If you do plan to sue, don’t race.
So says cycling attorney Brendan Kevenides of Chi-Town:
Say, for example, you are out training before a big race, get hit by a car and suffer a shoulder separation and ankle fracture. You hire an attorney who brings a claim against the driver. Grimacing with each pedal stroke you participate in and finish the big race.
When your attorney begins negotiating resolution of the case, the motorist’s attorney pushes back against your demand for a significant settlement by pointing out that you raced soon after your accident; your injury must not be too bad.
IANAL, but Brendan is, so go read the rest of the post at his website.