Steps to Take after You’ve Been Hit by a Car When Riding Your Bicycle

Bicycle accidents have been on the rise lately, with I.I.H.S. reporting that around 961 cyclists were killed in crashes involving a vehicle in 2021 alone, and thousands more suffered life-altering injuries.

These statistics are worrying because bicyclist deaths have indeed increased by over 55% since reaching their lowest point in 2010. Rallies are now being held nationwide in cities like Philadelphia to create awareness.

But while awareness is important, being prepared and knowing precisely what to do or the proper steps to take (should you find yourself in such a situation) can make all the difference in how you receive the help you need on time, protect yourself (in the aftermath) and your rights, and ensure you’re given a fair compensation (if need be).

So, let’s walk through these steps.

What to Do Immediately After the Crash

Having your bike collide with a vehicle that’s 100 times its weight can flip you off balance and leave you feeling disoriented, shocked, and even overwhelmed.

However, at this point, it’s important not to freak out or lose your cool. You need a calm state of mind to take the necessary next-step actions to ensure the accident’s outcome is in your favor.

So, the first thing to do is check if you’ve sustained any injuries. If you’re in the middle of the road, move to a safe corner, but don’t remove your bike just yet; leave it behind as evidence while you find a safe spot to sit.

If you discover that you’ve sustained injuries and require urgent medical attention, contact emergency services immediately for help.

Otherwise, your next course of action is to collect or exchange information with the driver involved in the accident. You’ll need:

• Their name
• Contact details
• Driver’s license number
• License plate, and
• Insurance information

But if it’s a hit-and-run and the driver flees the scene, do not panic. Get a note or piece of paper and jot down as many details about the vehicle and driver as possible. Take out your phone (if it’s not damaged) and take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your bicycle, the vehicle(s) involved, and all visible injuries on you. These photos will come in handy later as evidence.

Also, talk with witnesses around, and request their contact information so they can help you with their account of the event. That alone can help you establish liability and corroborate your version of the story.

Suppose you’ve been hit in a busy cycling area like Virginia Beach, where bike accidents are quite common it’s always better to consult an experienced injury lawyer Virginia Beach, as a local attorney understands the area’s traffic rules and can guide you through the right legal process.

Get Medical Attention and Document the Expenses

It’s important to re-emphasize this point because, while you might think the injuries you sustained are minor, there are still traumatic injuries, such as internal bleeding, soft tissue damage, or concussion, to consider.

It’s hard to know which injuries you may have sustained in the process, and these types of injuries do not bring up symptoms immediately but can cause you problems later on. Studies have even shown that these sorts of injuries are a leading cause of death in the U.S. and many parts of the world, accounting for over 60,000 deaths in the United States every year.

So, it’s advisable to see a medical professional who will carry out the necessary tests to evaluate your condition. While doing this, try to document every aspect of the treatments and medical expenses you incur as much as possible.

Keep detailed records of doctor’s visits, hospital stays, physical therapy sessions, prescription medications, and other related costs. Also, track any missed work or income you’re losing while treating your injuries. These details will matter when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.

Report the Accident A.S.A.P.

It doesn’t matter if it was a minor accident where no immediate injuries are apparent; it’s still essential to file a police report immediately. This official record will serve as evidence if you need to take legal action later.

Also, know and understand the statute of limitations for filing claims in your state, as these time limits vary and can impact your ability to seek compensation. A personal injury lawyer should be able to guide you through matters like these (especially if the accident was severe and required their involvement).

They’ll show you how to file a police report properly, help you understand your rights and options, and ensure you’re well-represented legally.

Insurance Claims and Legal Options

Most cyclists don’t really have a standalone insurance plan for their bikes because it’s (in most cases) included in the coverage offered by other insurance plans like homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. And to add to that, it’s not a legal requirement to have one so the reluctance is quite understandable.

However, you don’t have to wait until you’ve been involved in an accident before reviewing your home insurance to see if your bike is covered. Go through your insurance coverage and ensure you understand the claims process correctly.

Some policies don’t cover bikes (meaning you’d have to handle the damage yourself), while others have specific requirements and deadlines for filing claims, so it’s crucial to act promptly and follow the correct procedures. If the other party was at fault, their insurance company may be responsible for covering your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation.

Should the insurance company refuse to cooperate, your personal injury lawyer will show you the proper legal action to take, like filing a lawsuit. They will also evaluate your case to identify liability and walk you through the legal process to ensure you’re compensated.

Wrapping Up

These steps will help you get a favorable outcome if you are involved in an accident. That said, as a cyclist, you must join the advocacy campaign. We all have a huge role in advocating for policies prioritizing our safety and rights on the road.

So, consider joining any advocacy group or organization promoting cyclists’ safety and education. Participate in awareness campaigns and initiatives encouraging motorists and cyclists to behave orderly on the road. You’d be doing the world a great favor.

See some more of my automotive posts here

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.