Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

Stay Calm and Assess

After a bicycle accident in California, it’s normal to feel shaken. Take a deep breath and try to stay calm for your own safety. If you’re able, move yourself and your bicycle out of traffic to avoid further injury. California sees thousands of bicycle accidents every year, so you’re not alone in this experience. If you believe anyone is seriously injured, call 911 right away.

While you focus on the immediate aftermath, know that you may have options for pursuing help and support. Car accidents and pedestrian accidents often intersect with bicycle crashes, so it helps to understand your rights under California’s personal injury laws.

Check for Injuries

Your health is the top priority. Scan yourself and others for injuries. Even if you feel “okay,” adrenaline can mask pain. Common injuries after a bike crash include:

• Cuts and scrapes
• Bruises or swelling
• Broken bones
• Head or neck pain
• Sprains
• Road rash

You may want to review the common injuries in bicycle accident claims to know what symptoms to watch for.

Get to Safety

If you’re in harm’s way, carefully move to a safe area. In California, it’s important to get clear of traffic but not to leave the scene. Leaving may affect your ability to file a claim later. If your bike is damaged and can’t be moved, leave it and focus on your own safety.

Call the Police

Always report the accident to law enforcement, even if it seems minor. A police report can become crucial evidence for your insurance or legal claim. In California, officers must file a report for accidents involving injuries. Make sure to:

• Request the report number
• Ask officers for their names and badge numbers
• Write down the responding agency

Learn more about how to prove fault in a car accident case, as similar rules may apply to bike crashes.

Exchange Information

Just like with car accidents, you should exchange contact details with everyone involved, including:

• Name, address, and phone number
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle license plate
• Insurance information

Also, talk to any witnesses. Get their contact info and a short statement if possible. Eyewitnesses can be key in California bike accident claims.

Document Everything

The more information you gather at the scene, the better. Take clear photos of:

• Your injuries
• Your bicycle and any damage
• The accident scene (road, traffic signs, weather)
• Vehicles involved and their damage
• Skid marks, debris, or hazards

Write down your memory of what happened as soon as you can. This helps preserve details that may fade later.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries—like concussions or internal bleeding—may not show up right away. Medical records serve as important evidence for your claim.

If you’re unsure what to do after an injury, see our steps to take after a car accident, as similar advice applies to bicycle crashes.

Notify Your Insurance

Contact your auto or health insurance provider promptly. In California, your auto insurance may cover you in certain situations, especially if a motor vehicle was involved. When reporting, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault. If the other party’s insurance contacts you, do not provide a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

Don’t Fix or Dispose of Evidence

Keep your damaged bicycle, helmet, and clothing as-is. These items can be powerful evidence of what happened. Don’t repair or throw anything away until your case is resolved.

Track Expenses and Losses

Start a file to keep track of all related expenses:

• Medical bills and prescriptions
• Bike repair or replacement costs
• Lost wages from missed work
• Transportation expenses
• Other out-of-pocket costs

These records will help determine the value of your claim. For more about recoverable damages, review understanding compensation in personal injury cases.

Be Cautious with Social Media

It’s natural to want to share your experience, but insurance companies may use your social media posts against you. Avoid posting photos or updates about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

Bike accidents can lead to complicated legal questions about fault, insurance, and damages. California law gives you a limited window (generally two years) to take action. An attorney can:

• Explain your options
• Gather evidence
• Negotiate with insurers
• File a lawsuit if needed

Attain Law’s traffic accident attorneys are experienced in helping cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists across California.

Understand California Bike Laws

California has specific laws for cyclists and motorists sharing the road. For example:

• Drivers must give at least three feet when passing a bicycle.
• Cyclists must obey the same traffic signals as cars.
• Riding under the influence is illegal.
• Helmets are required for riders under 18.

If you’re unsure about your rights or obligations, see our guide to pedestrian accidents for more on sharing the road safely.

Legal Deadlines

Missing key deadlines can impact your ability to recover damages. In most California cases, you have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim. If a government entity (like a city bus) was involved, you may have much less time—sometimes as little as six months—to file a notice of claim. Don’t wait to seek legal advice.

Common Insurance Challenges

Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or shift blame. California follows a “comparative fault” rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced if you’re found partly responsible. A lawyer can help gather evidence to show the other party’s fault, whether it’s a driver, property owner, or even a defective bike part (defective vehicle parts).

Steps for Hit-and-Run Cases

If the driver leaves the scene, try to:

• Write down as much detail as possible about the vehicle or driver
• Ask witnesses for information
• Report immediately to police

Uninsured motorist coverage may apply in these cases.

When a Defective Road or Bike Is Involved

Sometimes, a dangerous road condition or faulty bicycle component causes or contributes to a crash. In California, you may be able to bring a claim against a city, state agency, or product manufacturer. Learn about premises liability and faulty consumer products for more on these scenarios.

Grieving a Serious Injury or Loss

Bicycle accidents can be life-altering, especially in cases of severe injury or loss. California law allows for claims related to wrongful death when a loved one is lost. Attain Law offers compassionate guidance every step of the way.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident

What should I do immediately after a bicycle accident in California? Move to safety, check for injuries, call the police, exchange information with all parties, document the scene, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Do I need to call the police after a minor bicycle accident? Yes. In California, reporting the accident helps preserve your rights and creates an official record, which may be vital for insurance or legal claims.

What if the driver leaves the scene after hitting me on my bicycle? Try to remember details about the vehicle, gather witness statements, and report the incident to police immediately. Uninsured motorist coverage may help.

How long do I have to file a claim after a bicycle accident in California? You usually have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in California. Shorter deadlines may apply if a government agency is involved.

When should I contact a lawyer after a bicycle accident? Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights, especially if you sustained injuries or face challenges with insurance or liability.

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If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident, Attain Law is here to guide you. Call (888) 970-8627 or contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you.