California cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are among the most congested cities in the United States, and cyclists face unique challenges such as double parking, narrow bike lanes, and traffic.
These stressful conditions are a common source of bicycle accidents.
Following a bicycle accident, the steps you take can affect both your health and any future accident claim.
In this guide, we’ve outlined what to do after a bicycle accident.
If you are able to move without worsening your injuries, move away from the traffic and call 911.
If you or another road user is injured, make sure to mention that during your call so that emergency services can be dispatched.
Once the responding police officers arrive, they will speak with you and other parties involved, and then create an objective police report about the bicycle crash.
This police report will be a key piece of evidence in your accident claim.
Your San Jose bicycle accident lawyers will use it to corroborate key facts and prove your right to compensation.
Be sure to take the information of the responding officer to make it easy to find the accident report later.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Sometimes you may feel fine after an accident, but it’s likely adrenaline masking your injuries.
This is especially true with shoulder injuries, head injuries, wrist fractures, and back injuries.
Seeking medical care as soon as possible not only protects your health, but also ties your injuries to the accident.
Keep all the records of your treatment, including payment records, prescriptions, and discharge notes.
These records can help to prove the extent and nature of your injuries, which helps to strengthen your claim for compensation.
3. Gather Evidence
If it is safe to do so, take pictures and videos of the entire area.
Road conditions can change very quickly, and you want to document the scene while it is still fresh.
Capture the bike lane, traffic lane, open car doors, parked cars, traffic signals, pavement defects, and any debris on the road.
If you are involved in a dooring crash, take photos of the parked vehicle, open door, bike lane, and the surrounding curb area.
California Vehicle Code Section 22517 generally forbids opening a car door into moving traffic except when it is reasonably safe and does not interfere with traffic.
If there are traffic cameras or nearby businesses that have cameras that may have captured the incident, make sure to find and preserve the footage.
Most systems overwrite footage within a few days, so you should not delay.
Video footage is probably the most important piece of evidence in any accident.
4. Exchange Information
If another driver or motorist was involved in the accident, be sure to obtain their name, contact information, license, and insurance details.
Keep the interaction brief and only say what’s really necessary.
Don’t comment about the accident or your injuries, as anything you say can be used against you down the road.
For instance, statements like ‘I’m sorry’ or ‘I didn’t see you’ can be seen as an admission of fault.
5. Track Your Losses and Follow Your Treatment Plan
Beyond photos and witness information, keep a running log of everything the accident has cost you.
Medical bills, lost wages, bike repair or replacement costs, and any out-of-pocket expenses all add up, and insurers often underestimate them if you don’t have documentation ready.
It also matters to stick with the treatment your doctor recommends.
Skipping appointments or stopping physical therapy early can be used to argue your injuries weren’t serious, even when that’s not true.
Consistent treatment protects your health and strengthens the connection between the crash and your injuries.
If your condition changes or new symptoms appear, let your doctor know right away and keep those records too.
6. Consult a Lawyer
Before contacting your insurer, speak with a lawyer.
Insurance adjusters may ask questions that could later be used to reduce or deny your claim.
A lawyer can communicate with the insurer on your behalf, negotiate for fair compensation, and work with a bicycle accident expert to reconstruct or investigate the crash.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney can also represent you in a lawsuit.
Endnote
The steps you take in the hours and days after an accident can shape your recovery, your finances, and your ability to hold the right party accountable.
Be sure to stay safe at the scene, document everything, get the right medical care, protect what you say, and know when to bring in a lawyer.
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