Skip to crash steps

What to do after a crash

A crash has happened. Start here.

Put safety and medical care first. Then collect the information you may need for police, treatment, insurance or other follow-up.

Two helmeted riders cycling on a separated Canberra bike path
000 Serious or urgent emergency
Ask for ambulance, police or fire. Call now 131 444 Non-urgent police assistance
Use when there is no immediate danger. Call now

At the scene and afterwards

Take it one step at a time.

Only take photos, exchange details or move equipment when it is safe to do so. Follow instructions from emergency services.

  1. Check for immediate danger and injury

    Stop, breathe and assess what has happened. If safe and you are able, move yourself away from moving traffic. Call 000 for a serious or urgent emergency and stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.

    Possible head or neck injury: do not remove the injured person's helmet. Avoid moving them unless needed to escape immediate danger. Call 000 if someone is unconscious, confused, has a seizure, repeated vomiting, worsening symptoms or uncontrolled bleeding.

  2. Exchange factual details

    If another person or vehicle was involved, record their name, address and contact details. For a motor vehicle, record the registration, make, model, driver details and insurer if available.

    If the incident may lead to a public liability claim under Pedal Power's member insurance, do not admit liability.

  3. Collect witness information

    Ask witnesses for their names and phone numbers. Record what they saw in their own words if they are willing. Note whether nearby businesses, vehicles or homes may have camera footage.

  4. Document the scene

    When safe, photograph the wider scene, road or path conditions, signs, traffic controls, vehicle positions, registration plates, bicycle damage, other property damage and visible injuries. Write down the date, time, exact location, weather and your recollection while it is fresh.

  5. Get medical advice

    Seek appropriate medical care and tell the health professional how the crash happened. Symptoms can appear after the event, particularly after a head impact. For non-urgent health advice, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.

  6. Report the collision

    ACT Policing states that a collision in the ACT must be reported to police within 24 hours. If police did not take the report at the scene, use the ACT online collision form or visit a police station.

    If the crash occurred outside the ACT, check the reporting requirements for that location.

  7. Keep every relevant record

    Keep damaged items unless an insurer tells you otherwise. Save the collision report number, photos, original files, medical documents, correspondence and receipts for treatment, travel, repairs and other crash-related expenses.

Evidence checklist

Save the details before they disappear.

People

Names and contacts

Other parties, witnesses, police, ambulance and treating health professionals.

Vehicles

Registration and insurer

Registration, make, model, driver details and insurance information.

Scene

Photos and notes

Positions, road conditions, signs, damage, injuries, weather, time and location.

Follow-up

Reports and receipts

Collision number, medical records, forms, invoices and correspondence.

ACT collision reporting

Report the collision within 24 hours.

ACT Policing's online form asks for the date and time, location, road and weather conditions, vehicle information and collision details. The completed form generates a report number that can be used for insurance claims.

Open the ACT collision form Read ACT Police guidance
13weeks

If a motor vehicle was involved

You may be able to apply under the ACT Motor Accident Injuries Scheme.

The Motor Accident Injuries Commission says a person injured in an ACT motor accident may apply for personal injury benefits. Seek medical treatment, report the accident and send the completed application documents to the appropriate MAI insurer within 13 weeks of the crash. Late applications can affect benefits and require an explanation.

For free information and application help, call the Defined Benefits Information Service on 1300 209 642.

Read the official MAI steps

Pedal Power members

Start the right claim process.

Cover is not automatic for every incident. Eligibility and any benefit depend on the current policy terms, schedules, limits, exclusions and the insurer's assessment.

Personal accident

If you were injured

  1. Get the medical care you need.
  2. Keep receipts, invoices, medical information and incident details.
  3. Complete the personal injury claim form and attach the requested documents.
  4. Send the form to Pedal Power so the declaration can be completed and the claim forwarded.
Download the claim form
Read the insurance guide and policies

Good to know

Questions after a crash.

These answers are general information only. Emergency services, health professionals, police and the insurer should guide your individual situation.

Should I move my bike or leave the scene unchanged?
Safety comes first. Do not remain in moving traffic to preserve a scene. If it is safe, take photos before moving the bicycle or other items. Follow any direction from police or emergency services.
What if I feel fine immediately after the crash?
Some symptoms may appear later, particularly after a head impact. Seek medical advice if symptoms develop or if you are concerned. Call 000 for a serious or urgent condition, or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for non-urgent advice.
Does Pedal Power insurance pay for my damaged bicycle?
No. The published member insurance summary lists bicycles, associated equipment and personal property as not covered. Separate bicycle or contents insurance may be relevant.
Does being a member guarantee that a claim will be paid?
No. Eligibility, the circumstances, exclusions, limits, supporting evidence and the insurer's assessment affect whether a claim is accepted and what may be payable.
Who decides who was at fault?
Do not rely on this page to determine fault or legal liability. Police, insurers and, where necessary, legal processes assess the evidence and applicable law.

Need help with the next step?

Contact the Pedal Power team.

We can help members identify the relevant forms and insurance contact pathway.

Email office@pedalpower.org.au Call 02 6248 7995

Important: This page is a general guide for crashes in the ACT and is not emergency, medical, legal, insurance or financial advice. Always follow emergency-service and health-professional directions. Current legislation, official government guidance and the insurance policy documents prevail.