In a Crash?

Every person riding a pedalcycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle. –PennDOT Vehicle Code 3501 (a)

Unfortunately, sometimes smooth sailing isn’t in the cards for everyone riding Pittsburgh’s streets. If you are in a crash, though. Here are some things you should do.

If you are in pain, stay put. Don’t try to move. You could end up injuring yourself even more.
Call 9-1-1 or tell someone else to do it for you.
If your crash involves a car, make sure to get the driver’s a) Contact Info b) License Plate c) Insurance Info. If you are not incapacitated, collect witness contact information if there are any. Ask someone to write down the license plate number and their own information and give it to you, or put it in your pocket. If a PRT bus is involved click here for more information on how to handle this situation.
Go to the hospital. Do not take minor injuries lightly. They can check for a concussion and other less obvious, but serious injuries. Not only will you rest better knowing that you got checked out, if you need a police report for legal reasons or to get compensated from an insurance claim, you must be injured in order for an official police report to be taken. If there’s any doubt whatsoever, get checked out by EMS and/or a doctor. Read this post for more information on who pays in the event of a crash with a car, the importance of going to the hospital, and what insurance you can get to further protect yourself.
Get a police report to officially document the crash. Police are required to create a report if a participant in the incident is injured. An injury, no matter how small, is the only way to guarantee a police report. You will need one if you seek compensation for medical bills, etc.
Contact a lawyer.
Document everything. Witness info, the responding officer’s badge number, your trips to the hospital and all corresponding expenses related to your crash.
Contact your city councilperson and the Mayor and tell them your story and that you want safer cycling conditions in the city. Also dial 3-1-1 (or email) and tell the City about the road hazard or dangerous situation.

The Crash Card

Oftentimes important information about crashes are not recorded because crashes are scary and stressful. This tool can help you if you witness or are in a crash. It’s the size of a business card when folded, so you can easily keep it in your wallet. Stop by our office to pick one up!

Other Resources:

Protect yourself: Everything a bicyclist needs to know about car insurance – Did you know that if you’re hit by a car while riding your bike either your car insurance or the motorist’s insurance will pay for your trip to the hospital? Don’t have car insurance? You can purchase “non-owner’s” car insurance that will further protect you in the event of a crash.
“Dooring” is always the Motorist’s Fault – PA Vehicle Code 3705: No person shall open any door on a motor vehicle unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on a side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Feedback: A place to log complaints or praises on operators. Be sure to request a response.
PennDOT Resources: Pennsylvania Bicycle Driver’s Manual. The PA Vehicle Code also has a whole section on the operation of bicycles.
Bicycling and the Law – A web site that offers bicycling accident advice for cyclists including those injured by motorists, unsafe conditions and defective cycling products. At this site injured cyclists will find information about what to do after an accident to best protect their rights.
Pennsylvania Health Law Project – Provides free legal services and advocacy to Pennsylvanians having trouble accessing publicly funded health care coverage or services.
Bicyclist’s Rights and Crash FAQ – Great Resource from a lawyer in Philadelphia
Report a Road Hazard – Many road hazards are not detectable by inspectors in cars, and can be extremely dangerous to those of us on bikes. In order for dangerous conditions to get fixed, we need you to report these hazards and get them on record.
To report a road hazard on a State of Pennsylvania road, call 1-800-FIX-ROAD
On a City road, report the hazard to 3-1-1. – it logs citizens’ needs and establishes a paper trail.
If your crash involved a PRT Bus, click here for some useful tips.
To report a road hazard on an Allegheny County road or bridge, click here
If you had trouble with or experienced an officer acting discourteously to you, contact the City of Pittsburgh’s Citizens Police Review Board. And of course, if you receive particularly exemplary service from an officer, we encourage you to contact her/his supervisor to thank them.
“Hit-and-runs,” since they are a crime, qualifies for Pennsylvania’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program. This program can help with everything from medical expenses to work loss to broken eyeglasses

Bicycle Insurance Companies