What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

Key Takeaways

• Stay at the scene and move to a safe, visible location.
• Seek medical evaluation promptly even when symptoms seem minor.
• Call police to document crash and obtain official accident report.
• File Form MV-104 within ten days when serious injury occurs.
• Gather evidence using photos or videos at the scene.

Bicycle accidents can happen without warning, and the moments right after a crash often feel overwhelming. Knowing what to do after a bicycle accident can make a real difference for your health and any future claim. Your first priority is securing safety and contacting emergency services for police and medical help. Collect driver and witness details, document damage through photos or video, and avoid statements accepting blame. Medical evaluation matters even when symptoms seem minor, and a DMV Form MV-104 may be required within ten days when serious injury occurs. At O’Brien & Ford, our Bicycle Accident Lawyers help injured cyclists move through each of these steps with confidence, so nothing gets missed when it matters most.

Stay at the Scene and Ensure Your Safety

A bicycle accident often leaves riders disoriented, especially in high-traffic areas across Buffalo. If you can move, get out of active traffic and position yourself somewhere visible and safe. Staying put reduces the risk of further harm, preserves the scene for documentation, and protects your legal position. The New York City Police Department advises anyone involved in a collision to secure their position, check for injuries, and call 911 when assistance is needed.

Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention

Once you are in a safe location, take stock of how you feel physically. Bicycle accidents can cause injuries that do not appear right away, as adrenaline often masks pain and delays symptoms like head trauma, internal injuries, or soft tissue damage. Seeking medical care as soon as possible, even when nothing feels seriously wrong, creates a clear record connecting your injuries to the crash. That documentation becomes critical when pursuing compensation for treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.

Call the Police and File an Accident Report

Part of knowing what to do after a bicycle accident is understanding when to involve law enforcement. Officers document the scene, collect statements, and prepare an official report that often becomes key evidence during insurance negotiations or litigation. New York law may require filing a report with the DMV when injuries or property damage meet certain thresholds, and Form MV-104 may apply within ten days when serious injury occurs. Request a copy once it becomes available, as accurate reporting also matters under New York’s comparative fault system, where shared responsibility can affect your compensation.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

While waiting for police to arrive, start documenting everything you can. Strong evidence often determines the outcome of a bicycle accident claim. Take clear photos and videos covering:

• Vehicle positions and the overall crash scene
• Damage to all vehicles involved, including your bicycle
• Road conditions, traffic signals, and nearby landmarks to establish location
• Visible injuries you sustained
• License plates of all vehicles involved

Preserve your bicycle, helmet, and clothing without repair, since these items may serve as physical evidence later.

Exchange Information

Once the scene is documented, shift your focus to collecting information from everyone involved. Obtain the driver’s name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance carrier details. Record the make, model, and color of the vehicle as well. Witness information also plays a key role, so ask for names and contact details from anyone who observed the crash. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §600, drivers involved in a collision are required to stop and provide identifying and insurance information, which gives you a clear legal basis for requesting those details. Accurate records help reconstruct events and strengthen liability claims.

Related reading: How Long Does a Personal Injury Lawsuit Take

Avoid Admitting Fault or Apologizing

After exchanging information, be mindful of what you say. Even a simple apology made at the scene can later appear as an admission of fault. Stick to factual information when speaking with drivers, witnesses, or law enforcement, and avoid speculation about the cause of the crash. Insurance companies review early statements closely, and keeping your words measured can protect your position later.

Notify Your Insurance Company If Applicable

Once you have addressed the immediate steps, contact your insurance company to explore what coverage may apply. Cyclists in New York generally do not carry bicycle-specific insurance, but protection may still exist through auto, homeowners’, or renters’ policies. Notifying your insurer promptly helps prevent delays or denials. A bicycle accident lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and identify coverage you may not have known was available.

Keep Records of Expenses and Damages

Medical bills are often just the beginning. A bicycle accident can create financial losses that build up throughout recovery, from hospital visits and prescriptions to physical therapy, bicycle repairs, and lost income. Keep organized records of every expense tied to the crash and hold onto medical reports and receipts as they come in. The more detailed your documentation, the clearer the picture of what the accident has actually cost you, and that makes a real difference when pursuing compensation.

Contact a Buffalo Bicycle Accident Lawyer About Your Case

Knowing what to do after a bicycle accident is one thing. Having the right team behind you is another. At O’Brien & Ford, we work directly with injured cyclists across Buffalo to investigate crashes, gather evidence, and handle insurance negotiations, so you can focus on healing. Call 716-222-2222 today to schedule a free consultation with a Buffalo bicycle accident lawyer and discuss your legal options.

Chris O’Brien

Chris O’Brien is a nationally recognized personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience fighting for accident victims in Western New York. A founding partner at O’Brien & Ford, he has helped recover millions for clients and built a reputation as a top trial lawyer and educator. Chris is a Diplomate of the National College of Advocacy, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and was named one of Western New York’s Top Ten Lawyers by Buffalo Business First. He lives in Amherst with his family and their Bernedoodle, Moose.

Years of experience: 33 years
Practice areas: Personal Injury Law, Car Accidents
Location: Buffalo, New York