Anti-dooring.org provides some information and advice with respect to drivers and cyclists alike about the dangers of doorings. This site seems to confirm my observation that about 30% of cycling related crashes are the result of doorings.
Check out anti-dooring.org
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Accident Checklist...
Chicago Bike Racing posted this accident checklist. Wow! Who can remember all that stuff?
There are lots of things one could or should do in an accident, but I like to keep things simple so they are easy to remember in the heat of the moment. Here is my simple checklist:
First and foremost- Don't escalate the situation. Keep your cool at all times.
1. Call the police
2. Get witness and driver information- do not depend on police to get witness info.
3. Seek medical attention.
4. Preserve evidence and take pictures.
Now for a more detailed breakdown:
1. Call the police. Police are required to generate an Illinois Motorist Report for any crash in which there is an injury, death or property damage in excess of $500.00.
2. Get witness and driver information- do not depend on the police to get witness info. In almost every case that comes to me the client will say, "There were lots of witnesses... but I didn't get any information from them. It should be on the police report." In most instances I get the police report and there are no witnesses listed. In a case where the question of fault depends on your word against theirs an independent witness makes all the difference, so be sure to get any witness' phone and address.
3. Seek medical attention. If there is even the slightest possibility of an injury, you should request an ambulance and go to the emergency room. Adrenaline runs high after a crash, so you might think you are fine; but often there are latent injuries that are not immediately apparent. From a legal standpoint, it is a good idea to seek medical attention at the scene of the crash.
4. Preserve evidence and take pictures. Your bicycle, clothing, helmet and anything else damaged in the crash is evidence and as such should be preserved. Do not swap parts from your damaged bicycle. Leave it in its present condition and take pictures of the damaged bicycle and any visible injuries.
This is only the checklist for the scene of the accident. I would always encourage an individual injured in a crash to call a lawyer before speaking to anyone else about their accident.
There are lots of things one could or should do in an accident, but I like to keep things simple so they are easy to remember in the heat of the moment. Here is my simple checklist:
First and foremost- Don't escalate the situation. Keep your cool at all times.
1. Call the police
2. Get witness and driver information- do not depend on police to get witness info.
3. Seek medical attention.
4. Preserve evidence and take pictures.
Now for a more detailed breakdown:
1. Call the police. Police are required to generate an Illinois Motorist Report for any crash in which there is an injury, death or property damage in excess of $500.00.
2. Get witness and driver information- do not depend on the police to get witness info. In almost every case that comes to me the client will say, "There were lots of witnesses... but I didn't get any information from them. It should be on the police report." In most instances I get the police report and there are no witnesses listed. In a case where the question of fault depends on your word against theirs an independent witness makes all the difference, so be sure to get any witness' phone and address.
3. Seek medical attention. If there is even the slightest possibility of an injury, you should request an ambulance and go to the emergency room. Adrenaline runs high after a crash, so you might think you are fine; but often there are latent injuries that are not immediately apparent. From a legal standpoint, it is a good idea to seek medical attention at the scene of the crash.
4. Preserve evidence and take pictures. Your bicycle, clothing, helmet and anything else damaged in the crash is evidence and as such should be preserved. Do not swap parts from your damaged bicycle. Leave it in its present condition and take pictures of the damaged bicycle and any visible injuries.
This is only the checklist for the scene of the accident. I would always encourage an individual injured in a crash to call a lawyer before speaking to anyone else about their accident.
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