Common Mistakes Cyclists Make After a Crash—and How to Avoid Them
Cycling is a healthy and convenient way to get around, but accidents can happen quickly. How you respond after a bicycle accident affects your recovery and legal options. Skipping medical care or failing to document the scene can make claims harder to pursue. Acting carefully can protect both your health and your rights.
At Schefman & Associates, PC, we help cyclists in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and nearby areas recover after a bicycle accident. Our firm guides you through every step while focusing on your care. We’re here to protect your interests, so contact us promptly to make a real difference in your case.
Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After a bicycle accident, injuries may not be immediately obvious. Concussions, internal injuries, and soft tissue damage can appear hours or even days later. Seeking prompt medical attention assures you get proper care and creates a documented record of your injuries.
Even minor delays can affect your recovery and weaken evidence for a potential claim. Working with an experienced bicycle accident attorney early can help make sure all necessary medical documentation is preserved. Prioritizing your health first creates a strong foundation for any recovery process.
Not Documenting the Scene Properly
Documenting the crash scene is crucial for supporting your bicycle accident claim. Photos, videos, and witness contact information can make a significant difference in proving the circumstances of the accident.
It’s important to know what details will help support your claim before you start documenting the scene. Some key elements of scene documentation include:
Photos of damage to your bicycle and vehicle: Capture multiple angles to show impact and condition.
Road or environmental hazards: Document potholes, debris, or construction that contributed to the crash.
Witness contact information: Gather names and phone numbers to strengthen your account.
Carefully recording these details can prevent disputes about what happened, setting the stage for your next steps in recovery and insurance interactions.
Admitting Fault or Making Statements to Other Parties
After a bicycle accident, it’s common to speak to the other party or bystanders. Even casual comments about the crash can be interpreted as admitting fault, which may harm a potential claim.
Avoid posting on social media about the incident, and be cautious when talking to insurance adjusters. Clear, factual communication is essential, and documenting the crash in writing assures your account is accurate. This careful approach also helps preserve evidence for the next step: reporting the crash properly.
Failing to Report the Crash to Authorities
Reporting a bicycle accident to the police is often overlooked, but it creates an official record of the incident. A police report strengthens your claim by establishing facts such as location, time, and parties involved.
In Michigan, certain crashes must be reported, especially if injuries or property damage exceed a specific threshold. Filing a report promptly prevents complications with insurance claims and assures all details are preserved. Once the crash is reported, attention can shift to maintaining your records and medical documentation.
Neglecting to Preserve Medical Records and Receipts
Keeping organized records is essential after a bicycle accident. Medical records, repair receipts, and therapy bills all support a potential claim.
Keeping organized documentation is essential to support your bicycle accident claim and demonstrate all related expenses. Some key records to maintain include:
Medical evaluations and treatment notes: Keep all records of doctor visits and procedures.
Receipts for bike repairs and related expenses: Include invoices for damaged equipment or transportation.
Therapy and rehabilitation documentation: Track ongoing care to demonstrate the lasting effects of injuries.
Preserving these materials assures that your claim accurately reflects both medical needs and financial losses, which can influence how insurers respond. The next step is approaching settlements cautiously rather than accepting quick offers.
Settling With Insurance Too Quickly
Insurance companies may offer early settlements that seem convenient but often undervalue claims. Accepting an offer without careful review can leave you responsible for ongoing medical costs or lost income.
Take the time to evaluate any settlement in consultation with an experienced bicycle accident attorney. Early legal guidance assures that the offer accurately reflects the extent of your injuries and expenses. Carefully negotiating settlements protects your health and financial interests. This consideration naturally leads to the importance of consulting a qualified attorney early.
Failing to Consult a Qualified Attorney Early
Working with an experienced bicycle accident attorney early in the process strengthens your position. A lawyer can advise on evidence preservation, insurance communication, and negotiating fair compensation.
Even if injuries seem minor, early consultation assures nothing is overlooked. Engaging legal guidance quickly can prevent mistakes that may otherwise weaken a case. Once legal guidance is secured, it’s easier to stay on track with ongoing treatment and documentation.
Ignoring Follow-Up Medical Treatment or Therapy
Incomplete medical care can have long-term consequences. Skipping follow-up appointments or therapy not only risks health complications but can also reduce the credibility of your bicycle accident claim.
Regular treatment provides necessary evidence of the injury’s severity and progress. Keeping detailed records of ongoing care supports insurance claims and legal proceedings. Thorough attention to treatment reinforces the strength of your documentation and advocacy efforts.
Overlooking Witnesses or Potential Evidence
Witnesses and other forms of evidence can make a significant difference in proving your case. Even casual observers or traffic cameras may provide crucial details about the crash.
Collecting additional evidence can strengthen your bicycle accident claim and support your version of events. Some key evidence sources include:
Eyewitness testimony: Collect statements and contact information whenever possible.
Traffic or security cameras: Nearby businesses or intersections may have footage.
Physical evidence: Bike parts, vehicle damage, or road debris can corroborate your account.
Documenting these resources complements your medical and financial records, helping make sure all angles of the incident are covered.
Letting Emotions Drive Decisions
After a bicycle accident, it’s normal to feel anger, frustration, or guilt. However, emotional decisions can lead to mistakes like speaking too freely, posting on social media, or accepting quick settlements.
Maintaining a clear and level-headed approach protects both your recovery and potential claims. Separating emotions from decisions allows rational choices regarding medical care, evidence collection, and legal steps. This mindset also supports accurate documentation of the crash scene and subsequent interactions.
Failing to Gather Insurance Information From Other Parties
Obtaining insurance details at the scene is critical to avoid delays in claims. Missing or incomplete information can complicate matters when filing a bicycle accident claim.
Gathering complete insurance information at the scene is crucial to avoid delays or disputes in a bicycle accident claim. Some essential details to collect include:
Insurance company and policy number: Record everything accurately to file timely claims.
Driver contact information: Obtain phone numbers, names, and addresses.
Vehicle details: License plate, make, and model provide supporting documentation.
Properly collecting this information prevents unnecessary delays and strengthens your negotiating position. Once insurance details are secured, attention can turn to documenting road conditions and other contributing factors.
Ignoring Road Conditions or Traffic Laws in Evidence
Documenting environmental factors helps establish how the bicycle accident occurred. Potholes, obstructed signage, or failing traffic signals can all contribute to liability.
Include photos and notes of hazards and relevant road conditions to supplement witness accounts. Thorough documentation demonstrates the full context of the crash, strengthening claims for damages or recovery. This careful record-keeping assures that all evidence is available for review by an attorney or insurance provider.
Take Action After a Bicycle Accident
Recovering after a bicycle accident requires careful steps and attention to detail. Acting quickly to document injuries, preserve evidence, and consult an attorney can make a real difference in your case. At Schefman & Associates, PC, we focus on protecting your rights and helping you manage the process with confidence.
We proudly serve clients in Bloomfield Hills, Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, Washtenaw County, and nearby areas. Every case is unique, and our firm is committed to providing personalized guidance for your situation. Contact us today to make sure your interests are fully protected after a bicycle accident.
