Statistics show that cyclists everywhere face high accident risks. For someone who loves the cycling lifestyle or uses the bicycle as the main mode of transportation, a bicycle accident can have devastating effects at a physical, psychological, and financial level. Whether you’ve suffered a bike accident recently or you worry about getting injured on the road, it’s crucial to learn about how to recover after an accident.
Read on to discover our main tips.
1. Call a lawyer
Most bicycle accidents happen due to negligent drivers or unsafe roads and thus can involve the police, insurance providers, local authorities, witnesses, and sometimes lawyers. One of the most essential steps you can take towards recovery is to hire a good attorney to take care of the legal aspects so you won’t have to handle all the pressure by yourself. If you’re badly injured, the last thing you want to do is deal with tedious paperwork, endure long meetings or negotiate with professional negotiators from the insurance company.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that a good attorney can get you a much more favourable settlement than you could ever obtain with no representation. Bike accident attorney Bill Bone has won million-dollar verdicts for his clients and can tell you all about collecting damages. Getting fair compensation is crucial because an accident can leave you with a wrecked bicycle, medical bills, and lost wages due to a lengthy rehabilitation process. A lawyer can ensure that the responsible party will pay for all this.
2. Keep your cycling-related habits
A bicycle accident can disrupt your life and keep you away from many things that give you joy and pleasure. An important step towards recovery is to maintain at least some habits related to the cycling lifestyle. Whether you don’t have the physical strength to go for a bike ride or you feel anxiety about getting back on a bicycle, don’t let anything put a barrier between you and the passion that guided you towards cycling.
Think about what you appreciate the most about cycling. Do you love hanging out with other cyclists and being part of a sports community? Continue meeting your cyclist friends even if you cannot ride your bike. Arrange casual meetings to plan future adventures or reminisce about old ones. Do you find a lot of value in being outdoors? Walking in nature can replace more intense outdoor activities like cycling until you recover fully.
3. Find trails and roads you feel comfortable on
An accident can trigger a lot of anxiety. Especially after a severe crash, many cyclists experience fear and insecurity about getting back on their bicycles. But a full recovery doesn’t just mean regaining your physical strength and healing your injuries. It also means regaining the confidence that allows you to feel just as comfortable and excited about being on a bicycle as you were before the accident. Getting back into a good physical shape does not mean you’re psychologically ready to take new risks.
Whether you were injured on a mountain trail or in traffic, give yourself ample time before returning to high-risk areas. If you feel ready to take your bike for a ride, choose empty roads or trails where you can feel fully comfortable regarding your safety. Think about the easiest trails you know and start there. If you prefer riding in the city, start with paved bike lanes. The main idea is to get comfortable with your bike again, without images of the accident tainting your joy of riding.
4. Invest in your gear
Is your bicycle in an awful condition due to a bad crash? This is the perfect moment to upgrade. Depending on the amount of damage, it can be more cost-effective to replace your bike rather than repair it. If the accident was caused by a second party’s negligence, an attorney can help you collect damages not just for your medical bills, but also for your damaged bicycle. Use any compensation you get for the accident to invest in a better bicycle and better protective gear.
A new and better bicycle can get you excited again about riding. This feeling of novelty and anticipation can be crucial in overcoming the negative psychological effects of the accident. However, if you cannot afford a new bicycle, upgrade at least your protective gear. Buy a higher-quality helmet, for example. This will give your brain the signal that riding can be once again a safe activity.
Use the tips above to overcome the challenges of a bicycle accident with ease.
Featured image: Victor Xok/Unsplash
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