Post-Bike-Crash Checklist:
You were taken by ambulance to the ER and treated there for your injuries. Next:
Make sure your cycling kit is not thrown away even if it was cut off you. Make sure all of your cycling items and equipment is accounted for and kept, not discarded.
Give the hospital and ambulance providers your health insurance information right away and tell them to bill your insurance before they send any bills to you.
Get specialist referral information for providers to see regarding specific injuries once you are released.
Unless you are 100% certain you did not suffer a concussion, see a concussion specialist for an eval and consult. Chances are high you have one, even if mild, given the nature of these collisions.
Focus on rest and recovery, not on getting back on the bike or back to work immediately. You are likely more injured than you realize. Give yourself time, space and grace to recover.
Request that the police take your statement. Request a copy of the police report and ensure that it is accurate. Report inaccuracies to the responding officer right away, and also update them on your injuries so that they can amend the charges if you have suffered “SBI” (serious bodily injuries).
Do not begin to replace or repair your bicycle or equipment. Take photos of all of it exactly as it looks post-crash and store it all somewhere safe.
Photograph your injuries, document how you look and feel, make selfie-videos describing how your pain is, what your limitations are, how your emotional state is, how your recovery is going.
Get copies of all imaging CDs and records from all providers that you see-ask them for a copy before you leave their care.
Keep all receipts for things like bandages, Rx, other OTC meds, and medical aids or items (like a sling, crutches, etcetera) and put them into a folder or spreadsheet.
Complile all crash related documents and info in one spot to keep it organized.
Keep track of mileage you travel to/from medical appointments.
Pursue the recommended medical treatment your providers suggest for you. Do not allow big gaps in your care; stay diligent and focused on getting better and recovering. See anyone who can help, including chiro, PT, massage therapists, and so on. You may have to do cash-pay for some providers who do not accept health insurance.
Consider whether you want to handle your claims on your own against the at-fault driver and their insurer, or whether you want to enlist the help of an attorney to handle it for you. Decide this early on if you can.
Stay tuned in to the applicable statute of limitations for your case. Make sure you research it in your state, and make sure you either settle your claims or file a lawsuit on or before that time so that your claims are not forever waived with the expiration of the SOL.
Rest. Rest. Rest. Cyclists are hard and tough as nails. We know. We know you’ll be chomping at the bit to get back on the bike. Listen to your providers, take it easy and slow. Follow the concussion protocols recommended to you.
Consider enlisting the help and counsel of a therapist or counselor to help you process this incredibly traumatic and stressful event. They can provide help and suggestions/coping mechanisms and tools to help you process this incredibly traumatic collision and help you regain your trust of other road users as you resume driving and riding in the future.
Ask your family/roommates/friends to advocate for you, as you may not be making the best decisions on your own. Ask for help and feedback too. They may notice things you can’t or don’t notice about yourself.
You will feel angry that this happened. You will also feel grateful “that it wasn’t worse.” Likely you’ll experience both emotions and so many more on a daily basis, especially in the days and weeks right after this event. It is ok to feel all of the feels. It is normal and healthy. Do NOT feel you should “rub some dirt in it” and get on with life without truly digesting what this event has meant for you and your life and loved ones.