Updated on May 12, 2026
Being involved in a bicycle accident as a motorist is a serious, stressful situation. What you do and do not do in the moments immediately after the accident can affect both the cyclist's safety and your legal standing.
The bottom line: Stay at the scene, call 911 immediately, wait for police, and keep your responses brief. Then contact an experienced personal injury attorney before speaking with any insurance representative.
Key Takeaways
Leaving the scene of a bicycle accident is illegal—you must stay
Call 911 immediately, even if the cyclist appears uninjured
Wait for police to arrive and complete an official report
Do not admit fault to anyone at the scene
Refer all insurance representatives to your personal injury attorney
A Killeen personal injury attorney can protect your rights throughout the legal process
Why Bicycle Accidents Are So Serious
Bicyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. They are often difficult to see, do not always follow traffic rules, and have nothing but a helmet to protect them from the impact of a collision. When a motor vehicle strikes a bicyclist, serious injury is a very real possibility, even when the collision appears minor.
This vulnerability matters legally and medically. Here is why:
Serious injuries can be slow to show symptoms and may worsen significantly without early treatment.
The cyclist may be in shock and unable to accurately assess their own condition at the scene.
Early medical intervention gives the injured person the best chance of full recovery.
What to Do After Hitting a Bicyclist: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Remain at the Scene
Staying at the scene is not optional — it is required by law. Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is illegal. Staying is simply the right thing to do.
Step 2: Call 911 Immediately
Your first call should be to 911. Request that an ambulance be dispatched and assist the injured cyclist in any way you safely can while waiting for help to arrive.
Do not assume the cyclist is unharmed because they say so or appear to be. Internal injuries are not always immediately visible, and a cyclist in shock may be incapable of making sound medical decisions for themselves at that moment.
Step 3: Wait for Police and the Official Report
Do not leave before law enforcement arrives and completes a police report. If the cyclist was responsible for the accident, you will likely need that report to support your position. It will include details you may not have thought to document yourself—details that could be critical to your defense.
Step 4: Keep Your Responses Brief
Regardless of who you believe caused the accident, do not admit fault to the cyclist, bystanders, or police. Answer any officer's questions as truthfully and succinctly as possible, but don’t share additional information that could be twisted to put more of the blame for the accident on you.
Step 5: Refer Insurance Representatives to Your Attorney
Once an insurance representative contacts you, do not provide a recorded statement or detailed account of the accident. Refer them directly to your experienced Texas personal injury attorney. Insurance companies are focused on protecting their profits. Their representatives are trained to obtain responses that can be used against you.
Were You the Motorist in a Bicycle Accident? We Can Help.
Bicycle accidents are serious, and the legal process that follows can be complex. If you were a motorist involved in a bike accident in Texas, you need an experienced attorney protecting your rights from the start.
Attorney Brett Pritchard at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas is committed to defending motorists throughout the legal process.
Call (254) 781-4222 or contact us online today to schedule a FREE consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to stay at the scene if I hit a bicyclist?
Yes. Remaining at the scene is required by law. Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is illegal. Staying at the scene is the right thing to do.
Should I call 911 even if the cyclist seems uninjured?
Yes. A cyclist may appear unharmed but have suffered internal injuries that are not immediately apparent. They may also be in shock and unable to accurately assess their own condition. Call 911 and request an ambulance regardless of how the cyclist appears.
Why do I need to wait for the police after a bicycle accident?
The official police report documents details of the accident that may be critical to your legal defense — especially if the cyclist was at fault. Leaving before the report is completed can seriously harm your position.
Should I admit fault at the scene of a bicycle accident?
No. Regardless of who you believe caused the accident, do not admit fault to anyone at the scene. Answer police questions truthfully and briefly, but do not offer additional statements.
What should I do when an insurance company contacts me after a bicycle accident?
Refer the insurance representative directly to your personal injury attorney. Insurance companies are trained to obtain responses that protect their interests, not yours.
How do I get legal help after being involved in a bicycle accident in Texas?
Contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Attorney Brett Pritchard at the Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas is ready to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. Call (254) 781-4222 or contact us online today.