What To Do If Hit By Car On My Bike?

Riding your bike should be freeing, not frightening. But accidents happen, and sometimes cars and bikes cross paths in the worst way possible. 

If you’ve ever wondered what you’d actually do if a car hit you while cycling, you’re not alone. 

It’s not fun to think about, but being prepared matters. Knowing what to do in those chaotic moments can protect not only your health but also your wallet and your rights. 

In this post, we’ll show you what to do if you’re hit by car on a bike.

#1 Get To Safety And Check For Injuries

The very first thing after an impact is your safety. 

If you’re able to move, get yourself and your bike out of the road so another car doesn’t make things worse. Take a breath. Your adrenaline will probably be surging, so it might be hard to tell how badly you’re hurt at first.

Do a quick check of your body. Are you bleeding? Does anything feel broken or out of place? 

Sometimes you won’t feel pain immediately, but that doesn’t mean you’re fine. Try not to brush it off or act “tough.” Your health is priority number one.

If you can’t move safely, stay where you are and wait for help. 

This is exactly why calling for emergency services right away is so important.

Also Read: How to Obtain Pennsylvania Accident Reports

#2 Call The Police

This is one of those steps that people often skip. Maybe the driver seems sorry, maybe they beg you not to call. But trust us – always involve the police. 

Having an official accident report can be the difference between getting your medical bills covered or being stuck with them yourself.

When the police arrive, tell them exactly what happened. 

Stick to the facts. Don’t let yourself be pressured into saying “I’m fine” or downplaying what happened. 

If your bike is smashed and you’ve got bruises forming, that’s evidence. It needs to go on record.

#3 Exchange Information

While you wait for the police, exchange details with the driver. 

Just like in a car crash, you’ll need their name, phone number, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance info.

If there are witnesses hanging around, grab their contact information too. They may end up being crucial later if there’s a dispute about who was at fault.

Even if the driver takes responsibility in the moment, that doesn’t guarantee they’ll say the same thing when their insurance company gets involved. 

So, gather all the information you can while you’re still at the scene.

Also Read: How to Find the Best Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyer

#4 Document Everything

Your phone is your best friend in situations like this. 

Take as many photos as possible. Snap shots of your bike damage, the car, the road, any skid marks, and your injuries. Capture the license plate while you’re at it.

It also helps to note details like the weather, traffic conditions, and exact location. 

As soon as you can, jot down a timeline of what happened. Memory fades quickly, especially after something stressful, so get it written down while it’s still fresh.

Don’t throw away or wash anything, either. Torn clothes, your helmet, or a bent wheel can all serve as physical evidence later on.

#5 Seek Medical Attention

You need to see a doctor as soon as possible after a bike accident.

You may feel fine. But just because you walked away doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Head injuries, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage can all hide under the surface. 

Medical records also play a huge role if you need to make an insurance claim. Without them, it’s easy for an insurance company to argue that your injuries weren’t connected to the crash. 

So, go get checked. Even if you think it’s nothing, your future self will thank you.

#6 Report The Accident To Insurance

Once things have calmed down, it’s time to notify insurance companies. 

You should contact your own insurance as well as the driver’s. Keep your explanation short and factual. Don’t admit fault or speculate about what you “might” have done wrong.

Insurance companies are in the business of paying out as little as possible. If you give them wiggle room, they’ll take it. Stick to the facts: time, place, what happened, and your injuries. 

If they push for more details, it’s often better to wait until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.

Also, resist the urge to accept the first settlement offer that comes your way. Quick payouts usually mean low payouts.

Also Read: How to Describe a Car Crash in Pennsylvania

#7 Talk To A Bike Accident Lawyer

You might be thinking, “Do I really need a lawyer?” 

Honestly, it depends on how bad the accident was. 

If you just have a scraped knee and a bent tire, you might handle it yourself. But if you’re facing medical bills, missed work, or long-term pain, a lawyer can make a huge difference.

Bike accident lawyers specialize in these cases. They know how to deal with stubborn insurance adjusters, gather evidence, and fight for fair compensation. 

Plus, many offer free consultations, so there’s no harm in at least asking for advice.

At the end of the day, having someone in your corner who understands the system can take a lot of stress off your shoulders.

Bottom Line

Getting hit by a car while riding your bike is scary. In the moment, it’s overwhelming. But the steps you take right afterward matter. 

First, get yourself safe and check for injuries. Call the police and make sure a report is filed. Exchange information and document the scene as much as you can. After that see a doctor, (even if you feel okay) and report the accident to insurance. 

And if things are serious, talk to a lawyer who knows how to fight for you.