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What To Do In A Cycling Accident

Since I began riding as an adult in 1988 I have never been in a cycling accident during any ride that I have completed, anywhere. I ride from 1,000-2,000 year. Over 90% in Boulder County Colorado where the cyclists and cars have worked out some kind of shaky truce.

A car can stop faster than a bicycle because it can safely skid all four wheels, and with short stopping distances there 1s no chance of you on your bike to stop in time. A helmet may safe your life.

Rule 1: wear a helmet.

After the cycling accident

Always call the police. You, at the time of the accident, will not know the extent of damage to you, the car, and your bicycle. Later claims are messy if there is no police report.

When the police come, they will likely collect IDs and reports from everybody involved, including witnesses. Ask the witnesses (if any) to stay; they will likely be in a hurry but hopefully will feel is their responsibility to stay.

Ask them to take notes if they can to assure that they are clear about what really happened. The police may write a more favorable report based on the witness reports.

Rule 2: always call the police.

Also, make sure that you get the report (accident) number from the police,information about the driver's insurance, and the full contact information for the driver, and all witnesses.

After the formalities with the police are complete, go to a hospital immediately if you have any injuries other than minor and I mean minor road rash (abrasions). After an accident you are likely to be in shock, everything will seem ok but that is just because your brain is censoring all serious damage. After an accident you are not able to judge the severity of your injuries.

Rule 3: see a doctor.

As soon as possible take a piece of paper and wrote down exactly what happened. The legal procedure if any, may take months and you will have forgotten all the details by then.

Rule 4: write down what happened.

You'll have to deal with insurance. Insurance companies are in the business of not paying if it can be avoided. The driver's insurance will do all they to protect their insured. That would not be you.

Make sure that your written notes, the police report about the cycling accident and any written notes about the from witnesses are in your possession.

Rule 5: Dealing with insurance

You'll have to deal with two insurance companies. Your own health insurance and the driver's insurance.

You might consider securing an attorney to help with the driver's insurance company.

Rule 5: get help from a lawyer.

Content by Thomas Driemeyer, www.bitrot.deEdited by Reg Gupton, gupton@growthseminars.com

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