Getting hit while riding your bike is something no one wants to think about until it happens. Whether it’s a car, a pothole, or another cyclist that sends you flying, the moments after a crash can be chaotic. You’re sore, shaken, and unsure of what comes next.
That’s where most people slip up.
What you do in the hours and days following a cycling accident can have long-term consequences. It’s not just about getting back on your feet. It’s about protecting your health, your finances, and your legal rights.
Here are five common mistakes cyclists often make after an accident—and why you’ll want to avoid them.
1. Leaving the Scene Too Quickly
It’s natural to want to get away from the scene of a crash as fast as possible, especially if adrenaline is masking the pain. But rushing off is one of the worst things you can do.
Even if the accident seems minor at first, staying put is important. It gives you time to assess injuries properly, collect key information, and speak with any witnesses. It also makes sure the details are documented correctly, especially if there’s a driver involved.
If you leave too soon, you may lose your chance to report the incident accurately. And if the other party changes their story later, you’ll have very little to fall back on.
If possible, take photos, exchange contact information, and file a police report. Even a quick written note or voice memo about what happened can help later.
2. Not Getting in Touch With a Reputable Bicycle Injury Lawyer
Many cyclists assume they can handle things on their own until they realize how complicated things actually get. Insurance companies ask loaded questions. Medical bills start piling up. Your bike is damaged, and you’re not sure if you’re entitled to compensation.
That’s where an experienced bicycle injury lawyer makes a difference. Getting legal advice early helps you understand your options. You’ll get a clearer picture of what your case is worth and what steps to take next. It also means someone is in your corner, dealing with insurers and paperwork so you don’t have to.
Without legal support, you risk accepting a lowball settlement or missing important deadlines. And once you’ve signed something, it’s often too late to go back.
If you’ve been injured, even if it seems minor, speak to a specialist. It doesn’t mean you’re being aggressive or looking for a fight. It means you’re protecting your rights and making sure you’re treated fairly.
3. Underestimating Your Injuries
A scraped elbow or bruised hip might not feel like a big deal right after a crash. But many cycling injuries don’t show their full effect until hours or even days later.
Concussions, soft tissue damage, internal bruising, or hairline fractures can all fly under the radar. The adrenaline you feel after an accident can mask pain and make you think you’re fine.
Skipping a medical check-up, or brushing things off as “just a knock,” can delay your recovery and complicate your insurance claim. It can also make it harder to connect your symptoms to the crash if they worsen later.
Get checked out by a medical professional, even if you feel okay. Document everything. That way, if symptoms do develop later, you have a clear paper trail showing it’s related to the accident.
4. Not Documenting the Scene Properly
The more evidence you gather early on, the stronger your case will be. Yet many cyclists leave the scene with nothing—no photos, no details, and no proof.
If you’re physically able, get pictures of your bike, the vehicle involved (if there is one), the road or intersection, and any visible injuries. Look for skid marks, traffic signs, or anything else that helps tell the story of what happened.
If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details. Their version of events can back you up if there’s a dispute later.
Even if you don’t plan on making a legal claim, having documentation gives you options. You can always choose not to use it. But if you have nothing, you can’t suddenly go back and recreate that evidence.
5. Talking to Insurance Companies Without a Strategy
One of the first calls you’ll get after a cycling accident is from an insurance company. It might seem routine. They just want a statement, right?
Be careful. What you say in that call can affect your claim.
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s interests, not yours. Even innocent comments like “I’m feeling better now” or “I didn’t see the car until the last second” can be twisted to reduce your payout.
Never admit fault or guess about what happened. Stick to the facts and avoid giving a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to a lawyer. If they push for more, let them know you’re still seeking medical advice or legal guidance before answering further.
And don’t accept the first settlement offer you get. Once you accept, you’re often waiving your right to future claims, even if your injuries turn out to be worse than expected.
What to Remember Moving Forward
Cycling accidents can be messy, both physically and emotionally. But the way you handle the aftermath has a real impact on your recovery and peace of mind.
You don’t need to be a legal expert or a seasoned cyclist to make smart choices. Just remember:
- Don’t rush off. Make sure you’re safe and gather the basics.
- Get checked by a doctor, even if nothing feels broken.
- Be cautious when speaking with insurers.
- Keep records of everything, from injuries to bike damage.
- And if you’re not sure what to do next, ask someone who knows.
You’re not just a cyclist who had a bad day. You have rights. And the more informed you are, the better protected you’ll be.
