Cycling is a good way to maintain health and save on fuel. Sharing the same road with motor vehicles might cause accidents from time to time. If an accident happens, it is very important to know how to respond and what types of documents one should obtain at the scene. This information makes a difference in safeguarding your rights and ensuring you receive compensation for damages or injuries incurred.
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, collecting appropriate documents is vital. These files will help you in court or when facing insurance companies in order to prove your case. This article is going to focus on some of the critical documents that you should collect after a bicycle accident and why each one is vital.
Police Report
The first step after a bicycle accident is to call the police. They will respond and generate an official police report of the incident. This is important as it provides an unbiased description of the accident. Here are some of the major components of the police report:
- Details about the accident scene
- Statements from you, the other party, and any witnesses
- Information about road conditions and weather
Get a copy of this report, or at least the report number. You usually have to go to the police station a few days after your accident and get a full report.
Medical Records
If you become injured from the accident, get some medical checkups. As you seek treatment, try to collect all medical records related to your injury. Such documents include:
- Reports on emergency room visits
- Doctor’s notes and diagnosis
- Test results
- Prescription
- Treatment plans
These are vital documents that can help prove the extent of your injuries and that they were directly caused by the accident.
Photographs and Videos
Every clearly visible photograph or video can be a very effective tool in the case of a bicycle accident. If you are able to do so, document the following with a photo or video recording:
- Accident scene
- Your injuries
- Any damage to your bicycle
- Another vehicle involved in the collision
- Street conditions or hazards that may have led to the accident
If you are too injured to take photographs, then get a witness or family member to do them for you.
Insurance Information
Get the insurance information of everyone involved in the accident. This includes:
- The driver’s auto insurance information
- Your insurance information
You will need all this while filing claims or settling compensation.
Lost Wages
If you cannot work because of your injuries, you may be eligible for compensation for lost wages. Keep documents that show:
- Your regular work schedule
- Pay slips or income statements
- Letters from your employer confirming you have missed work because of the accident
These documents will help in determining the amount of income that has been lost because of the accident.
