01

Immediate steps

  • Prioritize care and report the event to the appropriate authority.
  • Photograph the route, sight lines, signals, damage, clothing, and equipment.
  • Identify businesses, vehicles, homes, or agencies that may have video.
02

Records and physical evidence

  • Scene geometry and signal records
  • Vehicle, bicycle, helmet, and device condition
  • Witness and video sources
  • Medical and work-impact records

Scene geometry, signal timing, sight lines, lighting, vehicle data, bicycle condition, helmets, clothing, and nearby video can be altered or lost.

03

People, organizations, and insurance

Drivers, vehicle owners, police, road and signal authorities, transit operators, work-zone contractors, businesses, residents, device makers, and medical providers may hold evidence.

Vehicle, uninsured/underinsured, medical, health, disability, workers’ compensation, premises, or public-entity routes may overlap depending on the event.

04

Questions for an Injury Law Firm

  • Who controlled the road, path, signal, lighting, or work zone?
  • Could vehicle or device data help?
  • What comparative-fault rules require local advice?