What to do after a bike crash in California

[Nigel Rodgers]

What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in California

If you enjoy cycling in California, you are a member of a growing crowd. More and more people are taking up the healthy, environmentally safe, and economical form of transportation. Even if you adhere to the rules of the road, make yourself visible, and acknowledge that not everyone is going to see you as
you ride with traffic, you can still be involved in a crash.

Preparation is the key to making it through a crash and ensuring your rights are protected if you file an insurance claim.

Things to Do After a California Bike Crash:

A crash can be one of the scariest things that can happen to a cyclist. You may initially want to ride home and speak with the motorist as little as possible. Remember that it’s very important to stay on the scene of a crash! Here are some other things you can do if you’ve been involved in a crash.

ï,· Call 911, and be sure to speak with the police personally. Sometimes the officers fail to get a statement from the cyclist. Make sure you give a detailed statement for inclusion on the police
report.
ï,· Exchange information with the drivers. Get each other’s names and contact information. Also, ask for their insurance information. ï,· Get statements from any witnesses. Make sure you get their names and contact information as well. Witnesses can really help that you were not at fault for a crash.
ï,· Take photos of the crash scene. Take photos of the street, the car involved, your bike, and any injuries. 
ï,· Seek medical treatment right away at the nearest emergency room. Even if you don’t think you have bene seriously injured, the crash could have done more damage than you realize.
Adrenaline may also be keeping you from realizing that you’re injured.
ï,· Don’t repair any damage to your bike or throw away any damaged clothing or gear until after you have agreed to a settlement with the driver’s insurance company. You’ll need evidence proving that your possessions need to be replaced.
ï,· Get detailed written estimates for repairing or replacing your damaged bike, helmet, clothing, and gear from your local cycle shop if possible.
ï,· Keep all medical bills and receipts to support your claim. You will need these when you work with the insurance adjuster as you attempt to negotiate a settlement.

Seeking Medical Care After a Crash

You should get medical care at the nearest emergency room after a bike crash. Never go home immediately after a crash, even if you think you’re uninjured! If your injuries are severe, you should be transported by an ambulance. Calling an ambulance should also alert the local police department of your crash. Here are some of the local hospitals offering emergency medical care in the Escondido and San Diego County area:

ï,· Palomar Medical Center, 2185 Citracado Parkway, Escondido
ï,· Pomerado Hospital, 15615 Pomerado Road, Poway
ï,· Kindred Hospital, 1940 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego
ï,· Sharp Memorial Hospital, 7901 Frost St., San Diego
ï,· UC San Diego Medical Center, 200 W. Arbor Dr., San Diego
ï,· Alvarado Hospital, 6655 Alvarado Road, San Diego

Be sure to attend any follow-up medical appointments, so you can make a full recovery and be cycling
again before you know it.

*This article was not written by a legal professional. If you need any help settling with insurance after a crash with a motorist, you should contact a qualified personal injury attorney in California.