Bicycle Accident Lawyer: What to Do After a Driver Hits You

Cycling is a healthy, eco-friendly, and enjoyable way to travel, but it comes with significant risks. Bicyclists are far more vulnerable than the occupants of a car or truck, and when a collision occurs, the results can be catastrophic. Drivers often fail to share the road safely, leading to accidents caused by distraction, negligence, or a simple failure to see the cyclist. If you’ve been hit by a driver while on your bike, the moments that follow are chaotic and confusing. Knowing what steps to take can protect your health and your legal rights.

The aftermath of a bicycle accident can leave you facing serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and a long road to recovery. While you focus on healing, insurance companies may pressure you to accept a quick, low settlement. This guide explains the immediate actions you should take after a crash, common injuries that can impact your case, and how a dedicated bicycle accident lawyer can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Immediate Steps to Take After Being Hit by a Driver

The actions you take at the scene of the accident are critical. They can influence your physical recovery and the strength of your future legal claim.

1. Ensure Your Safety

Your first priority is to get to a safe place. If you are able, move yourself and your bicycle out of the path of traffic to prevent further injury. If you are seriously injured, do not attempt to move. Wait for emergency services to arrive.

2. Call 911 Immediately

Report the accident to the police and request an ambulance, even if you think your injuries are minor. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some serious conditions, like internal bleeding or concussions, may not have immediate symptoms. A police report creates an official record of the incident, which is a vital piece of evidence for your bicycle accident claim. When the police arrive, provide a factual account of what happened but avoid admitting fault or apologizing.

3. Gather Crucial Evidence

If you are physically able, start documenting the scene. Use your smartphone to take pictures and videos of everything, including:

• The position of your bike and the vehicle.
• Damage to both your bicycle and the car.
• Your injuries.
• Skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions.
• The driver’s license plate.

Exchange information with the driver, including their name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance details. If there were any witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. An independent account of the crash can be incredibly valuable.

4. Seek Prompt Medical Attention

Even if you declined an ambulance at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible. A medical professional can diagnose and treat injuries that may not be immediately apparent. This creates an official medical record linking your injuries to the accident, which is essential for proving your damages. Follow all of your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and attend all follow-up appointments.

Common Injuries and Their Impact on Your Claim

Due to their lack of protection, cyclists often suffer severe injuries in a collision with a vehicle. The nature and severity of these injuries play a significant role in determining the value of your claim.

Common cyclist injuries include:

• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), concussions, and skull fractures are common, even when wearing a helmet. These can have long-term cognitive and emotional effects.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Wrists, arms, legs, and collarbones are frequently broken as cyclists try to brace for impact or are thrown from their bikes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the back and neck can result in paralysis, chronic pain, and permanent disability.
• Road Rash and Lacerations: Deep cuts and abrasions can lead to infections, permanent scarring, and may require skin grafts.
• Internal Injuries: The force of impact can cause internal bleeding and organ damage, which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

A skilled cyclist injury lawyer will work to ensure your claim accounts for not only your current medical bills but also the future costs associated with these injuries, such as ongoing therapy, rehabilitation, and loss of earning capacity.

How a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Trying to handle a bicycle accident claim on your own while recovering from injuries is a daunting task. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may try to unfairly blame you for the accident. A bike crash attorney advocates for your best interests and manages every aspect of your case.

Here’s how a lawyer can help:

• Conducting a Full Investigation: Your attorney will gather all evidence, including the police report, medical records, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to build a strong case proving the driver’s negligence.
• Establishing Liability: In many cases, drivers and their insurers will try to argue the cyclist was at fault. A lawyer can counter these claims by demonstrating how the driver’s actions—such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield—caused the crash.
• Calculating the True Value of Your Claim: Your lawyer will accurately assess all your damages. This includes economic losses like medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Handling All Insurance Negotiations: Your lawyer will take over all communication with the insurance company, protecting you from adjusters’ tactics and negotiating for a settlement that covers the full extent of your losses.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your bicycle accident lawyer will be prepared to file a lawsuit and fight for your rights in court.

Protect Your Rights After a Crash

Being hit by a car is a traumatic experience for any cyclist. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. You should not have to carry this burden alone, especially when the accident was not your fault. Securing experienced legal representation is the most important step you can take to ensure you are treated fairly and receive the resources needed for a full recovery.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced lawyer today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.