A bike crash can happen in the blink of an eye. Which unfortunately doesn’t give cyclists much of a chance to protect themselves before a crash but knowing what to do after a crash can protect you from further harm.
At Brazil Sweeney Law Group, we are avid cyclists ourselves and understand the issues cyclists face following a bike crash. Contact us and we can walk you through what steps to take with personal guidance for your unique situation.
What to Do After a Bike Accident
Bicycle accidents can be life threating. Even minor ones are stressful and overwhelming. The decisions you make following a crash can impact your physical, mental and financial health, but knowing what to do immediately after and in the days that follow can help protect your health, rights and peace of mind. Remember these steps so you understand your rights and can protect yourself in the event of a crash.
Immediately After a Bike Crash
Your first priority should always be safety. Follow these steps immediately after a crash to ensure your safety.
- Move to Safety: If possible, get someplace safe out of traffic to avoid risk of further injury.
- Check for Injuries: Adrenaline has a way of masking pain, so if you can, look for cuts, bruises or fractures. Inspect your helmet for any signs indicating you may have hit your head and look for symptoms like dizziness, headache or nausea that may indicate a concussion or traumatic brain injury.
- Contact Emergency Services: If you or anyone else involved in the accident are experiencing pain, difficulty moving or breathing, call 911 immediately.
Shortly After a Bike Crash
Once you are out of danger and have assessed your injuries and if they are not serious, you should report the accident and begin documenting the scene to collect information and evidence.
- Call the Authorities: If you have not already done so, contact the police to report the accident. An official report will be important for insurance and legal purposes, so be sure to get the file or collision report number as well as the contact information of the officer on the scene.
- Collect Information: Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved. Write down license plates, make and model of any vehicles.
- Document the Scene: Collecting evidence from the scene will help prove fault and protect your rights. Take photos of your bike, the accident site, any vehicles and visible injuries. Write down everything you can remember about the crash and what happened just before. Note the time, location, road and weather conditions and any other hazards that could have contributed to the crash.
- Talk to Witnesses: Get statements from anyone who saw what happened. Be sure to get their names and contact information so you can reach out later if you need.
- Avoid Admitting Fault: When speaking with others at the scene, police or insurance representatives later, stick to the facts and don’t admit fault or make any statements that could be used against you later.
- Seek Medical Attention: If your injuries didn’t warrant immediate medical attention, you should get check out by a medial professional as soon as you are done speaking to the police and documenting the scene. Some injuries, like concussions and internal bleeding, aren’t apparent right away, so even if you feel fine it’s in your best interest to get examined and have your injuries documented for insurance claims.
In the Days After a Bike Crash
- Review Your Insurance Policies: In most cases, the driver who hits you bears liability, and their auto insurance should cover your medical bills, lost income, and property damage. But if the driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover your losses, your own auto policy may kick in. You will also want to notify your health insurance provider to make sure your medial claims are processed correctly and if you have property damage to your bike or gear, your homeowners’ or renters’ policy may offer some coverage.
- Keep Detailed Records: Keep track of everything that’s happened. Document interactions with doctors, police and insurance companies and keep receipts for all related expenses such as medical bill, lost wages and property replacement. Take photos of any damage to your bike and gear if you haven’t already. Contact any witnesses that you are missing statements from. Make note of any changes in your injuries, tracking pain levels, symptoms and recovery.
- Get an Estimate for Repairs: Don’t get your bike fixed just yet, as it’s evidence you might still need, but an estimate for repairs from a bike shop will be important for insurance and legal proceedings.
- Contact a Lawyer: A lawyer or attorney who specializes in bicycle accident cases will understand the laws and local regulations. They’ll be able to guide you through your recovery, help you understand all your options and fight for fair compensation.
Let Brazil Sweeney Law Group Fight for You
The experienced bike accident attorneys at Brazil Sweeney Law Group in Minnesota understand the unique issues faced by cyclists and are here to advocate for you and your rights. If you’ve been in a bike crash, we can help you get the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today to speak with one of our experienced bicycle accident lawyers. Case evaluations are always free and there’s no fee unless we win.