Over 850 bicyclists were hit and killed by a car in 2018.
This type of bicycle accident is especially dangerous for the bicyclist, so if you get around town by riding your bike, you need to know what you should do should you get hit by a car.
We’ve put together this guide to help you stay prepared and to walk you through what you should do next.
So let’s get started.
Call 911
The first thing you should do after getting hit by a car, even if it was a minor accident, is call the police.
A police report will document what happened during the accident (such as how it happened and who is at fault), which can help you prove your case later—especially if you end up going to court.
No matter how nice or apologetic the driver seems, always call the police.
The driver may change their story later, and if you don’t have a police report, it’ll be harder to prove what actually happened.
And make sure the police get your side of the story.
Sometimes the police talk to the driver but overlook the bicyclist, so approach the police yourself if you have to and let them know what happened from your perspective.
You should ask for a copy of the police report, but you may have to go to the station and get it later.
That’s normal. Don’t expect to walk away from the scene with a police report in your hands.
Get Medical Help
You should always go to the hospital or visit your doctor after an accident, regardless of whether you think you’re injured or not.
Your body will be pumping with adrenaline after getting hit by a car, so you might not notice an injury until much later.
Even an injury you thought was small at first can get a lot worse after a few days.
Getting medical help will ensure you don’t have any hidden injuries or give you the necessary treatment right away.
Again, make sure you get a copy of your medical records.
You’ll need this to prove your injuries, and if you don’t have it, the driver’s insurance company may try to make your compensation lower than it should be.
Get All the Right Contact Information
Before you leave the scene of the accident (unless you need immediate medical attention), spend some time talking to any witnesses and getting their contact information.
Make sure you write down their:
- First and last names
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Etc.
Never overlook this step. Remember, even if the driver admits they’re at fault in the moment, they may retract that responsibility later.
If that happens, it turns into a case of your word against theirs, which makes it difficult to determine what really happen.
If you have witnessed on your side, you can keep the story straight and hold the driver accountable for the damages.
You should also get the contact information of the driver and the license plate number of their car.
This will make it easier to get in touch with them (should you need to) during the case.
Take a Lot of Pictures
Pull out your phone and take pictures of everything at the scene of the accident.
This includes things like:
- The car
- Your bike (especially the damaged spots)
- The surrounding area
- Your injuries
- Etc.
These pictures will give you evidence that can back up your side of the story.
It will also help the insurance companies figure out how much compensation you should receive.
Document What Happened as Soon as Possible
If you don’t have any way to take notes at the scene, go over what happened in your head so you don’t forget even minor details.
Then write everything down on paper as soon as you get the chance.
The accident will be clearest in your mind right after it happens.
Having these notes will help you remember things you may have forgotten as the process.
This will also help you keep your story straight so you don’t stumble over details later when you have to retell it.
Hire a Lawyer
It’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer about your accident (even if it was minor and you think you can handle it on your own).
They’ll be able to recommend the next steps you should take, such as whether you should file a claim against the driver or not.
A bike accident lawyer can also handle the insurance companies on your behalf or fill out all that complicated paperwork, which can be difficult to do when you’re recovering from injuries.
Don’t overlook hiring a lawyer because you don’t think you’ll be able to afford it.
If the lawyer works on a contingency fee (meaning they don’t get paid unless you win your case), they won’t take a big chunk out of your bank account.
How to Handle a Bicycle Accident Both on and off the Scene
No matter how careful you are, getting hit by a car while riding your bike is a risk, so you should always stay prepared.
By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to handle a bicycle accident in the moment and know what you should do once you leave the scene.
Do you want to learn some other helpful legal tips?
We’ve got you covered! Make sure you take a look at the rest of our blog!