What Should I Do at the Scene of a Bicycle Accident?

If you have been in an accident on a bicycle, you may be unsure how to proceed. Often, this is a scary and overwhelming situation that can leave you in pain and unsure. Sometimes, you may not even know if you want to pursue legal action immediately, so you may miss opportunities to gather important evidence. 

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a bicycle accident, don’t hesitate to contact a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer using Venerable Injury Law. This step may provide guidance and help you determine if legal action is right for you and your situation. While you decide, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success at the scene of the accident.

Call 911 at the Scene of a Bicycle Accident

The first step after an accident is to ensure that the police and any necessary medical personnel are dispatched. While the California Office of Traffic Safety reports that not all bicycle injuries are devastating or fatal, many can be. It is important to ensure everyone is evaluated and appropriately treated. 

Beyond medical care, the police who arrive on the scene will evaluate and assess the incident and file a report. This report can be helpful in the future should you choose to pursue legal action. Even if you choose not to retain an attorney, this will have the contact and insurance information for the other parties that you may need to file a claim on your own. 

In the state of California, failing to report a collision may leave you vulnerable to being charged with a hit and run. The California Department of Motor Vehicles states that you must immediately report the incident. The vehicle driver will be asked to provide their license, vehicle registration, and proof of financial responsibility.

Exchange Information 

Exchanging information is a crucial step when you are involved in an accident. Though this information can frequently be obtained from the police report of the department that responded or the California Highway Patrol if they investigated the incident, it can be helpful to collect it for yourself. Often, you are not able to access the report information until several business days after the accident. 

Exchanging information means the contact information of the other person, their name, and the insurance policy name and number. This information will allow you to call to make a claim. Retaining an attorney will allow them to quickly notify the insurance company of your representation, which means they will no longer reach out to you directly. 

The exchange of information may also apply to any other witnesses. Sometimes, witness statements can be helpful to your case. The police report may not always include the witness’s name and information, so getting this early can save extra work afterward. 

Preserving Bicycle Accident Evidence

If you have been in an accident on your bike, there is likely significant damage to your bike and possibly injury to you. Preserving evidence can mean taking pictures of your injuries and your bike at the scene, as well as pictures of the other vehicles involved and the general area. Remember, bicyclists have rights on the road, and these photos may help provide information for your attorney to assess and investigate. 

Further, it can be helpful to save your clothing from the accident, avoiding washing it. This may be helpful when referencing any injuries you may have sustained in the accident. Similarly, it can help to avoid repairing your bike initially without thorough documentation and even a line-by-line invoice to support your claim. 

Ultimately, all accidents are different. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident and are unsure of the next move to make, you should consult an attorney. They can sit with you and assess what evidence may be important to your case and guide you on effective steps to move forward. 

Medical Evaluation After a Bicycle Accident

Medical evaluation should be one of your priorities, whether you feel you have significant injuries. Oftentimes, the extent of your injuries can be masked by adrenaline, which floods your body in a stressful or perceived life-threatening event. Even soft tissue injuries may take some time to show themselves because inflammation can take time to develop fully.

Some injuries that you sustain in a bicycle accident may not be obvious without a physical exam by a physician who knows what they are looking for. There may be symptoms that you write off as appropriate, such as soreness or anxiety, that may be attributed to a more severe injury. Even if you are correct in these assessments, your symptoms should be documented. 

Further, if you deny medical evaluation on the scene or do not pursue it after the accident, it can give the perception that your injuries are not as bad as you claim. The insurance company’s primary goal is to protect its own money and assets. This priority makes it their job to poke holes in anything that you say or do. 

Medical Follow-up

Following up with medical providers and their recommendations may be just as important as the initial assessment. When making a claim for damages or injuries, the goal is to provide compensation to return to your normal functioning. If you are not following the recommendations of medical professionals, it may make it more difficult to prove the extent of the injury was actually caused by the accident and not lack of adequate care. 

Protecting Yourself After a Bicycle Accident

If you have been in a bicycle accident, your head may be spinning with what you should do next. This article is not exhaustive, and ultimately, the best thing you can do once everyone is safe is to call a bicycle accident attorney. Venerable Injury Law has decades of experience and will diligently fight for your right to compensation after someone else leaves you injured. 

If you are unsure of seeking legal representation, we offer free case consultations that allow you to speak with our team and determine your specific needs. We can discuss your legal options and provide you with some understanding of what the course may look like.