Hit While Riding a Bike? Here’s What to Do
- leebrotherslegal91
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Personal Injury Lawyer Advice for Cyclists in Queensland
Cycling is freedom. Until it’s not.
One second you're pedalling peacefully — the next, a car hits you. 💥
Whether it was a sideswipe, a dooring, or a full-on collision, being hit while riding a bike is serious. Injuries can be bad. Your bike is likely damaged. And worst of all — you might not know what to do next.
Let’s fix that 👇
Here’s a step-by-step guide from a Queensland personal injury lawyer on what to do after a cycling accident.
🚨 Step 1: Get to Safety & Call for Help
If you're still on the road, move off safely if you can. If you're injured or disoriented, stay still and call 📞 000 — or ask someone to do it for you.
Common cyclist injuries:
Broken bones 🦴
Head trauma (even with a helmet)
Whiplash or spinal pain 🧠
Deep cuts, bruises, road rash 🩹
Even small crashes can cause serious injuries. Always treat it seriously.
🧠 Step 2: Don’t Apologise or Admit Fault
You might feel confused, angry, or embarrassed. But don’t say “Sorry” or “I should’ve…” — it can be used against you later. 🛑
✅ Just exchange details. Keep it short. Save your full story for your doctor and lawyer.
📋 Step 3: Collect the Right Info
Even if police come to the scene, you still need to gather your own evidence. It protects your case.
Get the other driver’s:
Full name
Phone number
Licence plate
Insurance company
Driver’s licence photo (if possible)
Take photos of:
🚴 Your bike
🚗 The car
💥 The crash location
🧍 Injuries, road marks, signs
📍 Road conditions
💡 Also get witness names & contact details — their version of the crash can help support your claim.
🩺 Step 4: See a Doctor (Even If You Feel “Fine”)
Adrenaline can mask injuries for hours or even days.
See a GP or visit urgent care within 24–72 hours
Be specific about pain and how the crash happened
Ask for written reports, referrals, and medical certificates
📖 These medical records will become key evidence in your personal injury claim.
📄 Step 5: Report the Accident
You must report the accident if:
Someone was injured
You suspect the driver was drunk, drug-affected, or aggressive
The driver did not stop (hit and run)
✅ Use Policelink: www.police.qld.gov.au or call 131 444.
Also report it to:
🚲 Bicycle Queensland or your cycling club (optional)
🚗 Your insurer if your bike was expensive
🛡️ Step 6: Start Your Personal Injury Claim (CTP)
If a car or vehicle hit you and they were partly or fully at fault, you can claim injury compensation under their CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance.
You can claim for:
🚑 Medical bills
💼 Lost wages
😖 Pain & suffering
🔮 Future care or surgery
🧹 Domestic help (cleaning, transport, etc.)
Find the at-fault driver's CTP insurer using the MAIC QLD tool.
You don’t need to sue the driver personally — it goes through their insurer.
⏰ Time Limits in Queensland
📆 Action | ⏳ Time Limit |
Notify insurer after seeing a lawyer | 1 month |
Lodge claim form (Notice of Accident) | 9 months from crash |
Start court proceedings (if needed) | 3 years max |
⏳ Don’t wait — the sooner you act, the better your evidence and outcome.
⚖️ Why You Should Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
Cyclist injury claims can be tricky:
Insurers often try to blame the cyclist
You’ll need to prove driver fault + injury impact
You may need to fight for fair compensation
A personal injury lawyer can:
✅ Handle the claim
✅ Deal with the insurer
✅ Prove damages
✅ Maximise your payout
✅ Work on a No Win, No Fee basis
You don’t pay unless you win — and most offer free initial consults.
🧠 Real Gold Coast Case Example
A 34-year-old cyclist was "doored" while riding near Burleigh. He broke his wrist and couldn’t work for 3 months. He filed a CTP claim and received $92,000 for medical costs, pain & suffering, and lost wages.
❌ Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim
❌ Mistake | ⚠️ Why It’s Risky |
Not seeing a doctor | Weak or no medical proof |
Apologising or admitting fault | Used to deny your claim |
Not taking photos | Can’t prove what happened |
Talking to the insurer alone | May accept lowball offers |
Waiting too long | Missed deadlines = no payout |
Comments