After a bicycle accident, the choices you make early can affect everything that follows.
Focus on safety and medical documentation first. If you feel “mostly okay,” still get evaluated—concussions, soft-tissue injuries, and fractures don’t always reveal themselves immediately.
Then, if you can do so safely:
- Photograph the scene: traffic signals, lane positions, curb cuts, debris, tire marks, and any signage.
- Capture your bicycle and gear: frame damage, handlebars, brakes, lights, and helmet condition.
- Write down the timeline: weather/lighting, how the intersection felt, what the driver did right before impact.
- Identify witnesses quickly: people at nearby businesses, commuters waiting at intersections, or anyone who saw the crash unfold.
If a driver’s insurance contacts you, be cautious about giving a detailed statement before your injuries are fully assessed.


