Witness Statements and Contact Information
Independent witnesses may have seen details the cyclist or driver did not notice. A witness may have observed a traffic signal, vehicle speed, unsafe pass, sudden turn or what happened immediately before impact.
Ask for each witness’s name, phone number and email address when possible. Do not assume that the police report will include every person who saw the accident. Also note where the witness was standing, driving or sitting, since that can provide context about what they were able to see.
Witness memories can fade over time. Preserving contact information allows the accident to be reviewed while memories may still be relatively clear.
Medical Records and Injury Documentation
Medical records may help connect reported symptoms and treatment to the bicycle accident. Medical staff can document when care was sought, what symptoms were reported, what testing was performed and what treatment was recommended.
Some injuries are immediately apparent, while others may become more noticeable in the hours or days after the collision. When speaking with a provider, explain that your symptoms followed a bicycle accident. Describe all symptoms accurately, including pain, stiffness, dizziness, headaches, numbness or difficulty moving.
Keep copies of discharge instructions, visit summaries, prescriptions, referrals and medical bills. It may also be helpful to document how the injuries affect work, sleep, transportation, exercise and other daily activities.
Damaged Bicycle, Helmet and Clothing
The bicycle itself may contain physical evidence about how the collision occurred. Bent wheels, broken components, scratches and impact marks may help show where and how contact happened. A damaged helmet, torn clothing, shoes, lights and other equipment may also be relevant. These items may provide additional context about the impact.
Avoid repairing, discarding or replacing damaged items before they have been photographed and their potential relevance has been considered. Store them securely when possible. Receipts, maintenance records, repair estimates and photographs taken before the accident may also help establish the bicycle’s prior condition and value.
