The first 30–60 minutes after impact can affect what you’re able to prove later. If you’re able, prioritize:
- Get medical care right away (urgent care or ER when warranted). Even if pain seems manageable, symptoms after crashes can surface later.
- Document the scene while it’s still fresh: traffic lights or turn lanes, lane positioning, roadway markings, debris, and any vehicle damage you can safely photograph.
- Write down what you remember: the direction you were traveling, what the other driver did (turning, speeding up, lane change), and whether there were any witnesses.
- Save everything: bicycle repair estimates, helmet/clothing damage, parking/towing receipts, and any insurance claim numbers.
If a driver or insurer contacts you quickly, don’t feel pressured to provide a detailed recorded statement before you’ve had a chance to get medical care and organize your facts.


