from WABA<\/p>\n
The first thing you need to do is stay calm and assess yourself. Are you hurt? Badly? If there’s even
\n a small possibility that you might be seriously injured, don’t do anything. Stay still and wait to be
\n examined by EMTs or a doctor.<\/p>\n
Even if you appear to be unhurt, that may not be the case. High-stress situations have a tendency to spike your adrenaline and endorphin levels specifically so that you won’t feel pain. You may be more
\n seriously hurt than you suspect, and what’s worse, you may not realize it until you’ve left the scene of
\n the accident. Which brings us to:<\/p>\n
DON’T ride away! <\/strong>Taking the time to deal with a crash is worth it, trust us. Whatever you were planning If nobody has done it yet, call the police. Especially if there are injuries or property damage to be Now, you need to sharpen your pencil. A big part of making sure that you don’t get taken advantage <\/a><\/p>\n Download this form<\/a><\/strong> we created to keep track of all this info. Print it out, fold it up, and keep it in your If you have a camera (or camera phone), take pictures of any damage to property\/vehicles. Make sure As soon as you feel calm enough, and have the time to do so, write out a description of the events If you’re unsure of anything, or have any questions about your accident and what happens Additionally, should you need one, we can recommend a lawyer with experience representing bicyclists
\n to do with that time can wait.<\/p>\n<\/a>Ok, I think I’m physically alright. What’s next?<\/h2>\n
\n dealt with, but even if everything seems fine. There are two major reasons for involving the police: first,
\n to create an objective account of what happened. If injuries develop later (see the answer above) and\/or insurance companies have to be involved, having a police report will be invaluable. Second, in order
\n for WABA to make bicycling safer, we need accurate crash reporting statistics, and in order to have
\n those, you have to report your crashes. Yes, it can be a hassle when all you want to do is get out of an
\n uncomfortable situation, but it WILL help save lives down the road. Some crashes without injuries or
\n property damage will not generate an official crash report (i.e. a document) but will be recorded as a
\n reported crash.<\/p>\n<\/a>The cops have arrived at the scene. Now what?<\/h2>\n
\n of in a post-crash situation is gathering information. In no particular order, you need to write down the
\n following:<\/p>\n\n
\n any other drivers\/bicyclists\/pedestrians involved in the crash. This means vehicle operators,
\n primarily, not passengers.<\/li>\n
\n vehicles involved in the crash.<\/li>\n
\n police officers carry business cards with this info and will give it to you when asked. It will also
\n be on a report, if one is necessary.).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n wallet or saddle bag, just in case.<\/p>\n
\n you take pictures of all damage, not just damage to your property. If it comes down to fighting an
\n insurance claim, you want to have your own documentation available.<\/p>\n
\n before, during, and after the crash. Try to use objective, descriptive language and avoid assigning blame.<\/p>\n<\/a>Got it. All the information has been gathered. What do I do now?<\/h2>\n
\n afterwards, please call us at 202-518-0524 and we’d be happy to help you out. If you call after normal
\n business hours, leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.<\/p>\n
\n who have been involved in traffic crashes.<\/p>\n