What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
A bicycle accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Whether you’ve been struck by a vehicle, encountered hazardous road conditions, or experienced equipment failure, knowing the right steps to take immediately after the crash is crucial.
These actions not only protect your health but also help preserve evidence and strengthen your case if you need to pursue compensation.
From ensuring your safety and seeking medical care to gathering important information and documenting the scene, following these essential steps can make a significant difference in your recovery and your ability to hold the at-fault party accountable.
Ensure Safety and Seeking Medical Attention
After a bicycle accident, prioritizing your safety and health is the most important step. Taking immediate action can help minimize further harm and set the foundation for your recovery.
Check for Injuries
Check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. Even if you feel fine, keep in mind that some serious injuries, such as an internal or head injury, may not show symptoms right away.
For example, if you’ve hit your head or feel any pain, avoid moving excessively until you’re certain it’s safe to do so, as a headache is among the most common concussion symptoms.
Move to a Safe Location
If possible, move yourself and your bike to a safe spot away from traffic. Staying in the path of vehicles can be dangerous for both you and other road users. However, if your injuries are severe, wait for assistance and avoid risking further harm by moving unnecessarily.
Call for Help
Dial 911 to request both emergency medical services and police assistance. The police will help secure the accident scene, document the incident, and create a police report, which can be crucial for any insurance or legal claims. If your injuries require immediate medical attention, paramedics will ensure you receive proper care right away.
Document the Scene
If it’s safe to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Capture important details, such as skid marks, traffic signals, the positions of vehicles, and visible damage to your bike or clothing. These visuals can serve as valuable evidence in proving what happened and who was at fault.
Gathering Information After a Bicycle Accident
Collecting detailed information beyond insurance details at the scene of a bicycle accident is essential for building a strong case and supporting your insurance claims or legal actions later. Below is what you need to focus on.
Exchange Information with Drivers and Witnesses
Gather contact information from all parties involved in the accident, including their names, phone numbers, and addresses. Obtain the driver’s license number, their insurance information, and vehicle details. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details as well. Witness statements could provide crucial support in establishing fault.
Obtain a Police Report
Ask the responding officers for the police report or the accident report number so you can obtain a copy later. A police report typically includes the officer’s observations, statements from the parties involved, and other important details that can serve as evidence during the claims process.
Preserve Evidence
Keep any items damaged in the accident, such as your helmet, clothing, or bike components. These items can help demonstrate the severity of the crash. Additionally, take note of any visible injuries, even if they seem minor. Preserving evidence ensures nothing is lost as you work through your bicycle accident claim.
Seek Medical Treatment After a Bike Crash
Visit a doctor or the emergency room as soon as possible, even if you think you have sustained minor injuries. Some injuries, like a bad concussion or internal injury, may not show immediate symptoms but can become serious if left untreated.
Prompt evaluation ensures that any hidden or delayed symptoms are identified and treated. Additionally, having medical documentation creates a direct link between the accident and your injuries, which is important for pursuing compensation.
Follow-Up Care
After your initial treatment, follow through with all recommended medical appointments and adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan. This shows you are taking your recovery seriously and helps demonstrate the full extent of your injuries.
Skipping follow-up care can not only harm your health but also weaken your case if the insurance company argues that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed.
Documenting Medical Expenses
Keep detailed records of all medical expenses, including doctor visits, medications, physical therapy sessions, and any other related costs. These records are essential for calculating damages and ensuring you are reimbursed for your financial losses. Being thorough with your documentation strengthens your case and helps you recover the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Bicycle Crashes
Understanding the common causes of bicycle crashes can help cyclists stay vigilant and build stronger cases if an accident occurs. Many bicycle crashes result from negligence or dangerous conditions that could have been avoided.
Driver Negligence
Negligent drivers are one of the leading causes of bicycle crashes. Common examples include distracted driving, failing to yield the right of way, running stop signs or traffic signals, and driving under the influence.
Speeding or overtaking a cyclist unsafely can also lead to serious collisions. When a driver’s negligence causes an accident, they can be held accountable for the damages.
Hazardous Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads can create serious hazards for cyclists. Potholes, loose gravel, debris, and inadequate road markings often contribute to bike crashes, particularly in areas without designated bike lanes. Cities or municipalities may be liable if unsafe road conditions were a factor in the accident.
Defective Bicycles or Equipment
In some cases, a bicycle accident is caused by defective equipment, such as faulty brakes, a cracked frame, or a poorly designed helmet or other bicycle safety equipment. These issues may lead to product liability claims against the manufacturer or retailer. If you suspect defective equipment played a role in your crash, preserving the damaged items is critical for your case.
Seek Compensation for Your Bike Accident Injuries
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Understanding the types of damages you can recover and how a lawyer can help strengthens your ability to secure a fair outcome.
Types of Damages
Victims of bike accidents can pursue compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Covering the cost of emergency care, hospital visits, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to time off work while recovering.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the accident.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your damaged bicycle and any other personal belongings.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Dealing with an insurance company after a bike crash can be overwhelming. Insurers often attempt to minimize payouts by undervaluing claims or questioning liability. A bicycle accident attorney can handle all communication, gather evidence, and negotiate strategically to secure a fair settlement that reflects the true extent of your losses.
Litigating in Court
If a settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit and going to trial may be necessary. An attorney experienced in bicycle accident cases can represent you in court, present compelling evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Their expertise ensures your case is handled effectively, whether through negotiation or litigation.
Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney Now
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. An experienced attorney can guide you through every step, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the insurance company or filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Their goal is to protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
At Grissim & Waterman, our personal injury team in Nashville is dedicated to helping victims recover compensation after a crash. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and provide guidance on the best way forward.
Reach out by calling (615) 255-9999 or filling out our contact form.
