Research has shown that New Mexico is the nation’s second-deadliest state when it comes to bicyclists. Part of the reason is due to DUIs and a lack of designated bike lanes. The number of cyclist deaths was second to Florida, but 50% higher than the U.S. rate in the period of 2009 to 2013. The report shows that about 36 cyclists were killed between these years. In just 2013, 7 New Mexico cyclists were killed and 1,684 were treated for injuries. With many people being injured in accidents with bicycles in New Mexico, you may wonder what you can do if it happens to you, and how you can be compensated for your injuries.
After a Bicycle Accident
After your bicycle accident, there are some steps that you should always remember. These steps are some of the best ways to preserve evidence in your case that can be used to gain compensation further down the road:
- Make sure that you remove your bicycle and yourself from the roadways so that you can prevent more damage from occurring.
- Make sure that you collect contact information from all parties involved in the accident, including witnesses.
- Capture the license plate number from the responsible driver.
- Never negotiate with the driver, because that will happen later. This includes never taking the blame for the accident.
- Call the police to gain a police report from the accident, which could be vital in your future case.
- Always receive medical attention after your accident, especially when you have serious injuries. Any documentation from medical treatment could come in handy during your claim.
It is always important to follow these steps after you have been injured to help retain your rights. If you plan to receive compensation for your injuries, you should always be prepared for everything.
Have You Received Serious Injuries?
Many bicycle-related accidents end in very serious injuries every year. One of the most common types of injuries in bicycle accidents is head injuries. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, 47% of cyclists involved in accidents have sustained some type of head injury. The biggest issue with head injuries in bicycle accidents is the fact that many of these injuries are permanent, which could be lasting through your entire life. Some other common injuries you may receive in these accidents include dental fractures, eye injuries, facial contusions, fractured bones, dislocated joints, and road rash when you are thrown from your bicycle.
When Driver Negligence Plays a Role
Are you a cyclist who has been injured in an accident caused by another driver? You may wonder how negligence played a role in your accident. Many of the ways that drivers act negligently and cause injuries to cyclists include speeding, left-turn accidents at intersections, and running traffic signs and lights. If you have been injured, a defendant has violated the duty of care that they owe to cyclists on the roadways and you could be compensated for many aspects, like medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Seek the help of an experienced attorney if you have been injured in one of these serious accidents. An attorney will be able to help you from start to finish with your claim if you are a cyclist who has been injured due to negligence.