Bicyclist hit and runs involve collisions between cyclists and vehicles where one party leaves the scene. It is a crime to leave the scene of an accident, and fines can be imposed for those who do. If you have been the victim of a hit and run accident involving your bicycle and another car, you may not know what to do next. Reading through this information below may give you the confidence you need to take action.
Step 1: Contact the Police
Police deal with thousands of hit and run accidents every year, so your phone call or visit will not be unexpected. You can phone them, make a report in person, or have them visit the scene of the accident. Doing this as soon as possible can be crucial for gathering evidence, even if you cannot recall the license plate number of the driver or their appearance.
Step 2: Get Medical Attention
Regardless of how minor you think your injuries are, you are bound to feel at least some discomfort at having been hit by a car on your bicycle. You can call emergency services to come to you or visit your local hospital for treatment. Request a medical report and a costs breakdown which can form part of the evidence-gathering process to file a bicycle accident claim.
Step 3: Talk To Your Insurance Provider
You might think that your insurance provider will not cover your injuries or damages because you were not driving a car, but many do. It can be worth making the phone call to see whether this policy or your health insurance policy will provide coverage. Because the party responsible left the scene, which is a growing problem, you do not yet have their insurance company to rely upon for compensation.
Step 4: Gather Evidence
If it is safe and comfortable for you to do so at the time, gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Witness statements, photos, and video footage may all be helpful if you manage to find out who is responsible for your accident and hold them to account. It is also a good idea to receive a copy of your police report and medical report. This information can help your chosen bike accident lawyer calculate a compensation figure.
Step 5: Contact a Bike Accident Lawyer
After requesting assistance from medical professionals, the police, and your insurance company, your next port of call should be a bike accident lawyer. By this point, police may have been able to track down who is responsible for your accident.
Even if they have not been able to, a high-quality lawyer can determine the best decisions to make regarding your case. This might involve making a claim for medical payment coverage or contacting your insurance company on your behalf.
No one ever wants to find themselves involved in a hit and run accident involving a bicycle and car. However, they are more common than you might think. If you are the victim of such an accident, follow these five steps above, and request a free consultation with a reputable bike accident lawyer.
