Preserving Evidence After a Bicycle Accident

Evidence in bicycle accident cases disappears quickly—surveillance footage gets overwritten, vehicles get repaired, and memories fade. Acting fast to preserve evidence is crucial.

Physical Evidence

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Your Bicycle

• Do NOT repair or wash it

• Take photos from all angles

• Save any broken parts

• Note damage location

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Your Clothing and Helmet

• Do not wash or throw away

• Photograph damage and blood stains

• Save damaged helmet (may need testing)

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At the Scene

• Road debris

• Skid marks

• Broken glass

• Vehicle fluid stains

Documentary Evidence

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Police Report Obtain a copy immediately.

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Medical Records Start documentation at first visit.

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Photos and Video

• Take photos immediately

• Return to scene for additional photos

• Request surveillance footage

Electronic Evidence

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Surveillance Cameras

• Traffic cameras

• Business security cameras

• Residential cameras (Ring, Nest)

• Dashcams from other vehicles

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Deadline: Most systems overwrite in 24-72 hours.

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GPS and Fitness Data

• Strava, Garmin, Apple Watch records

• Shows your speed and route

• Timestamps your location

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Phone Records

• Driver's phone activity

• Your calls for help

• Text messages about the accident

Preservation Letters

Your attorney can send legal letters requiring:

• Insurance companies to preserve records

• Businesses to save footage

• Vehicle owners not to repair

• Defendants to preserve evidence