☰

What to do if you're in a crash

After a crash

What to do immediately after a crash

Crashes can be scary and disorienting. Whether you're biking or walking, here are important actions to take if you've been in one. Complete our web form or call the Active Transportation Alliance Helpline at 312.869.HELP if you’ve been in a crash and would like to be contacted by a Crash Support Volunteer.

  1. Stay calm and stay put.

    • If you're able, get out of traffic and find a safe place to wait for help to arrive.

    • Remain still so as not to aggravate any injuries.

    • Try to take deep breaths and accept help from bystanders.

  2. Call the police.

    • Call 911.

    • Insist that police come to the scene of the crash and file a report.

    • Make sure the officer provides you with a copy of the report.

  3. Don't refuse medical treatment.

    • Never refuse assistance from a paramedic or EMT. You may not realize that you're injured since your adrenaline is elevated in the aftermath of a crash.

    • Leave the bike! If you have your bike and need to be transported to the hospital, ask someone to lock up your bike for you nearby, or call a friend to retrieve it.

    • An insurance company may call you to ask for a recorded statement about your crash. You don not have to give a statement. It's strongly advised that you seek legal advice prior to speaking with an insurance company.

  4. Gather information and witnesses.

    • Driver's license information.

    • Insurance policy information.

    • License plate information.

    • Names and contact information of the driver and witnesses.

  5. Take Pictures

    • Take pictures of: > the crash scene. > the people and vehicles involved. > the license plate.

  6. Contact us.

    • If you would like to connect with a Crash Support Volunteer, either via email or phone, please visit our Need Support page and provide your information.

Things to do later

  1. Criminal and civil suits

    • Crashes can result in various criminal charges, including reckless driving, DWIs, assault, assault with a deadly weapon, battery, leaving the scene of a crash and failing to provide aid. The police department or state's attorney should contact you if they are conducting any further investigation.

    • If you have been injured, you may have a case for a civil suit. We strongly suggest contacting a personal injury lawyer right away. Refer to our list of recommended attorneys for suggestions of firms that specialize in pedestrian and bicycle injury law.

    • DO NOT post details of your crash online! Anything you post on social media - facts of the crash, details of your injuries - could be used against you in any civil or criminal proceedings. An exception to this could be to ask for help in finding witnesses.

  2. Dealing with insurance

    • You may be contacted by an insurance company other than your own. You don't have to provide a statement. It's strongly advised that you seek legal advice prior to speaking with an insurance company representative.

  3. Documentation

    • Start a file to organize all of your documents. In addition to information gathered at the scene, maintain records of all medical treatments and costs (even for small things like purchases of aspirin, bandages, doctor's visit co-pays, etc.) and any bike repairs.

    • If you were unable to gather witness information, return to the scene of your crash around the same time of day to see if business owners and residents recall anything.

    • In Chicago, a copy of your police report may be obtained from the Records Inquiry Division of the Chicago Police Department at 3510 S. Michigan Ave. on the first floor, phone number 312.745.5198. For crashes elsewhere, check with the enforcement authority that responded to your crash (municipal police department or county sheriff).


Note: None of this information is intended as legal advice. Neither the Active Transportation Alliance, nor its employees, is responsible for any loss incurred as the result of this information.