Cycling Accident Handling and Legal Knowledge: A Complete Rights Guide for Taiwanese Cyclists

Staying Calm in an Accident

In the moment of a cycling accident, staying calm and following the correct procedures can significantly affect subsequent claims and legal processes. Whether it’s a minor collision or a serious accident, you need to handle it according to the proper steps.

Emergency Steps at the Scene of the Accident

The First Moments (0-5 minutes):

1. Assess injuries: Check whether you or others are injured
2. Call an ambulance: Dial 119 (if there are injuries)
3. Preserve the scene: Do not move vehicles unless they pose a hazard
4. Report to the police: Dial 110 and provide the accident location

Next (5-30 minutes):

5. Take photos and record: Vehicle positions, road conditions, injuries, dashcam footage
6. Obtain the other party’s information: Name, mobile number, license plate, insurance company
7. Look for witnesses: Ask witnesses to leave their contact information
8. Give a statement: Cooperate with the police to produce an accident report

Basic Legal Knowledge

Determining Liability

Traffic accident liability determination in Taiwan typically considers:

• Right of way: Who has the right of way
• Traffic violations: Whether either party committed a violation
• Speed factors: Whether anyone was speeding or exceeding a safe speed
• Duty of care: Whether reasonable duty of care was fulfilled

The Legal Status of Bicycles

In Taiwan, bicycles are legally classified as “slow vehicles”:

• They have the right to use the road (but must obey traffic rules)
• They must ride on designated routes
• Violations can result in fines
• If they cause harm to others, they bear liability for negligence

Insurance Claims Process

Your insurance:

• Personal accident insurance: For your own injuries or death
• Bicycle-specific insurance: For damage to your bike

The other party’s insurance:

• If the other party is at fault, file a claim with their compulsory automobile liability insurance
• For amounts exceeding that coverage, file a claim with their third-party liability insurance

Common Legal Misconceptions

Post-Accident Medical Records

Even if you feel fine at the time, after an accident you should:

1. Seek medical attention immediately: Go to the emergency room if you have any discomfort
2. Keep receipts: Keep all documentation of medical expenses
3. Record symptoms: Establish a medical history

How to Claim Compensation

If the other party is at fault:

1. Personal injury damages: Medical expenses, nursing care costs, loss of income, compensation for emotional distress
2. Property damages: Bicycle repair costs or compensation for depreciation
3. Negotiation or legal action: Try negotiation first; if that fails, pursue legal channels

Preventive Measures Before Riding

The best protection is preventing accidents from happening:

• Wear a helmet (legal obligation + life-saving)
• Install front and rear lights
• Install a dashcam
• Obey traffic rules
• Have proper insurance coverage

Related Reading

• On-Scene Handling of Cycling Accidents: First Aid Basics and Reporting Procedures
• What to Do After an Accident? The Complete SOP for Handling Cycling Accidents
• Handling Road Accidents on a Bicycle: On-Scene First Aid for Abrasions, Impacts, and Fractures
• Emergency Response After a Cycling Accident: On-Scene Response for Abrasions, Fractures, and Head Impacts