Call Us 919-240-4054Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, getting into a bike crash can be a shocking and overwhelming experience. How you respond in the moments following a crash can significantly impact your safety, health, and any potential legal claims.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do after a bike crash to ensure you’re taken care of, both physically and legally.
1. Assess the Situation
After a bike crash, it’s natural to feel rattled. But try to stay as calm as possible. Take a deep breath and quickly assess your immediate surroundings. Check yourself for injuries and, if possible, ensure that you are in a safe spot away from traffic or any other hazards.
If you’re able to, move your bike to the side of the road to prevent further collisions. If you’re seriously injured or can’t move, stay still and call for help.
2. Check for Injuries
The next step is to evaluate your injuries. If you’re in pain, it’s best to avoid moving too quickly. Even minor injuries can become more serious if they’re not treated properly.
Bike crash injuries we have seen include:
- “Road rash” (severe abrasions from hitting pavement at speed)
- Broken bones/fractures
- Brain injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Ligament and cartilage tears
- Nerve damage
- Pneumothorax (punctured lung)
3. Call 911
If your crash involves another vehicle or if you or anyone else is seriously injured, you should immediately call 911. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s helpful to have an official record of the crash. The police report will document the details of the crash and identify any witnesses.
When law enforcement arrives, provide them with accurate information about what happened, including your account of the incident and any relevant observations. However, do not attempt to provide details about times and distances. Unless you have a tape measure and a stopwatch with you, you cannot accurately say how far you were from the intersection when the driver pulled out, or how many seconds elapsed. DO NOT GUESS. Before departing, you should ask the officer for his or her business card.
4. Document the Scene
If you’re physically able to, take as many photos as possible of the scene. This includes pictures of:
- The location and road conditions
- Any damage to your bike or the other vehicle involved
- Any visible injuries
- The surrounding area (like traffic signs, signals, or obstacles)
Also, gather contact details of witnesses who may have seen the crash. This information should end up in the police report, but that is not always the case, so if possible, do not rely on that. If you are with someone who was hit, be sure to do this for them.
5. Exchange Information
If another party (such as a motorist) is involved in the crash, be sure to exchange names, contact information, and insurance details. This includes:
- Name, phone number, and address of the driver and any passengers
- Insurance company name and policy number
- License plate number and make/model of the vehicle
As long as police arrive at the scene, this information will be recorded in a crash report.
Never negotiate with the driver of the vehicle, regardless of who may be at fault!
6. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor after a bike crash. Because adrenaline kicks after a crash, you may think you’re fine when you are not. Also, if you’ve suffered a concussion, you are not in a position to make good decisions. The best rule of thumb is to take the advice of the EMTs who tend to you at the scene. When in doubt, go to the ER!
Make sure to follow up with your healthcare provider for a full assessment and keep records of any treatment you receive. This will be essential for both your recovery and any legal or insurance matters.
7. Seek Legal Advice
Even if your crash seems minor or the situation appears straightforward, it’s always worth speaking with a personal injury lawyer. There are common pitfalls that most people are unaware of—especially when dealing with insurance companies or long-term injuries. At Johnson & Groninger, PLLC, we never charge a fee for a consultation, and an experienced bicycle lawyer can help you understand your rights, determine whether legal representation is necessary, and explain why. Getting informed early can make a significant difference in how your case is handled and resolved.
8. Caring for your Bike
Once you’re physically able—whether on your own or with the help of a friend or family member—make sure to assess your bike. You may not know whether your bike is safe to ride, especially if it has a carbon fiber frame, which can suffer hidden damage. Therefore, always have your bike inspected by an experienced bicycle mechanic before riding it again.
Some manufacturers also advise against riding their bicycles after any crash, so check your owner’s manual for guidance. Remember, damage to your bike (property damage) and injuries to you (bodily injury) are typically handled separately by insurance and may require different documentation.