Jed Barden, a long-time cyclist and attorney at Barden & Barden in Spokane who specializes in representing injured cyclists, suggests the following if you are involved in a collision. First, Barden urges that we not use the term “accident” for such events, but instead use “crash” or “collision.” He adds that despite recent changes in the law that allow cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, the so-called “Idaho Stop,” that the basic rules of the road remain and it’s safer when cyclists adhere to them. Here are the steps Barden suggests taking if you do end up in a crash with a vehicle while riding your bike:
- Obtain medical treatment if needed. Call the police even if injuries seem minor. Your insurance will require a police report.
- Leave the bike in place and obtain contact information of all witnesses. Ask the driver to leave their car where it stopped to aid scene reconstruction.
- Get the driver’s name, insurance company, license plate number, address, and phone number.
- Make sure the responding police officer hears your version of events and completes a police report.
- Take photographs or video of the incident scene, including all bikes and vehicles involved.
- Do not minimize your injuries or damage to your bike and gear.
- Do not become abusive toward anyone involved in the incident.
- Do not talk to or settle with an insurance company before consulting an attorney who specializes in bicycle law.
You can reach Jed Barden at Bardenandbarden.com or 509-315-8089.
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