Girl, 14, critical after hit-and-run driver strikes her bicycle near East Bay and Anade avenues in Newport Beach, California

After a serious or fatal bicycle accident, take these steps to help the recovery process

When someone is seriously injured in a bicycle accident, the first days and weeks are spent getting medical treatment and dealing with the new reality of injuries, pain, lost work, and disruption to normal life. When someone dies in a crash, family members are forced to deal with grief, anger, and loss as they struggle to move forward.

After a serious or fatal bicycle collision, an injured person, or the family left behind, incur damages including the cost of current and future medical expenses, lost work and wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. When the crash is caused by a negligent driver, there may be financial recovery available for the victims.

Go here to learn how to protect the legal rights of bicycle accident victims and their families.