Bicycle Accident Scene Evidence Checklist
Evidence at the scene disappears fast. If you are safe and able, this checklist helps you (or someone helping you) capture what matters before it is gone.
Photos and video
The vehicle and its plate, your bike, the point of impact, the bike lane or road markings, the signals, skid marks, and your injuries. Capture the wider scene too.
The driver's details
Name, phone, address, driver's license number, plate, and insurance company and policy number, plus the make, model, and color of the vehicle.
Witnesses
Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash. Independent witnesses are especially valuable in cyclist cases and are hard to find later.
Road and lane conditions
Note the bike lane, any hazard (gravel, potholes, grates), the time, weather, and lighting while it is fresh, since these often decide a disputed cyclist claim.
Cameras nearby
Look for traffic, business, or doorbell cameras that may have captured the crash, and note where they are so footage can be requested before it is overwritten.
The deadlines and rules depend on your state
The steps above apply wherever you were hurt. Filing deadlines, fault rules, and limits on damages differ by state — pick yours for what applies to bicycle accidents.
Keep going
Not sure where you stand?
A quick, confidential review can tell you — about two minutes, no cost, no obligation.
This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different, and the law differs by state.