Protecting Families And Individuals Since 1996

3 things to do after a bicycle accident

Riding your bicycle is an enjoyable way to exercise and get around, but every time you ride, you are at risk of injury or even death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2018, 857 bicyclists sustained fatal injuries in crashes in the U.S.

If you get into a bike accident, how you handle the aftermath can affect any compensation you receive for medical care, pain and suffering and other related expenses.

1. Get the information of everyone involved

If you do not need emergency medical care, obtain the names and contact information of anyone involved in the bicycle accident. You should also gather the same contact information for anyone who witnessed what happened in the crash.

2. Document the accident and your injuries

Take pictures of the scene of the crash. Use your phone to snap photographs of the intersection where the crash happened, all involved vehicles (including your bike) and anything else relevant to the collision. Nearby businesses may have video of the area that shows some or all of what happened.

You should also take notes outlining what happened during the crash from your perspective and any injuries you sustained. Continuously update these notes as you recover to document your healing process.

3. Preserve evidence

Instead of washing the clothes you wore during the accident and throwing away your crushed helmet, preserve these items as evidence. You should also wait to repair your bike until later, leaving it in the condition it was in right after the accident.