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Bicycle Accident Evidence Checklist

What to photograph, collect, preserve, and track after a bicycle crash, without putting yourself in further danger.

Updated August 4, 2026 · United States

Fact-checked by Claimelo's editorial team.

At the scene

Protect people first, then preserve what may disappear

Only collect evidence if you can do so safely. A crash scene can change within minutes.

Call 911 when anyone may be injuredRequest police and medical help. Do not move a seriously injured person unless there is an immediate danger.
Move out of traffic if it is safeYour safety matters more than preserving the exact position of the bicycle.
Get the driver's informationRecord their name, phone number, address, driver's license, license plate, insurer, and policy number.
Identify witnessesAsk for names, phone numbers, and email addresses. A short voice memo of what they saw can help preserve details.
Photograph the whole sceneTake wide shots from several directions, including the intersection, traffic signs, signals, bike lane, road surface, lighting, and weather.
Photograph positions and damageCapture the bicycle, vehicle, debris, skid marks, damaged property, torn clothing, helmet, and visible injuries before items are moved when possible.
Note nearby camerasLook for doorbells, storefronts, buses, parking lots, traffic cameras, and homes that may have recorded the crash.
Get the report informationWrite down the responding agency, officer's name and badge number, and the incident or report number.
Avoid debating faultGive the police accurate facts, but do not guess about speed, distance, injuries, or who was legally responsible.

The same day

Document your health and the first account of the crash

Some injuries are not obvious immediately. Accurate, timely records can connect symptoms to the collision.

Accept appropriate medical evaluationTell the provider about every symptom and where your body made contact, including head impact, dizziness, numbness, and confusion.
Photograph injuriesTake clear photos on the day of the crash and as bruising, swelling, road rash, or wounds change.
Write your own accountRecord the route, time, direction of travel, signals, weather, what you saw and heard, and what happened immediately afterward.
Save discharge papers and instructionsKeep visit summaries, referrals, prescriptions, work restrictions, and follow-up appointments together.
Tell a trusted personIf you are injured, ask someone to help gather the bicycle, equipment, records, and scene information.

Within 24–72 hours

Secure evidence that can be erased or overwritten

Video and digital records may be retained for only a short time. Make requests promptly and keep copies.

Back up every photo and videoKeep the original files with metadata. Upload a copy to secure cloud storage or send it to someone you trust.
Ask businesses and residents to preserve videoIdentify the exact date, time, and location. They may not release footage to you, but a prompt written preservation request can prevent routine deletion.
Preserve fitness and location dataExport the original activity from Strava, Garmin, Apple, Google, or another device. Save screenshots as a secondary copy.
Do not repair or discard the bicycleStore the bicycle, helmet, lights, clothing, and damaged accessories in their post-crash condition until they have been documented and inspected.
Obtain the police reportAsk the responding agency how and when to request it. Review names, vehicle details, witness information, and the crash description for errors.
Notify the relevant insurersReport the collision without speculating about fault or the full extent of injuries. Save the claim number and the adjuster's contact information.
Check every possible source of coverageDepending on the facts, auto, uninsured/underinsured motorist, homeowner, renter, health, employer, rideshare, or commercial policies may matter.

In the following days and weeks

Build a complete record of recovery and loss

A claim is supported by records, not memory alone. Keep an organized file from the beginning.

Follow the treatment planAttend follow-ups or document why an appointment was missed. Keep referrals, test results, therapy notes, and medication records.
Keep a symptom and recovery journalBriefly record pain, sleep, mobility, daily limitations, emotional effects, and activities you cannot do. Be factual and consistent.
Track every expenseSave medical bills, pharmacy receipts, transportation costs, bicycle estimates, replacement gear, home assistance, and other crash-related expenses.
Document lost workKeep pay stubs, schedules, employer correspondence, tax records if self-employed, and written medical restrictions.
Get a detailed bicycle assessmentAsk a qualified shop to document frame, fork, wheel, component, accessory, and labor damage, not just the visible repair.
Save all communicationsKeep emails, letters, texts, claim portal messages, voicemail details, and notes of calls with dates and names.
Use care on social mediaDo not post about the crash, your activities, negotiations, or recovery. Privacy settings do not guarantee that a post stays private.
Check the legal deadlineFiling deadlines vary by state, defendant, and claim type. Claims involving a government entity can have much shorter notice periods.

A simple evidence folder

Create one folder with six subfolders: scene, medical, bicycle and gear, expenses, work loss, and communications. Keep original files and make a backup.

Related bicycle accident resources

Insurance coverage to checkQuestions to ask about liability, medical benefits, and damaged equipment.Bicycle accident settlementsHow evidence, coverage, and injuries affect claim value.What to do after a crashA step-by-step guide to safety, reporting, and claims.Filing deadlines by stateFind the general personal injury deadline in your state.

General legal information, not legal advice. Claimelo is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines depend on your circumstances and may change. Consult a licensed attorney about your situation.