Even if you feel “mostly okay,” the first hour often determines what insurers later accept or dispute.
Do this if you can:
- Call 911 if there are injuries, unstable conditions, or a driver is refusing to exchange information.
- Request the crash report number. Florida claims frequently hinge on whether a report exists and what it says.
- Photograph the scene: intersections, lane layout, signals/signs, lighting conditions, and the position of your bike.
- Record witness details before people leave—especially if the crash happened near a roadway people frequently use to commute.
Avoid these common traps:
- Posting about the crash before you understand how it may be used.
- Giving a recorded statement before you’ve received medical documentation.
- Assuming the driver “must” be at fault—insurance companies often push back even when the cyclist was not the one driving.


