Question from a reader:
This morning, I was involved in a bicycle accident. At an intersection, another bicycle came speeding towards me, and my front wheel got bent. Because of that, the front wheel won’t turn, and it won’t move whether I push or pedal, and the lock part is also broken, so I can’t lock it anymore. It seems the
other bicycle didn’t have significant damage. The other person had a scrape, while I have a bruise. In this case, can I claim the full repair costs from the other party? Also, my injury seems like it might heal in a couple of days, but should I go to the hospital just in case?

How to Handle a Bicycle Accident and Legal Perspectives

Hello! I’m a man in my early 30s, born in California and raised in Osaka. Today, I’d like to answer a reader’s question about being involved in a bicycle accident. Such accidents are truly unexpected events and can be a very real issue, especially for those who regularly commute by bicycle.

Let’s Organize the Accident Situation

First, let’s clarify the situation of the accident. You mentioned that a bicycle came speeding towards you at an intersection. This is a very dangerous situation. Bicycle accidents can occur surprisingly often due to the unique speed of bicycles and the difficulty in assessing the surrounding situation. You said your front wheel got bent, which could be quite costly to repair. Additionally, the broken lock part is also a troublesome issue. If you can’t use your bicycle after the accident, you lose your means of transportation. This can be a significant stress, especially for parents who need to transport their children to daycare.

About Claiming Repair Costs

Now, regarding whether you can claim the full repair costs from the other party, this is a very important legal point. Generally, compensation is determined based on the cause of the accident and the degree of negligence. If the reason the other bicycle collided with you was due to their negligence, you have the right to claim repair costs. Specifically, it’s important to keep detailed records of the accident situation. Of course, you may feel that the other party is at fault, but the law evaluates the situation calmly. To do this, it would be good to note the following points at the time of the accident: – The time and place of the accident – The circumstances of the accident (how the collision occurred) – Contact information for any witnesses – The contact information and bicycle details of the other party Having this information will be very helpful when making a compensation claim later on. In fact, having such records can strengthen your position even if the other party admits fault.

Considering Your Injury

Next, regarding your injury, you mentioned it’s just a bruise, but it’s advisable to go to the hospital just in case. Bruises may not seem like a significant issue at first, but the pain can worsen later. Especially in bicycle accidents, other parts of your body may also be affected, so I recommend seeing a doctor rather than relying on your own judgment. I have also been in a bicycle accident. At that time, I thought, “I’m fine, it just hurts a little,” but weeks later, the pain didn’t go away, and I ended up having to visit an orthopedic clinic. In hindsight, I regretted not getting checked out earlier, as it might have prevented the pain and symptoms from worsening.

Mental Impact After the Accident

After an accident, the physical injuries are not the only concern; the mental impact cannot be ignored either. Especially when riding a bicycle, recalling the accident can lead to increased anxiety. I love comedy and usually have a cheerful personality, but after my accident, I was afraid to ride my bicycle for a while. Such mental impacts can be a significant source of stress, especially for parents. For you, having children, the accident must have been particularly distressing. If you’re feeling down, I recommend talking to a trusted friend or family member. Sometimes just talking can help lighten your mood.

Conclusion

Bicycle accidents are unexpected events that come with not only physical injuries but also mental stress. However, from a legal perspective, you have the right to claim repair costs, so it’s crucial to gather evidence. And if you’re worried about your injury, don’t forget to seek medical attention. While it may be unavoidable to encounter accidents in daily life, taking proper steps afterward and caring for your mental well-being can help you return to your normal life as quickly as possible. I understand your feelings well, as I have experienced something similar. If you need anything, feel free to reach out again!