Bike Crash : The First Things to Do After a Collision
11th Aug 2022
Over 16,000 cyclists were injured on the roads in 2021, and those are just the incidents that are reported to the Police.
Being involved in a cycling crash is a shock. Your bike may be mangled, your possessions scattered and you will probably hurt somewhere. However, if you can remember to do a few key things straight away, it will make life a lot easier in the days and weeks ahead.
Here’s our quick guide of what you should do if you are involved in a collision:
- ARE YOU SAFE?
When you are knocked off your bike, your first priority must be to get to a position of safety. If you are too badly injured to remove yourself from arm, attract attention to yourself by waving, shouting and whistling.
If you assist a cyclist who has been knocked off their bike, help them to get to a safe spot, unless you suspect a neck or head injury.
If there is a serious injury call 999 for an ambulance.
2. SHARING DETAILS & WITNESS INFORMATION
It is a legal requirement for those involved in a collision to supply their details. Make sure you make a note of the make, model and colour of any vehicles involved.
You should also try and get the details of any independent witnesses. If you are injured, ask someone else to get their details.
3. EVIDENCE
If you have a camera, take as many photographs as you can. This should include licence plates and drivers, as well as the location of the accident (parked cars, line markings etc).
4. MEDICAL ADVICE
Don’t ignore your injuries – seek medical attention as soon as possible to rule out any more significant underlying issues.
5. YOUR BROKEN BIKE
Make sure you get good photos of your bike. Even if your own insurance company repairs or replaces your bike, this can be claimed back from a negligent driver. We also have our own in-house bicycle engineer, Dan, who will do his best to get you back on your bike as quickly as possible.
6. LEGAL HELP
We are highly regarded specialist cycling solicitors and have helped hundreds of clients to bring claims for compensation for injuries, bike repairs and other damaged items such as helmets, phones and clothing (TAKE PHOTOS!!). We are able to assist even if the third party driver has fled the scene or is not insured.
For further information, click through to the Two Wheel Claims website or call on 0161 348 7586.
