Riding your bike in Tampa can be a joyous experience, but a bike crash can quickly turn your entire world upside down. Knowing what to do after an accident makes a massive difference for your recovery and safety, and it can also be beneficial if you need to take legal action later on. 

Bicycle accidents in Tampa happen more often than many realize, making preparation crucial.

Make Sure You’re Okay and Move to Safety

First things first: always check for injuries. Even if you’re pumped with adrenaline and don’t feel any pain initially, quickly scan yourself from head to toe. If you’re stuck on the road or close to traffic, try to move to a safer spot without worsening your injuries.

Call 911 and Report the Crash

Florida law requires you to report any accident where someone is injured or causes significant damage. Calling 911 can bring an ambulance if necessary, and it ensures that an official police report is filed. This documentation is important for proving what happened during the crash and who was directly involved.

Gather Important Information

If you are physically up to it, start collecting details at the scene. This can significantly affect any insurance claim or legal case later.

You’ll want to gather information such as:

  • Names and contact details of the driver and any passengers
  • Driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance information
  • Names and contact details for witnesses
  • Badge numbers of police officers who show up

Taking pictures and videos of the scene is also a good idea. Take wide shots of the crash area, then get close-ups of any injuries and damage to property you can see. Look for things like tire marks, broken signs, or anything dangerous on the road that could have contributed to the crash.

Make sure you keep copies of everything you record. These details can help you show exactly what happened and how bad your injuries or property damage were.

See a Doctor Immediately

Even if you feel like you are uninjured, it’s important to get a medical exam as soon as possible. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms for hours or even days after they occur. Having medical records on file serves as evidence should you need it later to connect your injuries to the crash. 

Keep Detailed Records

After you leave the scene, start a folder and put every single piece of paperwork related to your crash in it, including:

  • Medical bills and records
  • Receipts for bike repairs or a new bike, if you had to replace it
  • Proof of any work you missed or wages you lost
  • Emails or other correspondence from insurance companies

Keeping everything organized saves you stress and helps if you need to prove your losses later.

Know How Florida’s Insurance Laws Work

Florida’s no-fault insurance system can be a bit confusing for cyclists. If you own a car, your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance might cover your medical bills even if you were on your bike. If you don’t own a car, you might be able to use the driver’s PIP insurance or go after the driver who caused the accident.

Avoid Posting on Social Media

Sharing your crash story online might feel good, but it can quickly backfire. Insurance companies and the other side’s lawyers often use social media posts to twist your words or say you are not as hurt as you claim.

Keep quiet online about the accident, your injuries, and your recovery until everything is settled.

Moving Forward After a Bike Crash

Bike accidents in Tampa are scary and can leave you with long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial problems. However, taking the proper steps, from gathering information at the scene to getting medical care, can protect your health and rights. 

Whether you’re riding to work downtown or checking out Bayshore, knowing what to do after a crash can help you feel more confident about getting back on your bike.