What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

In 2017, bicyclists and pedestrians made up over 18% of traffic-related fatalities, which is a 32% increase since 2008. Now is a more important time than ever to be mindful of other vehicles on the road, and to know what to do if you’re involved in an accident.

Don’t ignore the bicycle accident statistics: prepare yourself today. Read on for our guide on what to do if you’re involved in a bicycle accident. 

1. Get to a Safe Place

When you’re involved in a bicycle accident, one of the most important things to remember is to get out of the road as quickly as you can. That way, you can avoid further collisions with cars or other cyclists.

2. Thoroughly Examine Your Injuries

Once you’re a safe distance from the road following a bicycle accident, take a moment to calm down and access your injuries. You may be experiencing a rush of adrenaline, so it’s important to evaluate your injuries even if you aren’t in significant pain.

Check out any areas that are bleeding and make sure you haven’t broken any bones. It’s also important to take a few steps to ensure you can still bear weight properly.

3. Get Help

If you’ve been seriously injured, or if a negligent driver was involved, call 911 immediately and wait for police to arrive at the scene. 

If you’ve taken a spill on your own, or collided with another bicycle, it’s still best not to get back on your bike afterward. You may be suffering some residual shock after the bicycle accident, or your bike could be compromised. Call a parent or friend to pick you up.

4. Create a Record of the Bicycle Accident

If possible, start creating a record of the bicycle accident. Include the time, location, and any information on other vehicles involved (such as make, model, and license plate number).

Additionally, take photos of the scene, including any damage to your bike, any personal injuries, and any damage to the other vehicle(s).

When the police report is taken for the bicycle accident, you should also get the officer’s information and request a copy for your own records.

5. Have Yourself and Your Bike Professionally Examined

When you’ve been in a bicycle accident, it’s important to seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel like you were hurt. A doctor can help make sure you’re on the road to a full recovery.

It’s also extremely important to get your bike looked at before taking it out again, as there may be structural damages that could cause another bicycle accident in the near future.

6. Seek Out an Attorney

Especially in cases of a bicycle accident due to a careless driver on the road, you should consider seeking out an attorney to help with your case. With the right legal support, you may be able to collect compensation to cover damages to yourself and your property.

Be Prepared for Bicycle Accident

Getting in a bicycle accident is an unfortunate possibility faced by all cyclists. While it may not be possible to prevent bicycle accidents, you can ensure the best outcome by preparing yourself today.

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