What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in New Mexico 2025

Bicycle accident injuries can be devastating, to say the least. Whether you ride a bike for recreation or if it’s your main source of transportation, knowing what to do after a bicycle accident in New Mexico beforehand can ensure you’re prepared if the unspeakable happens.

What To Do After a Bicycle Accident in New Mexico

After a bicycle accident occurs, whether you are a driver of a vehicle or a rider of a bike, it is important to prioritize the safety of anyone involved. Check for injuries and call 911. Make sure you report the accident to the police because you will need a police report to receive compensation from any insurance company involved.

When an emergency medical team arrives, let them assess you for injuries, even if you don’t think you’re hurt. You may also want to get checked out by a medical professional shortly after the accident if you do feel like you may be hurt. Sometimes, it takes a day or two for injuries to present themselves, such as concussions, whiplash, soft tissue damage, and herniated disks, just to name a few.

Provide your information to the other involved parties and to the police, including your contact details, license number, and insurance policy company and number. Bicyclists may not have bicycle insurance, but you can still trade information with other parties who do hold a driver’s license and insurance policy. Do not make any statements that imply that you were at fault for the accident or in the wrong in any way.

Use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident site, damage to vehicles, damage to bicycles, your injuries, and the license plates of any vehicles involved. If there were any eyewitnesses, ask for their contact information as well. Call your insurance provider if you have one, and report the accident to them.

Lastly, if you feel like another driver or bicyclist was at fault for the accident, or you feel that you may have been partially at fault, it could be beneficial to your case to speak with a New Mexico bicycle accident attorney about any damages you might be entitled to or liable for. New Mexico’s comparative fault rules mean you could still recover damages even if you were partially responsible.

Make sure you document everything about the accident, including the time of day, weather conditions, traffic, etc. Keep records of all doctor visits, receipts, property repair or replacement, transportation costs, and lost wages, and keep a journal of any other ways the accident impacted your life. If you file a claim against another party for damages, all of these things will need to be submitted.

Preventing Bicycle Accidents

Nationwide, there are around 1,000 fatal bicycle accidents each year and 42,000 bicycle accident injuries. In August of 2024, bicyclist Annie Frang was hit by a car while riding her bike from work in Albuquerque, leaving her with multiple injuries.

The bicycle death rate for bicycle-vehicle collisions in Albuquerque is actually low, at about three fatalities per year. It is far less likely for a bicycle to collide with a vehicle than for a bicycle to collide with another bicycle or with a pedestrian.

What is even more likely, though, is a bicycle accident that is caused by other conditions, such as roadway disrepair or weather. Nonetheless, bicyclist accidents do happen, but there are safety measures that can help prevent them.

First, always follow the traffic laws for bicycles in your area. If there is a bike lane, make sure you stay within it and follow the path set forth for cyclists. Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective gear and lights at night. Always be mindful of cars—don’t expect them to yield to you, so in the event that they don’t, you are prepared to prevent a collision. Not every accident can be avoided, but some of them can be when drivers and cyclists practice bicycle safety.

FAQs

What Should You Do After a Bicycle Accident?

After a bicycle accident, move yourself and your bike to a safe place out of the way of traffic. Check yourself for injuries, and call 911. Report the incident to the police and exchange information with any other parties involved. Take pictures of the site, vehicles, and damages. Notify your insurance company. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately for your own well-being, but also for documentation.

What Happens if You Accidentally Hit a Cyclist?

If you accidentally hit a cyclist, the first thing you should do is stop your car and check if the cyclist is okay. If they are injured, call 911 immediately and wait with them until emergency medical help and police arrive. Document the accident site and get the information from anyone who witnessed the accident. Exchange information with the cyclist, call your insurance company, and call a lawyer before you make any statement regarding fault.

Should I Go to the ER After a Bike Accident?

You should go to the ER after a bike accident, especially if you are bleeding, have a head injury, or have potentially broken bones. Having your injuries assessed by a medical professional, even if you don’t feel like you’re injured that badly, is important. Internal injuries aren’t always apparent right away. Keep copies of your doctor visits, and contact a bike accident lawyer if you think you have a valid personal injury claim.

Does Car Insurance Cover Bicycle Accidents in New Mexico?

If you hit a bicyclist and they are injured, your insurance may cover their injuries and property damage. It is important to check with your policy provider to know for sure. If you are injured as a bicyclist, your car insurance can cover an accident if included in your current policy. This may depend on the specific insurance company you have a policy with.

Contact Youngers Law

In the event you are involved in a bicycle accident, it never hurts to discuss your case with an experienced and compassionate attorney. Youngers Law is always available to take your call when you don’t know where to turn or what to do after a bicycle accident in New Mexico. To get in touch, call 505-499-4582 (Santa Fe) or 575-988-9857 (Las Cruces). You may also use the online contact form.