What to do if you crash
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Things to remember if you do have a crash.
1. Be Prepared to Act
If you crash and are severely injured, you will have to rely on bystanders for help. Fortunately that is the exception. If you are still conscious and mobile after your crash be prepared to act.
2. Get Off the Road
After a crash you might be disorientated and either lie or stand on the roadway. The first priority is to get off the road and avoid the risk of further injury. Then think about getting your bike off the road if you can do it safely.
If anyone is injured on the scene call the Police.
3. See if You Can Move Okay
If in doubt, ask someone to take you to a doctor or call an ambulance. Don’t act tough. If you don’t feel right, get help.
4. Be Cool
Don’t get upset. Don’t start blaming anyone. Don’t admit anything to anyone at this stage.
5. Get Witnesses and Details
If you have been hit by a car, exchange details with the driver. Write down the registration number of the car and the driver’s name, address and telephone number. You may wish to see the driver’s licence. Write down the location and time.
If there are witnesses, ask for their names, addresses and telephone numbers.
6. Get Checked Out
Even if you feel fine, go to a doctor straight away and have a check up. It can take hours or days before some effects of a crash, such as concussion or deep bruising, show up. If there is injury, you need to get treatment. Any you need to have evidence of the injury for later claims and compensation.
If someone has been injured or their property damaged tell the police. When you make a report ask for a copy of it.
Later...
7. Contact Bicycle Victoria
Once you have reported the crash to the police, contact Bicycle Victoria (03 8636 8888 country callers 1800 639 634).
We will log a crash report and advise you on the best course of action for your claim, and if necessary send you a claim form and insurance policy wording.
8. When you call us have ready:
- Your membership number
- Date and Location of the crash
- Brief summary of what happened
- Any other information that might be important
You have 12 months to make a claim through Bicycle Victoria, but it is advisable to call as soon as possible.
9. Return to the Scene:
When you are able, return to the scene of the crash.
Take a camera. Photograph locations, names of streets etc. these details are important if you intend to sue or make a claim.
10. Get Damage to your Bike Assessed.
Take a photo of your bike. Take your bike to a reputable bike shop for a quote (preferable two for confirmation) or replacement.
Bicycle Victoria Membership does not cover your property; including your bike and accessories.
Consider CycleSafe Home™ insurance to cover your Bike and Accessories.
However, if there is another party at fault we can advise you of the best course of action for you to take to attempt to recover the costs of repairing or replacing your bike. This usually involves sending a letter of demand to the at-fault party.
Freqently Asked Questions
If you have been injured in a transport accident your medical costs relating to the accident will be paid for by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC). The TAC is a Victorian Government organisation that acts as an insurer for people injured in transport accidents.
Anyone injured in a transport accident can claim from the TAC if the accident is directly caused by the driving of a car, tram or train. This also includes things such as collisions between a bike and an open car door, and being dazzled by car headlights or distracted by a car driver.
Bicycle
You can contact the TAC directly on 1300 654 329. A clerk at the TAC will take your details and send you a claim form.
When does WorkCover apply?
Cyclist are covered by WorkCover if involved in a work-related accident occurring during the course of employment. This does not include commuting to and from work. WorkCover pays no-fault compensation. For further details, contact WorkCover on 1800 136 089 (Victoria).