How to Document a Bike Accident
Biking can be an enjoyable way to get around, but it also carries risks. Cyclists on the road are particularly vulnerable to various accidents, including car-bicycle collisions.
If you or someone close to you is ever involved in a bike accident, it is imperative that you contact the police promptly. Doing so will guarantee that all parties involved are appropriately documented.
1. Call the Police
No matter if you are riding or watching someone else ride a bike, it is essential to call the police when an accident occurs. Doing so will guarantee that authorities are present to document the incident, speak with witnesses, and gather statements from all involved parties.
It is especially essential to contact the police if you have been injured, in order to help avoid future disputes with insurance companies over your injuries.
The police can collect a wealth of important information that you may not have had time to collect yourself. This includes the driver’s name, phone number, address, vehicle license and insurance info.
You may wish to enlist the assistance of a bystander in collecting this information. Doing so ensures the police have all of the pertinent details and can write you a ticket if needed. Moreover, providing any evidence collected at the scene would be advantageous in your case.
2. Get Medical Attention
Biking accidents can result in a range of injuries, from minor scrapes to serious head trauma and death. No matter how minor the incident appears at first glance, it’s essential that you seek medical assistance immediately following an accident.
Receiving proper medical treatment can help you lower the likelihood of long-term problems, like a sprain or break. Furthermore, it helps prevent infection and minimize any scarring from the injury.
A medical professional can also check for internal injuries that you might not notice right away. These injuries may not manifest until hours or days after the accident, and could have long-term implications.
Delaying medical care may lead to insurance companies questioning the severity of your injuries, potentially impacting your compensation. Be sure to receive a medical evaluation at the scene of your bike accident or visit an emergency room, urgent care center or doctor’s office immediately following.
3. Collect Information
After a bike accident, it is essential to gather information and documentation as quickly as possible. This will be beneficial when dealing with insurance companies and filing a lawsuit.
It is wise to take photos at the scene of an accident as evidence of the damage done. These pictures can come in handy later when determining who should pay for your damages and injuries.
Be sure to obtain the driver’s name, phone number, address, driver’s license and car insurance policy. Additionally, ask them for any witnesses’ names and contact info.
It is essential to notify the police of your injuries as soon as possible, even if they appear minor at first glance. Even minor incidents can escalate into more serious issues in the future.
4. Take Photos
Photographing the scene of an accident can help you collect evidence that will support your case if you ever decide to file a lawsuit. Photos capture immediate damage to vehicles, debris, skid marks and other details that are essential in reconstructing the crash.
Additionally, photos of your injuries could be invaluable in demonstrating the extent of your pain and suffering. They may show lacerations, broken bones, breaks, contusions and other indications that you have been injured in the crash.
Taking pictures from different perspectives can give you a more accurate depiction of the scene. For instance, if there are traffic signals and stop signs nearby the accident site, make sure to capture images from all sides of each.
