What Immediate Steps Should I Take After a Bicycle Accident?

If you are involved in a bicycle accident, try to remain calm. Prioritize your health and safety and that of others involved in your collision. In the days following your collision, you can connect with a California bicycle accident lawyer who may help you pursue damages from any at-fault parties. 

Triumph Law, P.C. offers legal help to bike accident victims. To request legal assistance with your bicycle crash case, reach out to us. In the meantime, check out our list of 10 steps to take after a bike collision.

1. Get to a Safe Spot

If you can, move to a safe spot away from traffic. This helps you stay out of harm’s way. If you cannot move or are concerned doing so may compromise your health and well-being, it may be in your best interests to stay put and get help. 

2. Make Sure Everyone Is OK

Verify anyone else at the crash scene is safe. If someone else got hurt, you may try to help them. The best thing you may be able to do at this point is to request help from the police and medical personnel.

3. Call 911

When you call 911, you may be asked for information about your collision. Police officers and medical personnel will come to your crash scene within minutes of receiving your call. This helps you immediately report the collision to the authorities and get medical care for any injuries you suffer. 

4. Get the At-Fault Driver’s Information

Ask the at-fault motorist for their first and last name, address, phone number, and other contact information. Also, get the driver’s auto insurance and driver’s license information. If a motorist claims they do not have car insurance or a valid license, share this information with the police. 

5. Speak with Witnesses

Request the contact information of any accident witnesses. When police arrive at the accident scene, they may collect information from these individuals. You may be able to get in touch with a witness after your collision, and they may provide a statement on your behalf to help you secure damages from any at-fault parties. 

6. Write Down What Happened 

If you have a pen and paper handy, jot down anything you remember about your accident. You can use your smartphone to write down details about your crash. Take notes as police and medical professionals respond to your accident, since you may need to refer to this information later on if you file a claim. 

7. Preserve Evidence  

Capture photos and videos of the crash scene on your smartphone. In addition, get photos and videos of damage to your bike and injuries. These photos and videos may help you show a judge or jury why you deserve damages. 

8. Discuss Your Accident with the Police

Give the police as much information as you can about your crash. When you speak with police officers, do not take the blame for your collision. Once you and others at your accident scene provide police officers with information, they will put together a collision report you may be able to use as evidence.

9. Get Medical Help

Go to an emergency room or hospital after your accident. You may believe you have not suffered any serious injuries. However, a doctor can evaluate you to determine if you are dealing with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or any other severe health issues and help you treat these problems before they get any worse.

10. Consult with a Bike Accident Attorney  

Notify an attorney about your bike collision. This allows you to discuss your case with a lawyer and get answers to frequently asked questions and many others about the legal process. An attorney may help you determine if you may be eligible for damages.

At Triumph Law, P.C., we want to help bicycle accident victims in any way we can. Our team can take a look at your biking collision case and go over your legal options with you. For more information, contact us today.

What Not to Do After a Bicycle Accident

It is easy to panic after a cycling accident, lose your cool, and lash out at an at-fault motorist. Regardless, it is in your best interests to take the high road by focusing on the task at hand and not saying and doing things that may compromise your case against an at-fault party. Here are some of the things you should not do in the moments following your bicycle crash:

• Accept Responsibility: Do not say you are in any way responsible for your collision since an at-fault party may use this against you if you move forward with a personal injury claim.

• Talk to an At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company: If an at-fault motorist’s insurer calls you and asks you to speak about your collision, say no — if you speak, you risk saying something that may lead a judge or jury to believe you are in some way responsible for your accident. 

• Approve a Settlement: When you get a settlement proposal just days after your crash, this may be a red flag, as an at-fault party or their insurer may push you to accept the proposal so you do not get as much as you could if you bring your case to trial.  

• Post Content on Social Media: By sharing photos and videos of your accident and injuries on social media, you may help an at-fault party prove you were at fault for your collision or are not being totally honest about the severity of your health issues. 

• Navigate the Legal Process on Your Own: If you go through the legal process without a lawyer at your side, you risk making mistakes that may prevent you from getting the damages you want. 

Triumph Law, P.C. is a leading choice for those in need of a bicycle accident lawyer in California. We are here to help you take the right steps after your cycling collision and hold any at-fault parties responsible. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, contact us today.