Unfortunately, car accidents happen and will continue to happen. Too many drivers are distracted or negligent and end up hitting another person. Some of these accidents are hit and run in nature and involve people on bicycles.
Sadly, too many drivers disregard bicyclists and act as though they don’t deserve to share the road with cars and other motor vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that hundreds of bicyclists are killed each year in accidents with motor vehicles.
That said, if you are ever involved in a hit and run while riding your bicycle, it’s important to know what to do next.
Call the Police and File a Police Report
No matter what – even if the driver who hit you fled the scene – it’s important to immediately call the police. You need to get all the documentation you can after a hit and run accident, which means filing a police report with an officer who comes to the scene. Even if you don’t have the driver’s information, you can still file a report and have an investigation done.
The police investigation of your case will help you receive compensation for your medical bills and other damages through an insurance company.
Find Witnesses
Finding eyewitnesses is essential if you are involved in a hit and run accident and want to get a personal injury lawsuit going. Any witnesses who saw the accident occur can greatly help if they are able to recall what occurred. Talk to people around the scene of the accident and ask for their contact information.
When the police begin to investigate, they will contact these individuals. Their accounts can be a huge factor in locating the person who hit and injured you while you were on your bicycle.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
One of the most important things to do after being involved in an accident is to immediately seek medical attention. Even if you think you are fine or that your injuries are minor, you never know the exact extent of damage until you are checked out by a doctor. Go to the emergency room or a walk-in clinic if you are unable to see your regular doctor right away.
In addition, seeking medical attention can greatly help you when you seek insurance to cover your injuries and damages following an accident. You will have your injuries and their severity documented as proof.
Additionally, your body is full of adrenaline after any accident, so you may not realize how hurt you truly are until it fades. Getting examined right away will ensure that you have the treatment and care you need.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Lastly, contact your insurance company and notify them of the accident. It is imperative to act fast because usually you only have only 24 hours after an accident to be able to file a claim.
In addition, a hit and run accident can be trickier since the only way to get compensation to cover your medical bills and other damages is to go through your own insurance company until the driver who hit you is found.
Hit and run accidents involving bicycles can be a challenge when you want to recover compensation, but having a skilled attorney on your side is the key to being successful in your personal injury claim.
