In 2024, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported that motor vehicles hit bicyclists, resulting in 1,075 fatalities. A different report by the National Safety Council (NSC) shows a 1% increase in preventable deaths related to cycling in the same year.
A bicycle provides little protection compared to that of a car. For most riders, the lack of protection is the main reason why even low-speed accidents can result in severe injuries. All riders must consider and carry the appropriate safety gear. Teaching the importance of bicycle safety gear to all riders is necessary to lessen accidents.
Actions taken in the first few moments and the following days after an accident can have a disproportionately large impact on both the healing process and the chance of compensation later on, making it beneficial to understand the process beforehand.
Here’s what riders need to know.
Call the Police, Even If You Feel Fine
Calling the police right after any accident with a car is the best action to take after a bicycle accident. Adrenaline might numb your pain at the time, and the pain could come hours later.
A bicycle accident should always be reported to the authorities. Having a police report will be very useful if there are any disputes or disagreements that arise later. The report could present clear and official information about the accident.
Document the Scene While You Can
Observe and make a quick note of any details you think are important. Don’t hesitate to ask for help if a major injury prevents you from completing your tasks. Try to capture the location of all vehicles, the damages to all objects, and the general road conditions. Take pictures of the intersection and the road signs. Write down the weather conditions during the incident. You may soon forget these pieces of evidence or find them difficult to remember later.
Be Careful About What You Say
Be honest in providing answers to the police that arrive at the scene. You must also take caution about how you give your answers. Refrain from trying to assign blame for the accident. At the same time, don’t downplay any harm that you suffered.
Your words at the accident site, even those that seem innocent enough, could end up in the report. As such, you can expect that your statement can be used later if the case escalates.
Get Contact and Insurance Information
Note the driver’s name, driver’s license number, insurance information, and license plate number. Get the contact information of any witnesses. Witness statements can provide a lot of information about what happened and who was at fault.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
You may be feeling alright after a crash, but it is still important to go for a medical check after the accident. Some injuries, like those to the spine and head, can cause trouble later without symptoms.
Head injury is one of the many potential dangers that correctly wearing a helmet can greatly lessen. In fact, research shows a properly fitting helmet can reduce the risk of fatal head injury by roughly 65%.
Preserve the Evidence, Including Your Bike
Do not try to fix your bike right away. Aside from your helmet or other damaged equipment, your bike could also provide evidence of how the accident happened and the level of force involved. Keep track of all the details concerning your visits to the doctor, costs, and recovery. As time passes, their importance increases.
Loop In an Attorney Early
Call an attorney quickly. Early legal assistance lets a lawyer start collecting evidence when details of memories and any physical evidence are fresh in the minds of crime scene witnesses. With the best information available, a case will be more straightforward, and it will be easier to fill the timeline of events.
Each state has its distinct statute of limitations for personal injury claims. This deadline may be different depending on the circumstance of the injury. Accurately filing within the statute of limitations will help a case advance.
In California, an Orange County bicycle accident lawyer starts by organizing the evidence and also handles the insurance negotiation for you. An injured cyclist will not have to worry about answering an adjuster’s questions while still recovering.
Expect the Insurance Company to Push Back
If the claim process starts, the at-fault party’s insurance company may try to reduce its payment responsibility by disputing the extent of the injuries or the facts of the accident. Proper preparation and possibly a lawyer from the beginning can make things much easier.
Give Your Recovery the Best Possible Start
The actions that one takes right after a bike crash, such as contacting the police, collecting evidence from the scene, checking up on their health, and collecting physical evidence, all contribute to building the foundation for your bicycle accident claim. Properly doing these steps can increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
