Being the victim of a hit and run accident can be scary, frustrating, and confusing. When you’re on a bicycle and get hit by a car that speeds off, it adds another layer of challenges. You’re likely injured and your bicycle may be damaged. The driver who hit you is long gone before you can get their license plate number or other identifying information.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit and run bike accident, it’s important to know what to do next to protect yourself, get compensation for your injuries and damages, and try to identify the at-fault driver. Here is a guide to the steps you should take if you’re ever involved in a hit and run as a bicyclist.
At the Scene
If you are able to get up and move around after being hit, see if you can spot any identifying details about the vehicle that hit you before it drove away. The license plate number, make/model, color, and any stickers or noticeable damage could be useful information later.
Check to see if there are any surveillance cameras on buildings at the intersection where you were hit. Businesses may have exterior security cameras that captured footage of the vehicle fleeing the scene.
Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and damage to your bicycle with your phone. Document skid marks on the road and the final resting place of your bicycle after being hit.
Call the police and report the hit and run accident. Be prepared to give them descriptions of the vehicle and driver, the time it occurred, and the direction in which the car fled.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t have noticeable injuries, you should still get checked out by a doctor after any bicycle accident. Adrenaline can mask pain symptoms, and some injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not have obvious symptoms at first.
The records from your medical evaluation after the accident will be important documentation if you need to make an injury claim later. Report all your symptoms and pains to the doctor and follow their recommendations for treatment. Keep all records related to medical bills, tests, prescriptions, etc.
File a Police Report
After seeking initial medical treatment, go to the police station and file an official report on the hit and run accident. Provide the police with all the details you can remember about how the crash happened and any identifying details about the vehicle and driver. This creates an official record of the incident that can help with your insurance claim and hit and run investigation.
Consult with a Bicycle Accident Attorney
Speaking with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer is highly recommended after a hit and run. They can handle the insurance claims process for you while you focus on recovery. An attorney can also launch an independent investigation to uncover identifying details about the at-fault driver.
Resources like security footage, traffic cameras, and witnesses may yield new evidence the police missed in their initial investigation. In some cases, a lawyer can get the at-fault driver’s insurance company to settle your injury claim even without identifying the exact driver. Their experience negotiating fair settlement amounts can help ensure you receive full compensation.
What Compensation is Available After a Hit and Run Bicycle Accident?
The compensation available if you are the victim of a hit and run depends on the severity of your damages and if the at-fault driver is successfully identified and proven liable. Some potential compensation sources include:
- Your own auto, health, or bicycle insurance policies to cover repairs, medical bills, and lost wages
- Under/uninsured motorist coverage from your policy for hit and run accidents
- Restitution from the driver if found – covers both economic and non-economic damages
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance from the at-fault driver’s policy
- Settlement or court award from the liable driver’s insurance company
Economic damages that can typically be claimed after a bicycle hit and run include:
- Medical expenses from injury treatment
- Lost income due to missing work during recovery
- Repair or replacement costs for your damaged bike
- Rental vehicle fees while your bike is repaired
- Ongoing or future medical costs related to the accident
Non-economic damages that may be awarded include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
- PTSD from the traumatic event
If the at-fault driver is never found, it becomes much harder to recover full compensation for your damages. Working with an attorney improves your chances of identifying the hit and run driver and getting the maximum settlement you deserve.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Hit and Run Bicycle Accident
The aftermath of a traumatic hit and run bicycle crash can be extremely overwhelming. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help by:
- Launching an independent investigation using legal resources not available to civilians
- Communicating with insurance companies and negotiating fair settlements
- Filing necessary paperwork and dealing with claim procedures
- Proving liability and long-term damages to secure maximum compensation
- Taking the case to court if a satisfactory settlement isn’t reached through negotiation
- Connecting you with reputable doctors, specialists, damage appraisers, and other experts to build your claim
- Avoiding common pitfalls that could undermine your claim and compromise your rights to compensation
- Answering all your questions and walking you through the complex legal process after an accident
Recovering physically, mentally, and financially after a hit and run bicycle crash takes time. A lawyer handles all the legal aspects so you can focus on healing. They work strictly on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront fees or charges to you.
Don’t Wait to Get Help After a Hit and Run
Trying to handle a bicycle accident insurance claim on your own can sabotage your ability to recover maximum compensation for your injuries, lost income, and other damages. An experienced bicycle accident attorney has the tenacity and resources to conduct a thorough investigation, build a strong claim, and fight for the complete compensation amount you legally deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run bicycle accident, contact our office for a free, no-obligation consultation today. We will evaluate your case details and advise you on the best legal options to protect your rights after the driver responsible fled the scene. Our dedicated legal team is here to help get you back on track after this traumatic event.
Visit our office at 536 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133.
Or call now for a free consultation on (415) 352-6264.