Cycling is a convenient way to avoid some of Miami’s gridlock traffic, lower your carbon footprint, and ramp up your fitness. However, hopping onto your bike is not without risks. Motorists often fail to appreciate or notice bicyclists, leaving riders at risk for serious collisions and injuries.

If you were seriously injured after being struck by a negligent driver, you might be uncertain about what to do next. Ultimately, your top priority should always be your health.  If you have not yet undergone a comprehensive medical assessment, you should pick up the phone to schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible.

After seeking medical attention, you can focus on your personal injury claim. Building a strong case will often require many different kinds of evidence, which might include any of the following: accident reports, eyewitness statements, photographs of the wreckage, expert testimony, and surveillance camera footage.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, it may also be wise to start a confidential personal injury journal for your attorney which can act as an aid to your memory and assist you and your lawyer years after your injury. In this article, we look at a few items you might want to include in your journal and explain how your entries could help strengthen your bicycle accident claim:

1. A First-Hand Account of the Wreck

You might think that your memories of a traumatic event will be burned into your mind forever. However, recollections can fade over time leaving you unable to recall specific details or timelines pertaining to your accident or injuries.

As such, you should take time to write down what you can remember about the crash as soon as possible after the incident. Focus on sticking to the facts as you will want an accurate account of what happened. Your attorney will likely want to review your account of the accident during your first meeting as the information you have noted could help them map out their investigation into what happened.

2. Detailed Records of Your Pain Levels

You may experience discomfort and/or pain at multiple points during your recovery.  When you do, make a note of it in your personal injury journal. Keeping detailed notes of your day-to-day experiences in the wake of the accident could help you build a case for non-economic damages. Ultimately, these entries will you explain to others how your injuries have affected your quality of life.

3. Notes on Your Limitations

Do your injuries prevent you from working, or performing your normal activities? Are you unable to enjoy your favorite hobbies because of your health complications? Using your journal, you should keep tabs on the various ways in which your injuries impede your ability to lead a normal life. Such records can help you build a case for a range of damages, including lost income, replacement services, and loss of enjoyment in life.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Miami Bicycle Accident Attorney

If you were injured by a negligent motorist while cycling, starting a personal injury journal for your attorney is just one of many steps you might need to take to secure a settlement. At Viñas & DeLuca, PLLC, our legal team can help guide you through proceedings and offer advice, support, and tenacious representation at every stage.

With a track record of success both in and out of court, you can rest assured that our Miami bicycle accident attorneys possess the necessary knowledge, resources, and experience to help you achieve a favorable outcome. Call us today at (305) 372-3650 or jump to our Contact Page to request a free case review.