Cycling not only offers environmental benefits but also helps to maintain and improve our health and fitness. However, cycling on busy streets in towns and cities can sometimes lead to accidents, 
and every cyclist, whether novice or experienced, faces the same risks. Knowing what to do after a cycling accident is important not only for your safety but also for your legal and financial well-being.
This guide on what to do after a cycling accident aims to help you manage the situation calmly and effectively. From ensuring your physical safety to handling a personal injury claim, we provide a thorough overview to prepare you for the best possible recovery and response.
What Should I Do Immediately After A Cycling Accident?
If you’re involved in a cycling accident, the immediate moments afterwards are vital, not only to your own safety and potential legal proceedings but also to anybody else involved. Here’s what to do right after the incident:
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Check For Any Injuries
The first and most important step after a cycling accident is to assess yourself and others for injuries. If you’re capable, ensure that you can move without exacerbating any potential injuries. If you haven’t been too badly hurt, and you can do so safely, check others for any serious injuries. In cases where somebody appears to be seriously hurt, avoid moving them and call for an ambulance right away.
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Ensure Your Safety
After assessing injuries, the next priority is to ensure everybody’s safety. Move yourself and others involved to a safe location away from traffic or other potential dangers. This helps prevent further accidents or injuries. If you cannot move due to your injuries, signal for help from any bystanders to create a safe perimeter around the accident scene.
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Exchange Information With Other Parties
It’s essential to exchange information with all parties involved in the cycling accident. Therefore, ask any other cyclists, drivers, or pedestrians involved for their:
- Name.
- Address.
- Phone number.
- Insurance details.
Additionally, take note of vehicle registration numbers and, if possible, the make and model of the vehicles.
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Collect Witnesses Details
Identifying and gathering contact information from witnesses can be incredibly valuable for cycling accident claims and insurance claims as they can provide an unbiased account of the accident. Politely ask witnesses for their names and contact details, and, if they are willing, a brief description of what they saw.
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Document The Cycling Accident Scene
Thorough documentation of the accident scene can be instrumental in any subsequent claims or legal proceedings. Take clear photographs of the scene, including all vehicles involved, any visible injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs. Notes about the time, location, and weather conditions can also provide important context.
Note: If a pothole caused the accident, be sure to document the pothole as well.
Ensuring that you’ve collected thorough information and documented everything accurately provides a solid foundation for any necessary actions following your cycling accident.
Should I Seek Medical Attention After A Cycling Accident?
Yes, even if your injuries seem minor, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible after a cycling accident. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding or concussion, may not be immediately apparent but can have serious consequences if left untreated. Visiting your GP, a walk-in centre, or A&E depending on the severity of your injuries ensures that any hidden injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly, reducing the risk of long-term health issues.
Documenting Your Injuries
Properly documenting your injuries is important for any future legal action. Therefore, keep copies of all your medical reports, prescriptions, and any other related documents. Photographs of visible injuries taken at various stages of the healing process can also provide compelling evidence of the impact of the cycling accident.
After the initial medical assessment and treatment, follow-up care is often necessary to ensure complete recovery. Keeping records and evidence of any ongoing treatments, including dates, healthcare providers, and the nature of the treatment, is important. This evidence helps in proving the extent and duration of your injuries and can be critical in supporting your case for compensation.
Do I Need To Report The Cycling Accident To The Police?
Yes, it’s important to report the accident to the police if you (or anybody else) were injured or if there’s significant property damage. In the UK, you’re legally required to report any road traffic accident that causes injury or damage within 24 hours, even if you were on a bicycle. You can do this by calling 101 or going to your local police station. When reporting it, include all relevant details such as where and when the accident happened, and what led to it.
Unlike drivers, cyclists are not legally required to have insurance, and many don’t. However, if you do have third-party liability cover (for example, through a cycling organisation), you should notify them about the accident too.
What Legal Rights Do Cyclists Have Following An Accident?
As a cyclist involved in a road traffic accident, you have the same legal rights as any other road user when it comes to seeking compensation for injuries or damage caused by somebody else’s negligence. This includes the right to:
- Claim compensation if you were injured due to a driver’s carelessness or breach of the Highway Code.
- Seek damages for both physical injuries and psychological harm, as well as related losses like damaged equipment, loss of earnings, or medical expenses.
- Expect drivers to stop and provide their details if a collision occurs. Failing to do so may be a criminal offence (hit and run).
- Report the accident to the police, especially if there are injuries or the driver doesn’t stop.
- Pursue legal action, even if the driver wasn’t identified (through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau if needed).
Importantly, you don’t need to have insurance to make a cycling accident claim. If there’s a dispute or you’re unsure about your rights, speaking to an accident claims solicitor can help clarify your options.
What If The Accident Was Caused By An Uninsured Driver?
If the other party is uninsured or it was a hit-and-run, you may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) which provides a safety net for victims of uninsured or untraceable drivers. Therefore, if you’re to file a claim via the MIB you should report the incident to the police and your insurer immediately and gather as much evidence as possible.
If you’d like advice on claiming through the MIB please call our claims advisors today.
Should I Contact A Solicitor After A Cycling Accident?
We’d recommend contacting a solicitor if you’ve been hurt in a cycling accident. A solicitor can explain your rights, assess whether you’re eligible to claim compensation and explain the process clearly.
Even if the accident seems straightforward, issues could arise later, such as the other party disputing fault. An experienced solicitor from our team can handle communication with the driver’s insurance company, help gather evidence, and work to secure the compensation you may be entitled to. Importantly, we offer a No Win No Fee service, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless your claim succeeds.
If you’d like to contact our claims advisors for an initial free consultation, you can call us on 0800 6524 881 or use our live chat service right away.