Crashing on a bike in Australia can be scary, but knowing what to do after a bike crash can make all the difference in your recovery, physically and financially. Whether you’re dealing with severe or minor injuries, shaken nerves or unsure about your legal options, having a plan helps you get back in control. Following a bicycle accident, this guide will walk you through the necessary steps to protect yourself and your legal rights.
What You Should Do Next After a Bike Crash
If you’ve just been involved in a bicycle accident, you’re probably wondering what you should do next. First of all, your health is the priority. Whether you’ve hit your head or been seriously injured, you may need to take some time off work to recover properly. Unfortunately, that can mean dealing with:
- Considerable medical bills,
- Potential travel costs for appointments
- Physiotherapy or rehab costs
- Lost income if you can’t work
As someone who cycles regularly, you’re likely aware that riding on the road carries its risks. Even if you follow every safety guideline and ride defensively, accidents can still happen especially when other vehicles act carelessly or don’t pay attention.
That’s why it’s so important to know what to do after a bicycle accident. Whether you’re dealing with injuries, an insurance company, or want to protect your rights moving forward, having a clear action plan makes all the difference.
The Reality of Bicycle Crash Stats in Australia
Cycling in Australia is a fantastic way to stay healthy and beat the traffic, but the stats are confronting. Every year, around 12,000 cyclists end up in hospital due to road-related crashes, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. That’s one in five people injured in land transport accidents.
Even more disturbing, the Australian Road Deaths Database (ARDD) shows that around 40 cyclists die on our Australian roads every year. The biggest risk is for men aged 40-64, especially during weekday traffic on roads with speed limits under 50km/h during peak periods.
These statistics highlight the importance of being aware of your environment and expecting the unexpected when riding a pushbike. If an unexpected event happens and you get injured, read on to find out the 7 steps after a bike crash.
Free Case Review
for a Cycling Incident
If you or other riders have been injured in a cycling incident, you may be eligible to claim compensation for financial losses.
The Car Accident Compensation Lawyers QLD offers a free case review that explains the following:
- Eligibility to claim bicycle accident compensation
- Our 100% no-win, no-fee, no-risk guarantee
- The strict time limits for a case
- An approximate settlement value
- The next steps
Pay only for a win and zero if you lose. It’s free to learn your options. Call 1800 860 777
Free Claim Review
Seven Steps to Follow After a Bicycle Accident
Everyone is safer when they know what to do after a motorcycle accident. Understanding what to do next helps your recovery and also protects your rights if you decide to lodge a personal injury claim.
Here are the seven steps following a cycling crash:
- Move to a Safe Spot.
- Call Someone You Trust
- Call the Police and an Ambulance.
- Exchange contact details with other parties
- Seek Medical Treatment
- Check Your Bike is Safe to Ride Again
- Legal Advice for a Bike Accident
1. Move to a Safe Spot
After a bike accident, your priority is to stay calm and get yourself out of danger. If possible, move yourself, your bicycle, and any other parties involved in the collision to a safe location nearby. Ensure you are in an area where traffic won’t hit you, away from the side of the road.
Ask for help if you’re shaken or hurt. Serious crashes can result in critical injuries, including a bad concussion, broken bones, neck or head injuries, back injuries, and loss of feeling in parts of your body. In that case, don’t move! On the other hand, some injuries may not be immediately obvious. In such cases, staying still and waiting for paramedics or emergency services is the best course of action.
2. Call Someone You Trust
After a cycling crash, the second most helpful step is to contact someone for help.
- Even if you’re still standing and your bike looks mostly fine, don’t try to handle everything on your own
- Call someone and let them know the whole incident from start to end
Why? Because right after a crash, your body is flooded with pure adrenaline.
- That “I’m okay” feeling can be deceiving.
- Injuries such as soft tissue damage, whiplash, internal bruising, or concussion symptoms may not be immediately apparent but can take time to reveal themselves.
- You might feel perfectly fine one minute, then dizzy or disoriented the next.
So, consider precautions and ask a clear-headed person to assist you in this situation, enabling you to make safe decisions after a cycling crash, such as whether you should ride your bike home.
Do I Have a Valid Claim?
3. Call the Police and an Ambulance
The third and most important step you should take after a bike collision, which can help protect your physical well-being and legal rights, is to call 000 for emergency services, including an ambulance and police, to respond to the accident scene. Here’s why:
Get a Police Report — It’s Not Just Paperwork
QLD police must attend the accident scene in the following circumstances:
- A crash involves an injury or fatality
- The road is blocked
- A hit-and-run accident
- There is significant property damage
They’ll document what happened, get statements from you and witnesses, and file a report. The police report will be important later on if you need to claim damages and prove who was at fault. Having the facts recorded by the police removes all doubt.
Even if the other person apologises or seems to be cooperating, please remember this step, as there are many cases where people change their story once insurance or lawyers get involved.
Don’t Second Guess Injuries — Let Paramedics Decide
A bike crash could result in a gnarly road rash or more serious injuries such as:
- Internal injuries
- Concussions
- Fractures
- Cuts and abrasions
- Bruises and other soft-tissue injuries
- Shock and emotional distress
Some damage is not immediately obvious, so call an ambulance and let trained paramedics assess you. If you’re taken to the hospital, they’ll run the proper tests, like X-rays or scans, to catch anything you might have missed.
4. Exchange Witness and Details at the Scene
After reaching a safe place and calling for help if needed, the next step is to get the contact details of everyone involved in the accident, including their insurance details. This includes any drivers, cyclists or pedestrians who were involved.
Make sure to get:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Vehicle registration number (if a car was involved)
- Driver’s license details (if applicable)
- Insurance information
Try to note these details clearly. Use your phone to take photos of their license plate, ID, and insurance card, if possible.
Remember to talk to any witnesses. Ask nearby pedestrians, other cyclists or even shop owners if they saw what happened. Politely ask for their name and contact details, and if they’re happy to, ask for a brief description of what they saw. Their statement can be really helpful if the other party later disputes what happened or denies liability.
These details will be helpful when making an insurance claim or pursuing compensation for your injuries.
5. Seek Medical Treatment
It might sound like common sense, but after a bike accident, getting medical attention is one of the most important steps to take, whether or not you think you’re injured. The adrenaline rush right after a crash can easily mask pain or symptoms, making you feel okay when your body has actually taken a serious hit.
Even if you believe you have minor injuries, it’s a wise act to visit your GP or the nearest hospital emergency room. Some physical injuries, like soft tissue damage, internal bleeding, or mild concussions, may not show up immediately. Symptoms can surface hours and days later for:
- Whiplash
- Brain trauma
- Spinal issues
They can present as:
- Headaches and neck pain
- Nausea, dizziness, or numbness.
Remember the paperwork. Medical records provide evidence for an insurance or compensation claim.
Psychological Injuries
Frequently, people who survive a bicycle crash also experience psychological reactions like emotional trauma, PTSD, depression, or anxiety. If you find yourself feeling unusually stressed, having flashbacks, or avoiding the bike altogether, consider talking to a mental health professional.
6. Check Your Bike is Safe to Ride Again
Before getting back on your bike after a crash, even if it was just a minor fall, it’s a wise decision to check that everything is in working order. Riding a damaged bike not only risks further injury but can also worsen existing problems. Please take a minute to inspect your bike, or better yet, have it checked by a bike shop.
We recommend you inspect the following:
- Both wheels should spin freely without wobbling. Look for dents, warping or anything rubbing on the brake pads.
- Squeeze your tyres to check the pressure and look for cuts, embedded debris or bulges that could go flat.
- Make sure the quick-release skewers on your wheels are fully closed and secure. A loose one can come off while riding.
- Squeeze both brakes to make sure they’re working and gripping evenly. If they feel soft or the pads are worn down, don’t ride until they’re fixed.
- Test all gears to make sure they shift smoothly. If your derailleur is bent or gears skip, you may need an adjustment.
- Look for cracks, dents or misalignment, especially where the handlebars, seat post and fork meet the frame.
- Make sure your chain is still aligned, not kinked and moves freely with the pedals.
- Strange clicking, grinding, or squeaking could be early warnings of damage. Please don’t ignore them.
Have a professional bike mechanic at a reputable bike shop do a thorough inspection.
It’s Free to Know Your Rights
7. Legal Advice for a Bike or Cycling Crash
If you are injured in a bike crash, you are entitled to seek legal advice about your rights, including eligibility for a personal injury claim. A bicycle accident lawyer can explain your entitlements and help establish fault for the parties involved in the collision.
The Car Accident Compensation Lawyers provide a free case review that can explain your legal position and entitlements. All our legal services include a 100% no-win, no-fee, no-risk guarantee. Pay only after a win and nothing if you lose. Call 1800 575 023
What Compensation Can I Receive for a Bike Crash?
Cyclists are more vulnerable than other vehicle drivers, and even a small incident can lead to long-term physical injuries or significant medical expenses.
In most cases involving another vehicle, you can file a personal injury claim with the driver’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurer. If your claim is successful, you could be entitled to a lump sum payment for:
- Lost wages because you can’t work
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses
- Travel costs related to treatment
- Pain and suffering
What if I Don't Have the Contact Details of the Other Party?
If you cannot identify the other vehicle, such as in hit and run cases or when the driver of the at-fault vehicle is unknown or uninsured, you could claim through a government-backed body called the Nominal Defendant.
Generally, you can still receive injury compensation even if the other road user is unknown or uninsured. A Nominal Defendant claim has a strict and shorter time limit.
Our road accident lawyers can advise you on your lodgement date during a free case review. Call 1800 575 023
Top Tips for Getting Back on the Road After a Bike Accident
Once you’ve had time to rest and recover physically and emotionally, it’s normal to feel a bit hesitant about getting back on your bike. When the time comes, applying a few additional measures can greatly enhance your experience and boost your confidence on the road.
- Be sure to wear protective apparel like padded clothing and a helmet.
- Greater visibility helps avoid collisions, so wear Fluoro and bright biking gear.
- Install brilliant lights on your bike, both front and rear.
- Carry basic first aid supplies.
By following these four simple tips, you can help prevent future traffic accidents.
FAQ's about "what to do after a bike accident"
What is the first aid treatment for a bike accident?
First aid treatment for a bicycle accident involves
- Treating the visible injuries
- Avoiding further harm
- Cleaning minor injuries like cuts and scrapes
If there are serious injuries, call for emergency assistance and follow the RICE protocol:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
What kind of medical evidence is required for an accident claim?
To support an accident claim, you should collect all relevant medical records, X-rays, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes that verify the extent of your injuries.
What are my options if the other party doesn't have insurance?
If the person responsible doesn’t have insurance policies, or if it’s a hit-and-run, you may still be eligible for compensation through the nominal defendant or under public liability insurance.
A compensation lawyer can advise you on the process proceed and eligibility to file a claim even when the at-fault driver is unidentified.
Do I need to report the incident to a Police station?
Yes, if it’s a motor vehicle accident, physical injuries, or hit and run, you should lodge a report at the nearest Police station. A Police report will verify accident details that can support a later claim.
