Getting hit on a bike throws everything out of balance. It’s not always obvious how bad the damage is—whether to your body, your bike, or your sense of control. The first decisions you make can influence everything from how long you’re off the road to how your expenses get covered.

You don’t need to have all the answers in the moment. But knowing what to document, who to talk to, and how to protect your side of the story makes a real difference once the dust settles.

Immediate Priorities After the Crash

1. Get to safety if possible. Before anything else, assess your surroundings. If you’re still in the road, look for a safe place to move, but only if you can do so without worsening any injury. Don’t push through pain just to get off the pavement.

2. Leave your helmet on until help arrives. If there’s any chance of head or neck injury, wait for medical assistance. Removing bicycle gear too soon can make injuries worse or confuse responders about what happened.

3. Don’t minimize what just happened. Even if you feel okay, avoid phrases like “I’m fine” or “no big deal.” Adrenaline hides pain. Those words may be quoted later if you pursue a claim.

4. Avoid making agreements or taking blame. The scene is not the place to negotiate. Keep things simple and factual.

Dealing With the Driver and Witnesses

Exchange information, but stay calm and focused. Here’s how to handle it step by step:

Ask for their license and insurance. Take photos of both, front and back. Don’t just write down the info.
Get the license plate. Snap a photo. If the driver leaves, this may be all you have.
Record contact info. Name, phone number, and if possible, their employer, if it’s a commercial vehicle.
Look for witnesses. Ask them directly if they saw what happened and are willing to share their name and number.
Don’t replay the crash. Avoid back-and-forth about who did what. That can get heated or lead to conflicting versions.

If the driver suggests handling things informally, that’s a sign to double down on documentation.

What to Document Before You Leave the Scene

Every photo you take helps preserve the truth before it gets cleaned up, driven away, or forgotten.

Focus on:

The vehicle’s damage and position on the road
Your bike, gear, helmet, and any visible injuries
Surrounding environment: intersections, signage, traffic signals, weather, and lighting
Time and location: take a screenshot of your phone’s map or timestamped photo for added proof

Don’t worry about organizing it all perfectly. Snap first, sort later.

Why Medical Documentation Starts on Day One

Even if you’re walking, bruised, and just want to go home, documenting the injury starts now.

If you don’t need emergency care, urgent care or a telehealth visit still creates a record. Waiting a few days creates gaps that insurance adjusters may use to argue your injury wasn’t serious or wasn’t caused by the crash at all.

Keep track of what you’re feeling:

Pain levels and where they appear
Dizziness, headaches, or changes in mobility
Sleep issues or fatigue
Emotional impact or anxiety

Write things down each day, even briefly. The more you log early, the stronger your record becomes later, especially if things lead to a bicycle accident lawsuit.

Filing a Police Report the Right Way

A formal report gives your side of the crash an official place to live—and that matters if insurance or injury questions arise.

If police respond at the scene, make sure your version of events is included. Be clear, avoid guessing, and stick to what you saw and felt.

If you’re unable to give a full statement, follow up as soon as possible. You can request a supplemental report or correction later.

Watch for language in the report that implies blame or makes assumptions about your riding. Officers may not understand the cycling context, so small word choices can change meaning.

Always request a copy of the report once it’s available. If it’s inaccurate or incomplete, ask how to submit an amendment in your state.

The Insurance Process Isn’t Designed for Cyclists

Most insurers are used to car-to-car crashes. When it comes to bicycle accidents, their systems don’t always account for the full picture.

Adjusters might treat it as a property-only claim. Some may dismiss your injuries as “minor” because there’s no frame damage or hospitalization.

To avoid getting shortchanged, be prepared:

Keep receipts, estimates, and a clear list of losses, including time off work, therapy, and gear replacement.
Get an evaluation of your bike from a shop familiar with your make and model, not just the insurer’s vendor.
Ask questions if something doesn’t add up. You have the right to review or challenge a settlement.

Don’t Let Your Bike Get Written Off Without Review

If your bike is damaged, take the lead on its assessment. Don’t accept a low valuation based on appearance alone.

Here’s a four-step checklist to protect its value:

Request a detailed repair estimate from your trusted shop. Include frame inspection.
Document all accessories and upgrades—don’t assume they’re included in valuation.
Ask about retaining the bike if it’s totaled. In many cases, you can keep it with a small deduction.
Get damage photos printed or archived in case there’s a dispute over repairs or residual value.

Carbon, titanium, and high-performance frames are easy to underestimate unless the adjuster understands cycling equipment.

When to Get Help and What Kind to Get

Some crashes are simple and clear. Others get messy fast. If you’re dealing with uncooperative drivers, confusing paperwork, or medical bills you didn’t expect, it may be time to bring in support.

You might need help if:

The driver disputes fault
Your statement wasn’t included in the police report
Insurance won’t return calls or lowballs the claim
Your injury symptoms are lingering or worsening

What help looks like:

A local cycling group or advocate who’s seen similar cases
A legal professional with experience in bike crash claims
A medical provider who documents injuries clearly and thoroughly

Support doesn’t always mean a lawsuit. It means not being left to figure it out alone.

Moving Forward After a Disruptive Crash

Even if the injury is minor, the disruption can be major. Routines get thrown off. Training schedules fall apart. And getting back on the bike feels different.

Let recovery happen at its own pace. Stay consistent with medical follow-up, stay in touch with shops or insurers if you’re still waiting on repairs, and give yourself time to regain comfort on the road.

Most of all, document everything—from how you’re feeling to what you’ve lost. Your story matters. And how you tell it can make all the difference when the system doesn’t see the full picture.