You're in an Accident - What do you do

Flickr Photo by guigo.eu (cc)

Ugh.  Sorry to hear it.  The legal system has a mature process for handling car accidents - fender benders - general run of the mill stuff where there arent injuries.  The insurance companies have developed a way of dealing with these conflicts, with turning them into conflicting deals.  Its generally more economically efficient to resolve fender benders - than to litigate - and the insurance companies work it out.

But bike accidents arent car accidents.  There is a much greater chance of injury.  The law is much more ambiguous.  And, unfortunately, police departments do not necessarily always handle these situations well.

Here are a few things you might want:

• WABA's FAQ on what to do when you had an accident.  WABA has an accident form to download and carry in your bike bag in case you have an accident.
• WABA's summary of local traffic laws.
• League of American Bicyclists directory of attorney's
• Attorneys may give you a free consultation.  You may be able to find reviews of local attorneys online.
• You may wish to consult your local bar association:  DC Bar Association How to Hire and Work with a Lawyer; Virginia Bar Association does not provide lawyer referrals; American Bar Associations Find Legal Help.
• NOLO's article: Bicycle Accidents: What to Do After the Crash 
• Bicycling Magazine's How to Handle a Bike-Crash

These are generally situations where camera's help.  Take pictures of everything. Better yet, mount a camera on your handlebars and have it running at all times.

Witnesses: get names of all the witnesses - and fellow cyclists - if you witnessed the accident, stop and make sure the cyclist get's your name. 

Be safe out there.