What to Do After a Bicycle Accident: Key Steps to Take for Your Health and Legal Rights
The aftermath of a bicycle accident can be frightening and overwhelming. One moment you're riding your bike, and the next, you're dealing with injuries, medical bills, insurance companies, and uncertainty about what comes next.
As a personal injury law firm with offices in Topeka, Manhattan, and Lawrence, Kansas, we’ve worked with many bicyclists who were injured in crashes involving motor vehicles, unsafe road conditions, or negligent drivers.
That’s why we at Palmer Law Group want to share what we believe are the most important steps you should take after a bicycle accident in Kansas—not just to protect your health, but also to safeguard your legal rights. These aren’t just theoretical tips; they’re based on real cases we’ve handled and what we know can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of a claim.
1. Get to Safety and Check for Injuries
Your first priority after a crash is your safety. If you're able to move, try to get out of the roadway to avoid further injury. Then, assess yourself for any pain, bleeding, or signs of injury. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, so even if you feel okay at first, don’t assume you’re uninjured.
If you’re seriously hurt—or if anyone else is—call 911 immediately. Medical attention should never be delayed. Your health comes first, and getting prompt treatment also documents your injuries for your legal case.
2. Call the Police and Request an Accident Report
In Kansas, having a police report is critical in bicycle accident cases. We always advise our clients to insist on having an officer come to the scene, even if the other party suggests otherwise. The report will provide an objective summary of what happened, include witness statements, and document key details like road conditions and the positions of vehicles and bikes.
If you’re physically able, make sure your version of events is included in the report. We’ve seen many cases where that initial report plays a significant role in proving fault.
3. Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can)
If your injuries allow, try to collect evidence before leaving the scene. We often tell clients: the more information you gather, the stronger your case will be. Use your phone to:
Take photos of your bicycle, the vehicle involved, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area
Capture traffic signals, signs, weather conditions, and road hazards
Record the contact and insurance information of the driver
Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses
Even small details can become important later on. We've built cases around skid marks, debris in the road, or where exactly a bicycle came to rest after impact.
4. Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible
We can’t stress this enough: go to the doctor, even if you think you’re not badly hurt. Some injuries, like concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal bleeding, don’t always show immediate symptoms.
From a legal perspective, medical records serve as critical evidence. When there's a delay between the accident and treatment, insurance companies often argue that your injuries weren’t serious or weren’t caused by the crash.
To avoid that issue, always follow up with a healthcare provider right away—and keep copies of all records, bills, prescriptions, and discharge instructions.
5. Preserve Your Bicycle and Gear
Don’t fix or throw away your damaged bicycle, helmet, or clothing. We advise all our clients to store their gear in a safe place and avoid cleaning or repairing anything until we’ve had a chance to evaluate it. These items can serve as physical evidence of the crash’s severity and your protective measures.
We sometimes work with accident reconstruction experts who rely on damaged equipment to demonstrate the force of the impact and the nature of the injuries sustained.
6. Document Your Recovery
Additionally, we recommend keeping a journal to record how your injuries affect your daily life. This might include:
Pain levels: Track your physical discomfort daily, including where it hurts, how intense the pain is, and how it affects your ability to function.
Trouble sleeping or moving: Note any difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or performing basic movements like walking, bending, or sitting
Missed work or income: Document the days you missed work, any reduced hours, or the financial impact of being unable to perform your job duties.
Emotional distress: Record feelings of anxiety, depression, irritability, or trauma related to the accident and how they impact your daily life.
Activities you can no longer enjoy: List hobbies, sports, or social events you’ve had to give up or limit because of your injuries or recovery.
This personal record gives us compelling details that go beyond what medical charts can show. It also helps strengthen your claim for non-economic damages like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life.
7. Avoid Speaking With Insurance Adjusters Alone
After a bicycle accident, the driver’s insurance company will likely contact you. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. Please—don’t accept anything or speak on the record without legal guidance.
Insurance companies aren’t on your side. Their goal is to close the claim quickly and for as little money as possible. In our experience, early offers rarely reflect the full value of a case, especially when long-term injuries or complications are involved.
We’ve seen clients accept a settlement only to realise months later that their medical bills weren’t covered. By that point, it's too late. Once you sign a release, you give up your right to pursue further compensation.
8. Talk to an Experienced Kansas Bicycle Accident Attorney
When you work with us, you're not just getting legal representation—you’re getting a partner who understands Kansas personal injury law and how to fight for your rights as a cyclist. We know the tactics insurance companies use, and we know how to counter them with strong evidence, expert testimony, and clear documentation of your losses.
We’ll handle the legal work so you can focus on healing. From investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers to filing a lawsuit if needed, we’re here every step of the way. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Our goal is to ease the stress and uncertainty that follows a serious bicycle accident. We’ll help you understand what your case is worth, including damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
We also work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and financial specialists to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
We know that no two accidents are the same, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs and circumstances. Whether your case can be resolved through a settlement or requires litigation, we’re fully prepared to fight for a favorable outcome. When we take your case, we treat it like we would our own.
Compassionate Legal Counsel
No one expects to be in a bicycle accident—but if it happens, what you do in those first hours and days makes a big difference. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a bicycle accident, please don’t wait to seek help from one of our accident attorneys at Palmer Law Group. With offices in Topeka, Manhattan, and Lawrence, we serve clients across the state of Kansas. Contact us today for a free consultation.