Advocacy & Safety - what to do after an accident?

I saw a bike accident yesterday as a pedestrian, and didn't immediately know what to do. Fortunately, there were lots of people around calling 911, helping out, etc., and the bicyclist wasn't seriously injured (although she could have been). Is there a checklist for what I should do when I see an accident like this? In case it happens again, I'd like to be more confident.

The best thing you can do is to take a First Aid course (American Red Cross has 'em).

They'll teach you about the ABC's: Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Those should be the primary concern. With any accident, the concerns with airway also have to be weighed against the concerns of a potential neck injury.

Theres a lot to this subject, so you're really best off getting some sort of training.

The best thing you can do is to take a First Aid course (American Red Cross has 'em).

They'll teach you about the ABC's: Airway, Breathing, Circulation. Those should be the primary concern. With any accident, the concerns with airway also have to be weighed against the concerns of a potential neck injury.


To add to Ritehsedad's excellent advice...

In states and countries with a Good Samaritan law, you cannot be held liable for damages for rendering first aid if it is done with the victim's permission (or implied permission, if unconsious), in good faith and within your level of training.

CA has a Good Samaritan Law, I wasn't sure where you're from, tie.

In addition, make sure the rider is safe from getting run over again if he's still in the street (don't move him, block traffic) and I'd jot down license #'s of the vehicle involved ... just in case the driver gets the itch to flee.

jw

Good advice all around, I'd say. I would add, however, don't discuss your observations with anyone else at the scene, assuming you were a witness to the accident. If there has been an injury and there is a likelihood of an investigation, you will likely only stir up trouble by voicing any notions of who was a fault. Concentrate on helping anyone who is injured, and if anyone other than law enforcement asks you who you think was a fault, just say you don't know. You can give your observations to whomever investigates the accident. If there is any kind of significant injury, law enforcement will likely be called.

What to do after a crash.
http://www.floridabicycle.org/rights/crash.html

I hope this is one of the little bits of BS information I spew out that nobody needs.

Leave the scene quickly... at least that is apparently what some motorists think.

If you're riding at the time of the accident the first thing to do is check that your bike is OK because that's the first thing you'll be asked about when you post about it here. :D

What to do after a crash.
http://www.floridabicycle.org/rights/crash.html

I hope this is one of the little bits of BS information I spew out that nobody needs.

It seems very strange to me that cyclists are considered 'pedestrians' to insurance and police, yet you're supposed to report it to your car insurance company? This isn't the first time I've heard this, yet I find it weird.

jw

1. make sure that the victim is not further injured by passing traffic.
2. In case of spinal injury, do not move victim or remove helmet.
3. Apply any first aid according to your level of training.
3. In case of shock, keep victim warm and calm.
4. Note down the details of the incident, the make, model and licence plate of any vehicles involved, a sketch map or photo of the layout and a description of the driver.
The drivers insurance company will if possible claim that:
The incident never occured.
Some other vehicle was involved
Some other person was driving the vehicle.
Call the police/fire/ambulance as required.

I am always dubious of pedestrian statments of car crashes. I have been a witness and was unable to report the type or colour of the car involved. Pedestrians often see the effect of a crash but not the cause.

#1-call 911
#2-prevent the scene from getting worse if possible. Maybe put your car between traffic and the injured person. If not injured, get out of the road as safely and quickly as possible.
#3-provide first aid if you are trained, otherwise, do not move the person and wait for help.

It seems very strange to me that cyclists are considered 'pedestrians' to insurance and police, yet you're supposed to report it to your car insurance company? This isn't the first time I've heard this, yet I find it weird.

jw


When I was hit by a car, the lady who hit me was insured, but she had the most minimum coverage allowed by law. My injuries exceeded what her insurance could cover so my auto insurance picked up the rest. Because the driver was completely at fault, there was no negative effect on my insurance premium. My only other alternative was to sue the driver, but there are two drawbacks: 1) she probably wouldn't have the money and 2) the legal fees would far exceed the amount I needed to cover anyhow.

All good suggestions. My personal list is:

1. Make sure there are no injuries, or find out the state of injuries/Call 911
2. Make sure the area is safe from further collisions
3. ID the car make/model/color/Tag#
4. ID driver of the car. Race/height/hair color/clothing
5. If I'm the victim and able: Ask for Insurance information, get VIN of car
6. Never admit fault, don't say sorry.
7. Assess damage to the bike (bent frame, broken components etc.)
8. Give full description to police when they arrive. If you err in your estimate, err on the high side to the police officer. (Some states have thresholds for damage below which accident reports are not needed). Get a copy of the police report, including any citations against the other driver (again, if you are involved).
9. If the victim and able...go see my doctor (not the ER).