to speak directly with the insurer. Let your lawyer speak on your behalf.
It is important to hire a bike accident lawyer who is experienced in dealing with bicycle accident cases. You will be informed about the process, the negotiation on your behalf and the representation in the court case after hiring a lawyer.
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Avoid these Pitfalls
You can avoid many pitfalls by knowing what to do after your child is involved in an accident on a bike. You may make costly errors that can affect the settlement or negotiation with your insurance company.
These mistakes can include signing a medical authorization and accepting quick settlements. You might not be aware of how long it will take for your child to heal.
If the damage is long-lasting, then you are entitled to fair compensation. If you accept a quick settlement from your insurance company, it may not be enough to cover the consequences.
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You Can Help Your Child by Providing Psychological Care
Your child can suffer a lot if they are hit by a vehicle while riding their bike. You should consult a mental health specialist for treatment and assessment after your child is treated.
Trauma from an accident can have emotional and psychological effects, such as nightmares, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, anger or depression, and fear to leave the house.
Wrap-Up
Parents will do anything to protect their children. Even with these layers of protection, accidents or injuries can still occur. You must therefore know how to prevent bicycle accidents, and what you should do after they occur.