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This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.
Bicycles are widely used in Utah for travel and recreational purposes. But bicyclists often face accidents at some point and wonder what to do next. Sometimes they face minimal injuries, while severe crashes result in death too.
Every year, around 1,000 bicyclists die on United States roads, and most of these occur in urban areas, as reported by the CDC.
Your next moves after a bicycle accident define your ability to recover compensation and heal from injuries. A better choice is to consult with a bicycle accident lawyer to make the right moves. Let’s cut to the chase.
What Are the 7 Steps to Take After a Utah Bicycle Accident?
Here are the 7 key steps a victim should follow after the bicycle crash:
Step 1: Stay at the Scene
After the bicycle crash, try to move out of traffic if you can do so safely. However, stay at the accident scene before you collect evidence and exchange necessary information. You can be found negligent in case of a hit-and-run even if you were not at fault.
Step 2: Check for Injuries and Get Medical Care
Your health should be your top priority. So, check yourself and others for injuries and call an ambulance in case of a serious condition. Get medical assistance even if you feel fine because symptoms of some injuries that seem minor at the scene appear later. Common injuries after a bicycle accident can include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Head injury
- Whiplash
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Road rash
- Lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Internal injuries
After the doctor’s checkup, make sure you keep all the medical records, including bills and out-of-pocket expenses.
Step 3: Report the Accident to Police
Now this is the time to call the police and report the incident. For this, dial 911, and the officers will investigate the bicycle accident scene and ask you questions about what happened. Tell the truth and avoid speculation or admissions of fault. Get a copy of the police report because it acts as strong evidence in case of disputes.
Step 4: Exchange Information With the Driver
Always exchange information with the other driver no matter how mild the collision is. Sometimes injuries appear later, and then you can file a claim against the responsible party. The information you collect should include:
- Driver’s name
- Phone number
- Driver’s license
- License plate number
- Insurance company
- Policy information
- Vehicle information
- Contact information for other involved parties
Important point:
It is important to note that car insurance does not cover bicycle accidents. But homeowner and renters insurance covers injuries that are related to the sport.
Step 5: Preserve Evidence at the Scene
After you exchange all the required info, your next crucial step is to document all the important evidence from the scene. Take clear pictures of:
- Your bicycle
- Other vehicle
- Your injuries
- Road conditions
- Traffic signs and signals
- Location
With that, save helmet camera or GoPro footage as well as dashcam footage. After you reach your home, get a paper and write down what happened while your memory is fresh. This is because insurance claims can take weeks or months, and human memory isn’t strong enough to hold up everything for extended periods.
Step 6: Notify the Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company that you were in a bicycle accident and provide all the information and evidence to them. You know your car insurance is not going to cover your bicycle accident damages. That does not mean you are out of insurance protection. Homeowners, renters, or PIP insurance may cover your losses. Actually, your coverage depends on the policy and circumstances.
Step 7: Consult a Bicycle Accident Lawyer
If you are in a situation where you do not know what to do next or how to get compensation for your injuries, do consult with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. He can review the circumstances of your case and tell you what options you have.
What Is The Time Limit To File A Bicycle Accident Claim In Utah?
Utah’s statute of limitations allows all personal injury victims to file claims within four years from the date of the accident. The claim can involve vehicle damage, property damage, and other specified claims. Other deadlines also have their own limits.
So, if you are injured in a bicycle accident in Utah, do not be so lazy that you have four years to file a claim. Things can change, evidence can disappear, and injuries can heal. Therefore, act promptly and file a claim so you get the maximum compensation you deserve under Utah law.
FAQs
What if the driver left after hitting my bicycle?
In that case, you should call 911 and report the crash to police and share the vehicle details and any part of the plate you remember. Gather as much evidence as possible, and your uninsured motorist coverage may still apply.
What if the driver says I caused the accident?
Do not argue at the scene. Tell police what happened and save your photos, videos, and witness details. Utah’s comparative fault rules may still allow recovery if you share some fault.
Should I accept the first insurance settlement offer?
The first settlement offer is always a bad one for you to accept, as it appears before you know your full losses. Early offers may miss future treatment, lost wages, or lasting injuries, and signing a release can end your claim.
What if my bicycle was damaged but I was not badly hurt?
You may still have a property damage claim. Photograph the bicycle and keep repair estimates, receipts, and proof of its value.
Can not wearing a helmet affect my Utah bicycle accident claim?
Utah law says if you are under 21 years old, then helmet laws are applicable to you, and you can’t ride a bicycle without wearing headgear. Above 21 years old, you can ride a bicycle without a helmet. Still, facts matter in every accident case.
What insurance covers a bicycle accident in Utah?
Possible coverage may include the driver’s liability insurance, PIP, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, health insurance, or other policies. The applicable policy controls coverage.
Conclusion
Bicycle accidents can happen anytime, on any road, due to your or another person’s negligence. But cyclists always bear more injuries, as they have less protection. If you are injured in a bicycle accident in Utah, your first priority is your safety and medical care. After that, report the accident, exchange information, and document what happened. Having issues related to insurance coverage or fault? The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez provide a complete case review and understand your options free of cost. Contact the firm to discuss your potential bicycle injury claim.
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