Reporting the crash will initiate an investigation process and create an official record of the occurrence. Failing to report the crash can have a serious impact on your ultimate ability to recover the damages you sustain in it. Law enforcement involvement will further assure that you are getting accurate insurance information from the other party. That information will appear on the official Traffic Accident Report. If it is a hit-and-run collision, it is potentially even more important that you report the crash and initiate a law enforcement investigation. Even if the driver cannot be located, you can still pursue damages under your uninsured motorist coverage.

It’s been my experience that many cyclists delay or avoid medical attention, but this is no time to be a hero. Get the treatment you need, and let the process play itself out. If you have health insurance, you will use that as your primary source of payment for treatment.

Get a business card or as much contact information as they are willing to provide.

There is no obligation to even speak to the at-fault party about the collision, and there is no real advantage to doing so. If a law enforcement officer appears to be wrongfully holding you responsible for the collision, it is important that you state your version of how it occurred, but there is little to be gained by engaging the officer in an argument.

Photograph all visible injuries and damaged equipment once you’ve received emergency treatment.

You have the right to file a statement as a supplement to the official Traffic Accident Report, if you are unable to give a statement at the scene because you are immediately transported in an ambulance for emergency medical care. This is often an important way to document your perspective of the collision in an official record.