Check out these tips from an Our Streets blog post about what to do if you are involved in a crash.
Call 911: Any accident you are in should have a police report. This is true whether you were involved in a minor mishap or a catastrophic crash. This report can become a fundamental piece of any insurance claim or injury lawsuit.
Take pictures and/or video: If you are well enough and able, take pictures or video of the scene of the accident. This includes pictures of you, your bike, the car and your surroundings.
Exchange information with the driver of the vehicle: This includes names, contact information, insurance information and the car’s license plate number.
Gather key witness contact information: While you’re gathering information, make sure you do not overlook any witnesses. Get their names, addresses and phone numbers in case you need call on them again in the future.
Seek medical attention: Whether you suffered minor bruising or severe injuries, you should seek immediate medical care. You should then continue with your treatment for as long as you need it, stopping only when your doctor gives you the all clear.
Call your insurance company: You need to report your accident to your insurer quickly, even if you do not think you need to make a claim.
Write down your full account of what happened: The sooner you can sit down and document all of your memories of the accident, the better. Memories fade, especially when it comes to traumatic experiences such as bike accident.
Don’t fix your bike: And don’t do anything with your gear and other clothing. Leave everything that was involved in the accident as-is, as it may become part of evidence if you need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Call a lawyer: If you think you might file an insurance claim for property damage, medical bills and other costs related to your accident, you should seek the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help walk you through the process and protect your interests should you need to pursue a claim.
Who pays the bills?
Check out the Our Streets blog post “Who Pays the Bills After a Bike Crash?” for more information.