In A Crash?

We don’t want anyone to get hurt on their journey so we promote safe riding practices and understanding of the law. But even the most careful rider can be hit.

Here’s what to do if you’re involved in a crash:

1. THE FIRST MINUTE

Get aware of your physical condition and location risk immediately.

  • Head or spinal injuries could be worsened if you move.

  • If possible, move away from the roadway so that you’re not hit again.

You must make a fast judgment call and act.

Repeat the license plate until it can be written down. Hit-and-run is common.

2. CALL 911 + YOUR PERSON

Call 911.

Be ready to share the nearest street address and intersection.

Recruit bystanders to help you.

Call family/friends to meet you at the scene or hospital.

3. DOCUMENT, DON’T SPECULATE

If you can't take the steps below, ask someone to help you.

Get information from the motorist: full name, contact info, insurance info, license plate, vehicle description.

Get any witness names and contact info.

Take pictures of the scene, including the positions of any cars, skid marks, debris, crosswalk, pedestrian signals, bikes. The more pictures, the better as this evidence will soon disappear.

Scan the area for video cameras that may have recorded the crash.

Refrain from speculating or discussing what happened with others; focus on documenting.

4. FACTS TO POLICE

Stay and provide the facts to the police.

Ask for the case number and the officer’s name and agency.

Ask the police if they are issuing any citations.

Don’t leave the site until the police leave or allow you to leave.

5. ASSESS INJURIES & GET CARE

If an EMT responds, they are there to help you. Listen to them. The decision to go is yours, but if you have any doubt, go to the emergency room.

If there is no EMT response, remember that adrenaline can mask pain. The decision to go is yours, but if you have any doubt, go to the emergency room.

It’s normally best to call someone to help you get home. If you have no other option, inspect the bicycle carefully for damage and ABCD (air-brakes-chain-drop) before riding home.

6. FOLLOW-UP

Be alert for medical symptoms emerging after the crash. If there is any doubt about whether you should seek medical care, get medical care.

Keep a daily journal of any medical symptoms as they progress.

Get the crash report and check it for accuracy.

Dealing with claims and liability is a judgment call, but if you have any doubt, talk with an attorney. This will be particularly important if you have to:

  • provide information to an insurance company,

  • preserve documents and videos before they are overwritten or are lost,

  • deal with medical bills or lost income, or

  • repair or replace your bike due to damage.

If you have been injured by a driver, or because of an unsafe road condition, or due to a defective bicycle product, and would like to discuss your case with an attorney, Charlie Thomas of Bike Law welcomes your call for a free consultation. You can reach Charlie at 504-274-2500 or at charlie@bikelaw.com