Bicycle accident-immediate help checklist: This is how you behave correctly

In a bicycle accident, minutes or even seconds often decide how serious the consequences will be. That is precisely why it is important that you know how you react correctly in such a situation. This guide prepares you for an emergency and gives you a clear plan of action so that you can act calmly and carefully in an emergency. With this knowledge you are prepared - for yourself and for others.

Immediate measures: The first minute decides

Your own security is always a top priority! Before you help others, you have to protect yourself.

1. Get yourself a quick overview of the situation

2. Get out of the danger zone (e.g. away from flowing traffic)

3. Set your bike as a warning or use a warning triangle if available

4. Switch on the warning indicator system of your bike, if available

5. Wear your reflector vest in the dark or use the lighting of your smartphone

First supply of injuries (basic principles)

Preserving calm is the be -all and end -all of the first aid. 

1. Speak the injured person and check the reaction ability

2. Check breathing and pulse

3. In the event of unconsciousness: stable side position

4. If breathing is missing: Start resuscitation measures immediately (30 cardiac pressure massages, 2 breathing donations)

5. For bleeding: press the wound with a clean cloth or bandage material

6. If there is suspected of broken bones: to remember affected part, do not move

Important: only lose weight if no breathing can be determined Or if the injured is conscious and expressly wishes this

When and how to make the emergency call

If in doubt, always choose the emergency call! Better too much than too little.

The emergency call 112 is valid across Europe and free of charge.

You should have the following information ready (remember: W questions):

• Where Did the accident happen? (Street name, intersection, striking points)
• What Has happened? (Short description)
• How many Is there any injuries?
• Which Are there any injuries?
• Waiting When asked! Don't hang up before the dispatcher tells you.

Pro tip: Use emergency apps that automatically transmit your location.

The accident checklist: step by step

Document the scene of the accident in detail - This can later be crucial for insurance companies and legal questions.

1. Photograph the scene of the accident from different perspectives

2. Hold down the position of the vehicles, bicycles and relevant objects

3. Photographs damage to bicycles, cars or other objects

4. Take pictures of brake tracks, splinters or other traces of accident

5. Create a simple sketch with the most important positions

Data recording of the accident participants

Collect all important contact details of those involved:

• Full name
• address
• Telephone number
• E-mail address
• For drivers: vehicle license plate, vehicle type, insurance and insurance number
• For cyclists: type of bicycle, possibly frame number

Witness

Speak possible witnesses directly before you leave the scene of the accident and write down your contact details (name, telephone number, email). If possible, ask for a short description of the course of the accident and ask the witnesses whether they are ready to repeat their statements at a later date. 

Master special situations

At a Sole accident Good documentation is often just as important as in the event of accidents with other participants. Even if you fell alone, you should photograph the scene of the accident and the cause of the fall, especially when infrastructure defects such as potholes or defective bike paths have led to the accident. With such defects, it may make sense to inform the competent authority in order to avoid further accidents and to assert claims.

In accidents with other road users

When dealing with other people involved in the accident, it is important to remain factual and avoid blame, since these often only tighten the situation. The police always consist politely but determined to exchange all relevant data and calls in the event of accidents with motorized vehicles, even with supposedly low damage. Never sign documents at the scene of the accident, especially no acknowledgment of debt - you should only make such decisions after legal advice and in peace.

Accidents with children

In the event of accidents with children, special caution is advised because they often perceive injuries or cannot assess properly. Even if the injuries appear harmless at first glance, you should always insist on a medical examination, especially in the case of head injuries - even if a helmet has been worn. Provide the parents or legal guardians immediately and remain calm and calming in dealing with the child to avoid panic.

Accidents in bad weather or in the dark

Adverse circumstances such as rain, snow or darkness require additional security measures. Safe the accident site particularly well and use all available aids such as your smartphone flashlight, reflectors or bicycle lights to increase visibility. Be aware of the increased risk of slipping when wet and make sure that everyone involved is brought to a safe, dry place as possible to avoid hypothermia or other accidents.

After the accident: the most important next steps

Even after your accident, there are a few important aspects that you should consider. 

Medical aftercare

Never underestimate injuries - even if they initially appear harmless. After each accident with physical contact, you should consult a doctor who can professionally assess and document your injuries, which can later be decisive for insurance claims. Pay particular attention to symptoms that can occur delayed, such as dizziness, headache or nausea, as they could indicate serious injuries. For a complete recovery, it is important that you stick to all medical instructions for follow -up and perceive control appointments.

Inform insurance

Register the accident promptly at all relevant insurance companies to secure your claims. This usually includes your private accident insurance, liability insurance and health insurance - you should also inform your employer when it comes to official trips, as it could be an accident. Collect and keep all evidence of accident -related expenses carefully, including taxi trips, medication and repairs so that you can later submit them to the insurance company.

Observe legal aspects

Know your rights and duties after a bicycle accident to optimally maintain your interests. In the event of accidents with property or personal injury, you are usually entitled to compensation, but you have to consider the deadlines for damage reports that are often one week. If the case is more complicated or higher damage is available, it may make sense to obtain legal advice in order to enforce your claims. In the event of statements to the police, it is important to describe what has happened soberly and objectively, without hasty blaming or speculation.

Prevention: safely on the go with KED

Foresight driving is the best accident protection! In order to avoid accidents, you should always keep enough distance from other road users (especially the door opening zone for parked cars), observe traffic rules and right of ways and use existing cycle paths. 

Care for good visibility through reflective clothing and functioning lighting, avoid distracting headphones in road traffic and regularly check the functionality of your bike - especially braking, tires and light. With a high-quality KED helmet, which was developed for your specific needs, you are also optimally protected and can enjoy your independence on two wheels with the certainty that you have ensured your safety in the best possible way.