Bicycle accident claims: what to do and how a claim works
Last updated: November 10, 2026
After a bicycle crash with a vehicle, get out of traffic, call the police, and collect photos, witnesses and the driver's insurance details. Keep your bike and gear as they are. The driver's liability insurance usually pays, and your own auto policy may help.
What to do after a bicycle accident
Get safe and call 911
Move out of the road if you can and call 911 so police and help can come to the scene.
Get a police report
Ask the officer to write up the crash, and get the report number.
Take photos
Photograph your bike, the vehicle and its plate, the bike lane or road, signals, signs and the lighting.
Find witnesses
Take the names and numbers of anyone who saw the crash, and note cameras on nearby buildings.
Get the driver's details
Write down the driver's name, phone, license, plate, insurer and policy number.
Tell your insurer
If you have an auto or homeowner's policy, report the crash and keep the claim number.
Keep your bike and receipts
Do not repair your bike or throw away your helmet yet. Keep receipts for the bike, gear and other costs.
Check the deadline
Find out how long you have to bring a claim in your state, and act well before it.
Who pays
When a driver causes the crash, their liability insurance usually pays for the damage and losses. If the driver had no insurance or too little, your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may help, even though you were on a bike.
A homeowner's or renter's policy may cover a damaged bike. If a pothole or road defect caused the crash, a city or state may be responsible, and its notice deadlines can be short.
How long you have
Every state limits how long you have to bring an accident claim. In most states the deadline is two to three years from the accident, some states allow less, and claims against a city, county or state agency often need a written notice within months.
Once the deadline passes, you can lose the right to be paid at all, so check yours early. The state guides list the deadlines in Florida, Texas, California, Georgia and New York, with the law each comes from.
How CaseHelp helps
Start with the free case check: a few questions about what happened. Then Sarah, CaseHelp's AI assistant, or a member of our team calls to go over your answers and your options.
If you have a claim, we introduce you to an independent partner law firm. Accident lawyers usually work on contingency, which means no fee unless they win; case costs may apply. There is no obligation at any step.
Deadlines and fault rules by state
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What if the driver opened a door into me?
This is often called dooring. The person who opened the door, and their insurance, may be responsible.
Does riding outside a bike lane count against my claim?
Not by itself. Fault depends on what happened and your state's rules, and fault is often shared.
What if a pothole caused my crash?
A city, county or state agency may be responsible. Claims against them often need written notice within months, so act quickly.
Should I fix my bike right away?
Not until it has been photographed and, ideally, looked at by a lawyer. Your bike and helmet can be evidence.
CaseHelp is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This page is general information, not legal advice, and laws change. For advice about your own situation, talk to a licensed lawyer in your state.