Gathering Evidence for Bicycle Accidents in San Diego: A Step-by-Step Guide

When you’ve been hit on your bike, the moments that follow are chaotic, painful, and confusing. But what you do in the minutes, hours, and days after a crash can have a significant impact on your ability to seek justice and fair compensation.

At Hulburt Law Firm, we know that the strength of a bicycle accident case often depends on one thing: evidence. Below, we’ll guide you through how to collect and preserve key evidence after a bicycle accident in San Diego—and explain why your next steps matter more than you might think.

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Why Evidence Matters in Bicycle Accident Claims

In any personal injury case, the burden is on the injured party to prove that someone else’s negligence caused their injuries. That means gathering clear, credible, and well-documented proof. Solid evidence helps you:

• Establish liability (who was at fault)
• Demonstrate the extent of your injuries and losses
• Defend against claims that you were to blame
• Secure maximum compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance

Without strong evidence, even the most serious injuries can be minimized or dismissed by insurance adjusters.

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Step 1: Call 911 and Request a Police Report

One of the most critical pieces of evidence is the official police report. When officers respond to a crash, they document:

• The names and contact info of drivers and witnesses
• Vehicle and bicycle positions
• Any visible injuries or property damage
• The driver’s statements (which may include admissions of fault)
• Whether any traffic laws were violated
  
  

Tip: Ask how and when you can obtain a copy of the report.

Once it’s available, your attorney can use it to identify key details or challenge inaccuracies.

More information on requesting a traffic collision or accident report from the San Diego Police Department. 

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Step 2: Take Photos and Video (If You’re Able)

If you’re physically able—and it’s safe to do so—use your phone to document the scene. Important visuals include:

• Your bicycle (before it’s moved)
• Damage to the driver’s vehicle
• Skid marks or debris on the road
• Road signs, traffic lights, and weather conditions
• Your injuries (at the scene and over time)

The more angles and context you provide, the better. Video can also capture nearby traffic patterns or driver behavior.

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Step 3: Identify Witnesses

Eyewitness accounts can support your version of events and help refute inaccurate claims by the driver or insurance company. Ask any bystanders for:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Email address
• A brief statement, if they’re willing

Witnesses may move on quickly after the crash—so getting their information right away is key.

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Step 4: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you think you’re “okay,” always see a doctor after a bicycle accident. Some injuries (like concussions or internal trauma) don’t show symptoms right away.

Medical records become essential evidence of:

• The severity and cause of your injuries
• The treatment plan (and expected recovery timeline)
• The impact on your ability to work or perform daily tasks

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Step 5: Preserve Physical Evidence

If your helmet is cracked, your bike frame is bent, or your clothes are torn—don’t throw them away. These items serve as powerful physical evidence that shows how violent the impact was.

• Store damaged gear safely in a secure place
• Keep receipts for bike repairs, replacements, and gear
• Save hospital discharge papers, prescriptions, and therapy schedules

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Step 6: Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney

A skilled attorney can act fast to:

• Preserve video footage (from traffic cameras, businesses, or dash cams)
• Send legal notices to prevent spoliation of evidence
• Hire accident reconstruction experts, if necessary
• Build a strong, documented case for settlement or trial

At Hulburt Law Firm, we take immediate steps to protect your claim and ensure that no critical evidence is lost.

“Preserving evidence isn’t just a legal formality—it’s the foundation of justice. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.”— Conor Hulburt, San Diego Trial Attorney

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Don’t Let Evidence Disappear—Let Us Help

Bicycle accident evidence can fade fast. Skid marks wash away, witnesses forget, and footage is overwritten. That’s why taking the right steps—immediately and with the help of an experienced attorney—is essential.

At Hulburt Law Firm, we’re committed to protecting San Diego cyclists and helping them hold negligent drivers accountable. If you’ve been injured in a bike crash, contact us today for a free consultation.

Call 619-821-0500 or
Visit our Bicycle Accident Attorney page to learn more.

Because when it comes to your recovery and your rights, The Truth Demands Justice.

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Related Resources:

• Bicycle Accident Statute of Limitations in San Diego
• Role of San Diego Bicycle Accident Attorneys
• Bicycle Accident Settlements: What to Expect