Building a strong bicycle accident claim requires gathering and preserving evidence that establishes liability and damages. Understanding what evidence matters and how to preserve it helps injured cyclists protect their right to full compensation.
Evidence at the Accident Scene
Photograph everything at the scene if you are able. Document the accident location from multiple angles, your bicycle damage showing impact points, vehicle damage indicating collision dynamics, road conditions (hazards, debris, weather), traffic signs and signals, your visible injuries, and skid marks or lack thereof.
Get contact information for all witnesses. Their accounts may be crucial when liability is disputed. Write down what the driver said—admissions at the scene are powerful evidence.
Police Reports
Police reports document official findings about the accident. They include officer observations, witness statements, diagrams, and any citations issued. While not conclusive on liability, police reports provide important evidence.
Request your report promptly—procedures vary by jurisdiction. Review it carefully and report any errors through official correction procedures.
Medical Records and Documentation
Medical records establish your injuries and connect them to the accident. Seek immediate medical evaluation even if injuries seem minor. Tell providers exactly how the accident happened. Follow all treatment recommendations.
Maintain records of every medical visit, test, procedure, and prescription. Keep receipts for all medical expenses, equipment, and medications.
Surveillance and Camera Footage
Video evidence can prove exactly what happened. Potential sources include traffic cameras at signalized intersections, business surveillance cameras, residential doorbell cameras, dash cameras from other vehicles, and your own bike-mounted camera.
Request footage immediately—most systems overwrite within days or weeks. An attorney can send preservation letters demanding footage be saved.
Electronic Evidence
Cell phone records can prove the driver was texting or on a call at the time of collision. Subpoenas in litigation can obtain these records.
Vehicle data from event data recorders (EDRs) captures speed, braking, and other information from seconds before impact. This "black box" data requires prompt preservation before it is overwritten or the vehicle repaired.
Your Bicycle and Equipment
Your damaged bicycle is physical evidence. Do not repair or discard it before documenting and potentially having it examined by experts. Damage patterns indicate how the collision occurred.
Preserve your helmet, cycling clothing, and any equipment that shows impact damage. These items may be crucial for injury causation or product liability claims.
Ongoing Documentation
Keep a journal documenting your recovery. Record pain levels, limitations, missed activities, and emotional impacts daily. Photograph healing injuries regularly. This contemporaneous documentation supports damage claims.
Save all receipts and records of accident-related expenses—medical costs, transportation to appointments, home modifications, and assistance needed.
Professional Investigation
In serious cases, attorneys employ professional investigators and accident reconstruction experts who gather additional evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze the accident scientifically.
Prompt action preserves evidence. The sooner you begin documenting and preserving, the stronger your case will be.