This guide is about what to do after a cycling accident. Below, we’ll look at the importance of checking for injuries and getting them treated, working out the cause of the accident, and the steps to take to report it (if required).
Being hurt in a cycling accident can be a frightening experience, especially if you are seriously injured. However, there are things you can do to help yourself.
Moreover, if you want to claim compensation for your injuries, we’ll explain how you can collect evidence to support your claim at the scene of the accident.
What To Do After A Cycling Accident
Getting knocked off your bike can be a shock to the system. It also has the potential to flare tempers. But it’s important to stay as calm as possible and come to an amicable resolution.
When you speak to anyone else involved in the accident, we recommend that you don’t say something like “I’m sorry” or “that was my fault”. It could be construed as an admission of fault or liability. This could have an impact on a personal injury claim that you choose to make down the line. It may have been their fault after all.
Even if you believe you made a mistake, it’s up to others, such as the police, insurance companies or solicitors to investigate and decide.
Check For Injuries
Firstly, if you’ve been knocked off your bike, you need to check to see if you’re injured, or how badly. If you can move, get out of the road and into a safe place, like the pavement or layby.
If seriously injured, call an ambulance right away if you’re able to. Some injuries may not present themselves right away so if you begin to notice any aches and pains later in the day, it may be worth going to your GP or local walk-in centre or A&E department.
Work Out What Caused The Accident
You might wonder what to do after a cycling accident if the accident was caused by another party. It’s important to work out what the cause of the accident was.
The accident may have happened because a driver acted negligently, such as failing to give you enough room or making a dangerous manoeuvre. If the driver stops, get their details such as their name, registration plate and the make and model of the car and their insurance company.
If they fail to stop, get what information you can and have a look for any possible CCTV coverage of the area. If a driver fails to stop, you should also call the police as this is deemed a criminal offence.
The accident could have been caused by poor road conditions, in which case your local authority may be to blame. If you can, take pictures of the state of the road, particularly illustrating the depths of any potholes. You can use objects such as coins to illustrate the depth.
You can also collect information that the police or a solicitor could use as evidence in an investigation or claim, such as:
- Take photographs of any visible injuries.
- Take photographs of the hazard that caused your injuries.
- Speak to people who witnessed your accident and take down their contact details. They may be able to give a witness statement to support you.
- See if you can obtain CCTV footage of the accident from local shops, houses, or dash cams.
Get Your Injuries Checked By A Medical Professional
If you have serious or life-threatening injuries, you will likely be taken to hospital for immediate treatment.
For less serious injuries or ones that develop after the accident, you can go to a walk-in centre or visit your GP.
What’s more, when a doctor diagnoses and treats your injuries, your medical records will be updated accordingly. So, your medical records can be used to support your claim if you wish to claim compensation for your injuries.
Please feel free to contact Edinburgh Bicycle if you want to know more information about what to do after a cycling accident.
Should I Report A Bike Accident?
Another important thing to do after a cycling accident is to report the incident to the police. Please call the police immediately if the accident has left vehicles blocking the road or debris on the road. The police will need to pick this up to stop another accident.
If there is any injury to a person or animal or damage to a vehicle or property, the accident will need to be reported to the police, who may carry out an investigation.
You can report the accident in person at a police station, using a non-emergency phone number or online. You have 24 hours to report the road traffic accident.
Learn More About Cycling Accidents
Below, you can find links to more of our guides on cycling accidents and staying safe on the road: