In a Crash?
Unfortunately, sometimes smooth sailing isn’t in the cards for everyone riding Pittsburgh’s streets. If you are in a crash, though. Here are some things you should do.
- If you are in pain, stay put. Don’t try to move. You could end up injuring yourself even more
- Call 9-1-1 or tell someone else to do it for you.
- Make sure to get the driver’s a) Name b) License Plate c) Insurance Info d) Contact Info. If there are any witnesses, get their name and contact info as well. Although you may be injured and incapacitated at the accident scene, that is your only chance to identify the motorist who hit you and the witness(s). After the ambulance takes you away, you will never get another chance to obtain this. It is not uncommon for the police officers to fail to get this information after the victim has left the scene. Ask someone to write down the tag number and their own information and give it to you, or put it in you pocket.If a bus is involved click here for more information on how to handle the Port Authority.
- Get a police report to officially document the crash. Police are REQUIRED to create a report if a participant in the incident is injured. An injury, no matter how small, may be the only way to guarantee a police report. You will need one if you seek legal compensation for medical bills, etc. Do not take minor injuries lightly. It is recommended that you either go to the hospital immediately or visit a doctor soon after the incident. They can check for a concussion and other less obvious, but serious injuries.
- Contact a lawyer.
- Contact your city councilperson and tell them your story and that you want safer cycling conditions in the city. Also dial 3-1-1 and tell the Mayor about the road hazard or dangerous situation.
We have also been keeping track of crash stories and locations, with the result of finding patterns so that we can better identify trouble spots. Not only are we able to pass these results on to the city, but it’s useful for you, the cyclist, to know where the dangerous locations are. Please report your crash story by using this form. The more experiences that we can compile, the better informed we will all be. See the results on our online map.
Other Resources:
“Dooring” is always the Motorist’s Fault – PA Vehicle Code 3705: No person shall open any door on a motor vehicle unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on a side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.
Bicycling and the Law – A web site that offers bicycling accident advice for cyclists including those injured by motorists, unsafe conditions and defective cycling products. At this site injured cyclists will find information about what to do after an accident to best protect their rights.
Pennsylvania Health Law Project – Provides free legal services and advocacy to Pennsylvanians having trouble accessing publicly funded health care coverage or services.
Be Well! Pittsburgh – Great Resource List, Healthcare Options for the Uninsured
Bicyclist’s Rights and Crash FAQ – Great Resource from a lawyer in Philadelphia
Report a Road Hazard - Many road hazards are not detectable by inspectors in cars, and can be extremely dangerous to those of us on bikes. In order for dangerous conditions to get fixed, we need you to report these hazards and get them on record. Also, as mentioned above, utilize the Mayor’s 3-1-1 line, it logs citizens’ needs and establishes a paper trail. Also, you can report potholes using the City’s pittsburghpothole.com website.
If your crash involved a Port Authority Bus, CLICK HERE for some useful tips.
To report a road hazard on a State of Pennsylvania road, call 1-800-FIX-ROAD
If you had trouble with or experienced an officer acting discourteously to you, contact the City of Pittsburgh’s Citizens Police Review Board. And of course, if you receive particularly exemplary service from an officer, we encourage you to contact her/his supervisor.
