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Bicycle accidents often leave riders shaken and uncertain about what to do next. In the hours and days after a crash, you may be focused on pain, medical treatment, or damage to your bike. During this time, it is easy to make mistakes that can weaken your case if you later pursue compensation.
Knowing which missteps to avoid can protect your health, preserve your rights, and strengthen your personal injury claim. A bicycle accident lawyer can then step in and investigate your accident, manage your personal injury claim, and seek maximum compensation for your losses.
Below, we list some common mistakes bicycle accident victims make, their repercussions, and how to avoid them.
Failing to See a Doctor Immediately
Cyclists often walk away from crashes thinking they escaped with minor injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries take hours or days to develop.
Your health should be your priority.
Brain injuries, fractures, and internal bleeding are common in bike accidents and may not be obvious right away. If you delay medical care, the insurance company may argue your injuries were unrelated to the crash. By seeing a doctor immediately, you protect both your health and your claim. Keep all treatment records, test results, and follow-up notes to link the accident to your injuries.
Failing to Contact the Police After the Crash
Not calling the police can leave you without an official record of the accident. A police report creates documentation of the crash scene, the parties involved, and any traffic violations. Without this report, you may find it difficult to prove how the accident happened if the driver disputes your version of events.
Always call 911, wait for officers to arrive, and request a copy or report number.
This simple action provides critical evidence for insurance negotiations and potential legal claims.
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Failing to Know Your Losses
Many cyclists underestimate the full impact of a crash. Losses extend far beyond the cost of repairing or replacing your bike. Medical bills, follow-up treatments, therapy, and prescription medications often add up quickly. Lost wages from time away from work and reduced ability to earn income in the future can create ongoing financial strain. Pain, limited mobility, and emotional distress are also real losses that affect your daily life.
Take time to document every expense and every way the accident affects your life.
If you overlook any of these categories, you risk accepting compensation that does not cover your actual damages. A clear picture of your total losses strengthens your case and helps you seek a fair settlement.
Failing to Collect Evidence at the Scene
The scene of a bicycle crash contains important details that may be lost if not documented right away. Skid marks, debris, traffic signals, and road hazards can all help explain how the accident occurred.
Document everything related to the bicycle accident while you are there.
If possible, take photos and videos of the intersection, vehicle positions, and your injuries. Get contact information from the driver and any witnesses. If your injuries prevent you from collecting this information, ask a friend, family member, or even a bystander for help. The more evidence you preserve at the scene, the stronger your case will be later.
Failing to Let a Lawyer Deal With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies often contact crash victims quickly, sometimes within days. Insurance adjusters may request a recorded statement or ask questions designed to limit their company’s liability. Speaking with them without legal guidance can put your claim at risk. Even small inconsistencies in your answers can be used against you.
Tell the adjuster you will follow up with them after you receive legal advice.
Provide only the basic facts needed to open a claim, such as your name and contact details. By avoiding direct negotiations on your own, you reduce the risk of weakening your case.
Failing to Stay Off Social Media
Social media activity can create problems for your bicycle accident case. Insurance companies and defense attorneys review online accounts to find posts that contradict your claim. A photo of you out with friends or a comment about your recovery could be misinterpreted as evidence that your injuries are not serious. Even ride data from fitness apps can be taken out of context.
Stay off social media until your claim is resolved.
Ask friends and family not to tag you in posts about your activities, and avoid sharing accident details online.
Failing to Negotiate a Fair Settlement
After a bicycle accident, you may face medical bills, lost wages, and bike repair costs. The insurance company may offer a quick settlement to close the case. These early offers rarely account for long-term needs like physical therapy, follow-up surgeries, or reduced earning capacity. Accepting too soon can leave you responsible for costs that arise later.
Allow your attorney to handle negotiations and review settlement offers with you.
Taking time to understand the full value of your case ensures you do not settle for less than you need.
Failing to File Before Legal Deadlines Expire
Personal injury claims must be filed within strict legal deadlines. Each state has a statute of limitations that sets the maximum time you have to file a lawsuit. For example, you typically have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Contact an attorney as soon as you can so that they can start the legal process for you.
Missing these deadlines can end your chance of pursuing compensation, regardless of how strong your case might be. Acting within the required time limits protects your right to seek recovery.
Actions to Ensure Your Health and Protect Your Rights
Here are the actions you can take to protect yourself and your claim after a bicycle crash:
- Get medical treatment immediately.
- Call the police and request a copy of the accident report.
- Preserve your damaged bicycle, helmet, and gear.
- Take photos of the crash scene, vehicle, and injuries.
- Collect contact information from the driver and witnesses.
- Save medical bills, receipts, and insurance correspondence.
- Track symptoms and limitations in a journal.
- Consult a bicycle accident lawyer before discussing your case with the insurer.
By following these steps, you support both your recovery and your claim.
Connect With a Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a bicycle accident, you do not have to handle the claims process alone. Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, offers injury victims a free consultation. We will listen to your story, review your options, and explain how the claims process works.
Contact us today to get started.
