Bicycling offers many benefits: eco-friendly transportation, improved health, and freedom. However, when a cyclist is involved in a crash, the injuries can be severe, and the legal aftermath complex.
In Minnesota, especially in urban centers like Minneapolis, documenting a bicycle crash correctly is critical for ensuring proper medical care and securing compensation. The more accurate and detailed the documentation, the stronger the foundation for any potential claim. Whether pursuing damages through an insurance settlement or legal action, knowing how to document a bike crash can make all the difference.
This guide will explain the crucial steps after a crash and how each action can impact a case. By following a thorough documentation process, cyclists can better protect their rights and improve their chances of a successful legal outcome. It is also recommended that they work with an accident attorney who can further help with the claim.
Prioritize Safety and Call Emergency Services
After a crash, the priority should always be safety. If possible, move out of traffic to a safe location. Then, call 911. Even if injuries seem minor, a police report and emergency medical response are the initial pieces of official documentation. Minnesota law requires that any crash involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 be reported to law enforcement.a
Once first responders arrive, provide a transparent and honest account of what happened, but avoid speculating or admitting fault. The responding officers will create an accident report, which becomes vital evidence. Request the incident number so a copy of the report can be obtained later.
Gather Immediate Evidence at the Scene
While waiting for police or medical personnel, gather as much evidence as possible. The crash scene is full of details that may be lost within hours. Use a smartphone or camera to take photos and videos from multiple angles. This includes:
- The position of the bicycle, vehicle, or other objects involved
- Skid marks, debris, broken glass, or bloodstains
- Traffic signs, signals, and road markings
- Weather and lighting conditions
- Any visible injuries
Also, photograph your bicycle and gear, especially if the helmet was damaged. These items may later support claims of impact force or head trauma.
Get Contact Information and Witness Statements
If another party was involved, exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license information, and insurance details. If the driver’s license and insurance card permit, take a photo of them. Gather the company’s contact details if the crash involved a commercial vehicle.
Witnesses can play a pivotal role. If bystanders saw the crash, ask for their contact information. If they are willing, record a short video or written statement on the spot while the memory is fresh. This spontaneous testimony can be more compelling than statements given days later.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Some injuries, particularly those involving the head, neck, or internal organs, may not immediately show symptoms. Seeing a doctor or visiting an emergency room right after the crash ensures proper treatment and produces medical records documenting the injury timeline.
Medical documentation is key for proving damages in a legal claim. A Minneapolis bicycle accident lawyer can use these records to show that injuries were directly caused by the crash, not from a prior condition or unrelated event. Even follow-up appointments, physical therapy notes, and prescriptions can become evidence in a case.
Preserve Physical Evidence
Do not repair or throw away any damaged equipment or clothing. Store the bicycle, helmet, shoes, and backpack exactly as they were after the crash. These physical items may serve as evidence of impact severity, points of contact, or defect claims.
If the crash involved defective bike parts or dangerous road conditions, physical evidence could also support a claim against a manufacturer or city government. Take detailed photos and notes about the damage and secure these items in a safe location.
Write a Personal Account Immediately
As soon as possible, write a detailed description of the incident. Include the time of day, weather conditions, road layout, traffic flow, and what actions were taken before, during, and after the crash. Memory fades quickly, especially under stress or while recovering from injury, so early documentation is often more accurate.
Be sure to include:
- The direction each party was traveling
- Whether turn signals or hand signals were used
- Any traffic violations observed
- What was said by the involved parties
This narrative can help an accident attorney build a compelling case and ensure consistency with other records.
Secure Video Surveillance and Dashcam Footage
In urban areas like Minneapolis, many intersections and businesses have security cameras. These may have recorded the crash or the moments leading up to it. Time is critical surveillance footage is often overwritten within a few days.
Contact nearby property owners or businesses immediately and request a copy of any video. If the crash involved a vehicle, ask the driver whether their car was equipped with a dashcam and request a copy of that footage. Sometimes, a Minneapolis bicycle accident lawyer may formally request or subpoena this footage if it is not provided voluntarily.
Monitor and Document the Recovery Process
Documenting the recovery process on an ongoing basis is just as important as documenting the crash itself. Keep a journal of symptoms, pain levels, doctor visits, medications, and how the injury affects daily life, work, and relationships. These personal reflections, paired with medical records, demonstrate the broader impact of the injury.
Photograph bruises, scars, or other visual injuries as they evolve. Save receipts for medical expenses, transportation costs, home care, and any other costs related to the crash. These documents support a comprehensive claim for damages, including economic and non-economic losses.
Report the Crash to Insurance Providers
Even if the cyclist does not believe they were at fault, the crash should still be reported to any applicable insurance carriers. This might include the driver’s auto insurance, the cyclist’s car insurance (if applicable), or homeowner’s or renter’s policies covering bicycle damage.
When reporting the incident, provide only factual information. Avoid making speculative or emotional statements. Let the insurance adjusters conduct their investigation while continuing to gather documentation on your own. A dedicated accident attorney reviewing or handling communications with insurers is often beneficial.
Understand Comparative Fault in Minnesota
Minnesota follows a modified comparative fault rule under Minn. Stat. § 604.01. If a cyclist is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. However, they cannot recover damages if they are more than 50 percent at fault.
This is why thorough documentation is essential. Every detail, from where a bicycle was positioned to whether the cyclist used proper lighting at night, can influence fault determination. A Minneapolis bicycle accident lawyer can review the documentation and work to minimize any unfounded claims of cyclist liability.
Legal Time Limits to Be Aware Of
Minnesota law typically allows six years from the crash date to file a personal injury lawsuit, under Minn. Stat. § 541.05. However, shorter deadlines may apply when filing claims against government entities, for example, if poor road conditions contributed to the crash.
The statute of limitations may be extended in cases involving minors, but evidence must still be preserved as early as possible. Consulting with an accident attorney ensures all applicable deadlines are met and that evidence is submitted correctly.
How an Attorney Can Use Documentation to Build a Case
Accident attorneys use documentation to do more than just prove injury. They construct a complete narrative of the crash, from what caused it to how it disrupted the cyclist’s life. Documentation allows attorneys to:
- Reconstruct the accident using photos, diagrams, and video
- Identify liable parties, including drivers, manufacturers, or municipalities
- Establish the timeline of injuries and treatments
- Prove damages for lost wages, medical costs, and emotional suffering
- Push back against insurance companies who minimize claims
A detailed case backed by well-preserved evidence often leads to stronger settlements or favorable outcomes at trial.
FAQs
What if I was not wearing a helmet during the crash? Can I still file a claim?
Yes. While wearing a helmet is strongly recommended, Minnesota law does not require adult cyclists to wear one. Not wearing a helmet may influence the outcome if the head is injured, but it does not prevent someone from filing a claim.
Can I document the crash even if I am badly injured and unable to move?
Yes, others at the scene, such as witnesses, friends, or emergency responders, can help gather evidence. Request someone to take photos, collect contact information, or note their observations. If the police create a report, that document is also strong evidence.
What if I discover new injuries days later?
Some injuries, including concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal bruising, may take time to surface. Keep a journal of symptoms and return to your doctor. Follow-up appointments help establish the injury timeline, which is important for your legal case.
What happens if the at-fault driver flees the scene?
Hit-and-run crashes complicate the process, but do not make compensation impossible. The cyclist’s uninsured motorist coverage or Minnesota’s Crime Victims Reparations Board may offer support. Still, file a police report immediately and consult an accident attorney for legal options.
Is it too late to start documenting after I’ve left the scene?
It is never too late to document your injuries, symptoms, and expenses. Even if the crash has already passed, gathering your medical records, witness contacts, repair bills, and personal reflections can still build a strong legal case.
How to Protect Your Rights After a Bicycle Accident
Bicycle crashes can have devastating consequences, both physically and financially. Documentation might not be the first thing on a victim’s mind in the chaos following a collision, but it is one of the most powerful tools available for securing justice. Every detail counts, from photographing the scene and preserving gear to seeking immediate medical care and maintaining thorough records.
Minnesota cyclists have the right to safe roads and fair compensation after a crash. Proper documentation protects those rights and can serve as a voice when memories fade and evidence disappears. Working with a Minneapolis bicycle accident lawyer ensures that this documentation is used to its fullest potential and that no crucial step is overlooked.
