Incidents and Crashes

What to do When Something Happens

If you or someone else on a bike is involved in an incident on the road or a crash, check for injuries first. If someone is injured, call for help right away. Administer first aid if you are trained.

After the injured have been helped and removed from harm’s way, begin gathering information. It is best not to discuss fault at the scene of the collision.

Look to see if all parties involved have remained or returned to the scene of the collision. Cyclists are required to remain at the scene of a collision, the same as the driver of a motor vehicle must. You are also required to provide your name and address to the other parties involved or to a police officer upon request. Carry identification, emergency contact information, and medical insurance information, especially when you cycle alone. Write down the following as soon as possible:

1. Location and exact time of the collision.

2. Vehicle descriptions and plate numbers.

3. Driver’s description and driver’s licence information. Copy this information directly from the driver’s licence, if possible. Don’t accept a business card without verifying that the name is the same as on the driver’s license.

4. Details of the incident, including a diagram. Describe the circumstances of the collision in detail: weather conditions, lighting, speeds, etc.

5. All witness’ information (names and phone numbers), including passengers: do not depend on others to take names and phone numbers.

Police involvement may depend on the extent and seriousness of the collision. Report the matter to a police officer within 24 hours (48 hours in outlying areas) if there is property damage over $100, injury to a person, or evidence for a charge (where a traffic violation occurred and a licence plate number was obtained). This requirement is met by calling ICBC’s Dial-A-Claim service if the police do not attend and make a report.

You can report a claim to ICBC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling:

Outside of Greater Vancouver........... 1-800-910-4222

Greater Vancouver ..............................(604) 520-8222

When calling, have all collision information ready including vehicle and drivers’ licence numbers, witness’ names and phone numbers, and your police report number if you have obtained one.

Although you have 30 days to report an injury claim, and six months to report a hit and run complaint, it is best to report your claim as soon as possible.

Document your injuries and property damage with photographs or videotape; save all receipts and repair estimates. Cyclists and pedestrians have many rights as insureds of collisions, and medical benefits may be available even if the cyclist is responsible for causing a collision. It is recommended that you contact ICBC and speak to an adjuster who can confirm whether your damages will be covered. When claiming for personal items (bikes, clothes, etc.), be prepared to show the damaged goods to the adjuster.

If you have difficulty understanding your legal obligations, it is recommended that you consult your property or liability insurer, or a lawyer with experience representing cyclists.

Hit and Run

In the case of a hit and run, with or without a vehicle licence plate number, follow the same procedure as above. You may still be covered by ICBC, depending on the circumstances of the collision. You must make a reasonable effort to identify the motor vehicle. To report a hit and run that you have witnessed or been involved in, call:

TIPS BC Line .................................... 1-800-661-6844

TIPS Lower Mainland ...................... (604) 661-6844

Dangerous Traffic Violations

Many cyclists and motorists are unaware of the rights and responsibilities of cyclists. In the event that you are on the receiving end of dangerous driving behaviour and are able to obtain a vehicle licence plate number, report the matter to police as soon as possible. It is unwise to confront motorists on the road with your opinion of their traffic etiquette. Use common sense when traffic incidents occur and avoid entering into ‘road rage’ behaviour yourself. As in the case of a collision, write down all relevant information immediately. Police can only act upon reports where there is evidence (vehicle licence plate) for a charge (i.e. unsafe passing, failure-to-yield, failure to drive with due care and attention, etc.). Depending on the location of the incident and the caseload of the local police, you may find the authorities reluctant to follow up on a report. It is important to avoid making ‘nuisance’ complaints. However, if your concern is of a serious nature, obtain a police report number and follow up on the outcome.