Bike accidents can happen within the blink of an eye, leaving you disoriented, confused, and shaken. If you’re ever in this situation, don’t panic – follow these simple steps instead.

The first step to take after having a bike accident is to try to remain calm, gather your thoughts, and not panic. Once the mental fog has cleared, and you have taken a few minutes to steady yourself, take the following next steps to document and report the incident to medical authorities, insurance companies, police departments, and a bike accident lawyer.

Check for Injuries

The next step to take after having a bike accident is to check all parties involved for a bike injury. Contact local police and seek emergency medical assistance for a serious bike injury immediately.

Contact Local Authorities

Reporting a bike accident to local authorities is one of the most important steps you can take after an accident. Local authorities can take your statement, contact the other parties involved, and provide you with documentation to present to medical officials and legal professionals.

Relocate for Safety

If it is safe to do so, try to avoid further physical damage to yourself and your bike by relocating to a safer out-of-the-way area. This step is especially crucial if you have had a bike accident in a high-traffic area where traffic is still flowing.

Take Photographs of the Accident

If you are uninjured and can take photos of the bike accident scene, now is the time to do so. Photographs of the scene can help injured bikers document evidence of accidents for themselves, police, medical officials, and other interested parties.

Document the following when taking photos of the bike accident scene:
-Physical injuries to yourself and/ or other parties involved

-Damage to your bike and accessories (helmets, reflectors, etc.)

-The surrounding area and neighborhood

-Document weather conditions, hazards, and traffic lights

-Photographs of other vehicles or bikes involved in the accident

Get Witness Information

If there were any eyewitnesses to the accident, talk to them to get their name and phone number or other contact information. You, your doctor, attorney, or local law enforcement may need to contact witnesses to collect their statements and other accident-related details later on.

Seek Medical Attention

It is important for people who have been in a bike accident to seek medical attention to ensure there are no serious, internal, or undocumented injuries that can cause physical pain or ongoing issues. Get medical attention to verify there are no underlying issues.

Consult with a Bike Accident Attorney

If the bike accident was the result of someone else’s negligence, involved a motor vehicle, or other extenuating circumstances, injured bikers should consult with a licensed personal injury attorney to learn about their rights.

Contact our team at Louis B. Himmelstein & Associates today!