The moments and days after a bicycle accident are critical—both for your health and for any potential legal claim. Taking the right steps protects your wellbeing, preserves evidence, and strengthens your ability to recover compensation from those responsible.
Immediate Actions at the Scene
If you are able, stay at the scene until you have exchanged information and police have responded. Move to safety if you are in traffic, but do not leave the area.
Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured or if the driver attempts to leave. Police documentation is valuable evidence—officers record the scene, take statements, and may issue citations establishing fault.
Exchange information with the driver: name, phone number, address, driver's license number, license plate, and insurance information. Get contact information from any witnesses. Photograph their documents rather than relying on handwritten notes.
Document Everything
Photographs are essential evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene from multiple angles, your bicycle damage, vehicle damage (especially the point of impact), any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs and signals, and skid marks or debris.
Write down everything you remember about the accident as soon as possible—what happened, what the driver said, weather and lighting conditions. Memory fades quickly, and contemporaneous notes are powerful evidence.
Seek Medical Attention
Get a medical evaluation immediately, even if you feel okay. Adrenaline masks pain, and serious injuries like internal bleeding, concussion, and soft tissue damage may not show symptoms for hours or days.
Emergency room visits create documentation linking injuries to the accident. Tell medical providers exactly how the accident happened. Follow all treatment recommendations and attend every follow-up appointment. Gaps in treatment give insurers ammunition to question injury severity.
Preserve Your Bicycle and Equipment
Your damaged bicycle and gear are physical evidence. Do not repair or dispose of them before documenting everything with photographs and potentially having an expert examine them.
Keep your helmet even if damaged—damage patterns can demonstrate impact force and support head injury claims. Preserve torn clothing showing impact points and road rash.
Report the Accident
Report the accident to your own auto insurance company promptly—their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply even though you were cycling. Provide basic facts but avoid speculating about fault or injury extent.
Do not give recorded statements to the at-fault driver's insurance company without consulting an attorney. These statements are used to minimize claims and can be taken out of context.
Track Your Damages
Begin documenting all accident-related expenses and impacts: medical bills and records, receipts for medications and medical equipment, lost work time (wages, sick days, vacation time used), bicycle and equipment repair/replacement costs, and a journal describing pain levels, limitations, and emotional impact.
This documentation supports your damage claims and helps ensure nothing is overlooked.
Consult an Attorney
Consider consulting a bicycle accident attorney before making major decisions about your claim. Most offer free consultations and work on contingency. Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence, avoid mistakes, and understand the value of your claim.
The right steps after an accident protect your health and your legal rights—do not let initial confusion or insurer pressure lead to costly mistakes.