The first 24–72 hours often determine how strong your claim becomes. After a crash, prioritize:
- Get medical care right away (urgent care, ER, or follow-up with a clinician). Even if you feel “mostly okay,” internal injuries and concussion symptoms can show up later.
- Document the scene while you still can:
- photos of the road surface, lane position, and signage
- the vehicle’s position and visible damage
- any debris, lighting conditions, or construction activity
- Write down your ride details:
- where you were headed (commute route, nearby roads, trail access)
- what you remember about timing and traffic flow
- whether you used lights/reflectors and where your bike was positioned
- Be careful with statements. If you’re contacted by an insurer, avoid guessing or debating fault on the phone.
In Gardner’s mix of residential streets, higher-speed approaches, and frequent development, insurers often focus on whether your story is consistent and whether your injuries match the crash mechanism.


