Bicycle accidents in Indiana happen quickly, often leaving cyclists with serious or even life-changing injuries. In the confusion and pain following a crash, it can be hard to know what to do next. However, the steps you take immediately after an accident are important, not just for your health and recovery, but also for protecting any claim you might need to make later.
By staying as calm and focused as possible, you can make sure your rights and well-being are protected right from the start. Here’s what you need to do after being hurt in a bike accident:
Get to a Safe Place and Call for Help
Make sure you get out of traffic and away from any immediate risk if you can move safely. Call 911 or have someone nearby do it for you, even if you’re not sure you’re hurt – adrenaline can hide pain after a crash. Wait for help to arrive in a spot where you’re less likely to be struck by another driver. Staying put also means faster assessment by emergency responders.
Your Case Will Get
The Attention It Deserves
Call the Police and File an Official Report
Getting law enforcement involved is important, even for minor bicycle accidents. Tell the police exactly what happened, and make sure your account is included in the official accident report. This document is critical evidence for insurance claims and any future legal actions. Always ask officers how you can get a copy of the official report.
Collect Evidence at the Scene (If You Can)
If you are not seriously injured, try to gather information before leaving the crash site. Take pictures with your phone of your bike, your injuries, the vehicle involved, and the surrounding intersection or road conditions. Get names and contact information from any witnesses. These details can be powerful tools if you need to prove what happened to insurers or in court.
Seek Medical Attention
No matter how you feel right after a crash, it’s best to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Save all your test results, bills, and discharge paperwork, which help document your injuries and connect them to the crash. This will strengthen your case for a bicycle accident.
Don’t Talk to the Driver’s Insurance Company Alone
The other driver’s insurer may try to call you quickly after the crash. Their main goal is to reduce how much they have to pay out, even if they sound friendly. Don’t agree to give them a recorded statement and never sign anything until you’ve had a chance to talk with a lawyer about your rights and the full cost of your injuries.
Know The Statute of Limitations
In Indiana, you usually have two years from the date of your bicycle accident to file a personal injury claim. This legal deadline is called the statute of limitations. If you try to start a claim after two years have passed, the court will almost always refuse to consider your case, no matter how strong your evidence is (though there are some exceptions that can shorten or extend this deadline).
- Sec. 4. (a) An action for:
- (1) injury to person or character;
- (2) injury to personal property; or
- (3) a forfeiture of penalty given by statute;
- must be commenced within two (2) years after the cause of action accrues.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
A knowledgeable injury attorney can listen to your story and help you understand if you have a case. They know how Indiana’s legal and insurance system works and can deal directly with adjusters so you don’t have to. Your lawyer will work to protect your rights and fight for compensation for your medical care, bike repairs, and missed time at work.
If you have any questions about a claim after being injured while riding a bike, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
