Chelsea Dickerson
Dickerson Oxton attorney Chelsea Dickerson is a dedicated advocate for injury victims, focusing her practice on personal injury and mass tort litigation. As co-founder of the firm, she has helped recover millions of dollars for clients in serious injury, trucking accident, motorcycle accident, and wrongful death cases. Chelsea is known for her aggressive, evidence-driven approach and her commitment to holding insurance companies and negligent parties accountable. She also represents consumers nationwide in complex pharmaceutical and medical device litigation.
In light of continued traffic fatalities in the region of Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas, the Mid-American Regional Council (MARC) announced plans for bicycle education, bicycle crossings, and other bicycle projects in its 2026 draft for the Destination Safe Comprehensive Safety Action Plan. While these developments are encouraging, there is no denying the fact that bicycle accidents continue to occur in Kansas City. Victims who have suffered injuries in these accidents understand this fact only too well. In the aftermath of a bicycle accident, some victims are unsure of how to proceed. There may be various legal steps to take in preparation for filing an injury claim.
Sometimes, the medical steps to take after a bicycle accident can be even more complex. There is no need to approach these processes alone, and personal injury lawyers in Kansas City may be able to offer guidance. The injury attorneys at Dickerson Oxton have over eight decades of combined experience, and the firm has recovered over $100 million for injured victims over the years. Continue this discussion by contacting Dickerson Oxton at (816) 542-6599.
Medical Attention Is Usually the Most Important Step
While there are many steps to take after a bicycle accident, it always makes sense to prioritize health and well-being. Even if a victim forgets to take other important steps, they will at least have done the best they possibly can to mitigate injuries and improve their long-term prognosis. In addition, prompt healthcare inherently creates important evidence in the form of medical records. Victims can use these records to support their injury claims. In other words, medical attention after a bicycle accident allows victims to address both legal and medical priorities simultaneously.
Summary of Steps to Take After a Bicycle Accident
After a bicycle accident, prioritizing medical care, preserving evidence, and understanding the legal claims process are critical steps that may influence both recovery and compensation outcomes. Prompt medical attention supports physical recovery while also creating medical records that may serve as key evidence in a personal injury claim.
Documenting the scene through photographs, witness statements, and accident reports may help establish negligence and strengthen a claim. Many bicycle accident claims resolve through settlement negotiations, although some cases may proceed to trial if an agreement is not reached.
Step One: Look Around at Your Surroundings
The first step to take immediately after a bicycle accident is simple: Survey the crash scene. Assuming the victim remains conscious, they may be able to capture and remember key information. This information might include the color, license plate, model, and brand of vehicles involved in the accident. Memorizing this information could be crucial if the negligent party decides to flee the scene. Victims may also want to take note of other key details, including signage, rights of way, and other elements that were present during the crash.
Step Two: Take Photographs of the Scene
Most cyclists today do not leave home without their phones. These devices can be incredibly useful when attempting to gather evidence immediately after a crash. If a victim is physically able to use their phone after a crash, they may want to take photographs of the scene. Key images worth capturing might include the vehicles involved and their license plate numbers. A victim may also decide to photograph the wreckage, their own injuries, and the surrounding traffic signals or signage. Victims may be able to use these images as evidence at a later date.
Step Three: Speak to Witnesses
Another important step may be to speak with nearby witnesses who saw the crash take place. If possible, ask for contact information. If a witness is willing to testify, they may be exceedingly useful as the victim pursues their claim.
Step Four: Accept Treatment at the Scene
First responders should be on their way shortly after a bicycle crash. If no one saw the crash and the at-fault party fled, cyclists may need to take it upon themselves to dial 911. Accept treatment at the crash scene, even if injuries seem mild. Average cyclists may not realize how bad their situation really is, and some injuries may be completely undetectable at first. Examples include subtle head injuries, neck injuries, and internal organ injuries.
Step Five: Accept Transport to the Nearest Hospital
The next step is to allow first responders to provide transport to the nearest hospital. While victims are technically allowed to refuse this transport, it almost always makes more sense to take the safe route and see a doctor as soon as possible. Although hospital transport and emergency treatment can be expensive, victims may recover enough compensation to cover all of their medical bills, especially if someone else caused their crash.
Step Six: Contact a Bicycle Accident Lawyer in Kansas City
Once their injuries stabilize and they receive clear diagnoses from doctors, victims may want to contact bicycle accident attorneys in Kansas City for further guidance. A simple phone call could provide further insights into the next appropriate steps, and a lawyer can immediately start laying the groundwork for a bicycle accident claim. A lawyer may also help victims access the medical treatment they need.
Step Seven: File an Accident Report With the Police
Although this may be unnecessary, it makes sense to file an official accident report with the local police after a bicycle crash. This helps ensure adequate documentation of the incident, and it may also help law enforcement officers track down a driver who fled the scene of the bicycle collision.
Step Eight: Gather Evidence
The next general phase involves gathering evidence in preparation for the bicycle accident claim. In both Kansas and Missouri, victims must prove negligence to recover compensation after bicycle crashes. Evidence of negligence may include medical records, photographs, witness statements, video footage, chemical test results, and much more. An experienced lawyer at Dickerson Oxton may be able to assist with this evidence-gathering process.
Step Nine: Negotiate for a Financial Settlement
The Department of Justice notes that the “vast majority” of traffic accident claims never reach the trial stage. Instead of going through trials, victims are more likely to settle their bicycle accident claims outside of court. In other words, a victim will probably negotiate a financial settlement with an insurer. An experienced bicycle accident attorney may be able to help an injured cyclist recover a suitable settlement that completely covers their economic and non-economic damages.
Step Ten: Go Through a Personal Injury Trial If Necessary
Although bicycle accident trials are unlikely, they are still possible. If settlement negotiations break down or never begin, it may be necessary to go through the full trial process with help from a bicycle accident lawyer. At the end of this process, a jury may provide a “verdict” regarding monetary compensation.
Learn More About Bicycle Accidents With Dickerson Oxton
Although the steps involved in a bike accident claim in Kansas City may feel daunting, there is no need to navigate this process alone. Consider contacting Dickerson Oxton at (816) 542-6599 to discuss this subject in more detail. We serve injured cyclists in Kansas City.
Helpful Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents and Next Steps
Read more to learn answers to commonly asked questions about bicycle accident settlements and lawsuits.
What Should Be Done Immediately After A Bicycle Accident?
Individuals involved in a bicycle accident should first assess their surroundings and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Gathering key details such as vehicle information, road conditions, and visible injuries may also be helpful for future claims.
Why Is Medical Attention Important After A Bicycle Crash?
Medical care helps identify and treat injuries, including those that may not be immediately visible, such as head or internal injuries. Medical records also serve as important documentation that may support a personal injury claim.
How Can Evidence Be Collected After A Bicycle Accident?
Evidence may include photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and traffic signage, as well as witness contact information and official accident reports. This information may help demonstrate how the accident occurred and who may be responsible.
Is Filing A Police Report Necessary After A Bicycle Accident?
Filing a police report is not always required, but it may provide an official record of the incident. This documentation may assist in identifying involved parties and supporting an insurance or legal claim.
What Role Do Witnesses Play In Bicycle Accident Claims?
Witnesses may provide independent accounts of how the accident occurred, which may help clarify disputed facts. Their statements can be valuable when establishing negligence or liability.
What Happens During Settlement Negotiations?
Settlement negotiations typically involve discussions with insurance companies to resolve a claim without going to trial. Many bicycle accident claims are resolved during this phase, which may reduce the time and complexity of litigation.
When Might A Bicycle Accident Case Go To Trial?
A case may proceed to trial if settlement negotiations fail or if liability is disputed. In these situations, a judge or jury may determine whether compensation is appropriate based on the presented evidence.
How Is Negligence Proven In A Bicycle Accident Claim?
Negligence generally requires showing that another party failed to act with reasonable care and caused the accident. Evidence such as medical records, photographs, and witness statements may help establish this element.