Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be an incredibly traumatic and stressful experience. When you’re out cycling on the roads, and a driver hits you but doesn’t stop, it leaves you in a dangerous situation through no fault of your own. As well as dealing with any injuries sustained, you also have the uncertainty over finding the at-fault driver and getting the compensation needed to get your life back on track. This article provides key information and the next steps on what bicycle accident victims should do following a hit-and-run.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If you have sustained any injuries in the accident, it’s vital to seek medical care straight away. Adrenaline and shock can mask serious underlying injuries, so you need to get checked over thoroughly after any collision. Go to the emergency room or call for an ambulance so professionals can assess and treat you. Getting prompt medical care can improve injury outcomes in both the short and long term. Make sure to tell the treating physicians that you were in a bike hit-and-run so this is documented in your medical records.
Report the Accident to the Police
Another essential next step is to contact the police to officially report the hit-and-run accident. Provide the police with specific details on where and when the collision occurred, the direction the vehicle was traveling, any identifying details about the car and driver, if possible, as well as the nature of your injuries. Ask the attending police officer for a copy of the crash report for your records. Having an official report is crucial for evidence, and police may also be able to access surveillance cameras or other leads to help identify the at-fault driver.
Collect Evidence from the Accident Scene
If it is safe and possible to do so, make sure to collect as much evidence from the accident scene as you can. Take photographs showing damage to your bike, blood or vehicle debris on the road, skid marks, location of the impact, and final rest positions. Also, take the time to get the contact details of any witnesses who saw the crash. All this evidence can strengthen an injury claim and hit-and-run investigation later on. But don’t remain at the scene for too long or put yourself in danger of further collision. You should only do what is safe.
Consider a Hit-and-Run Insurance Claim
Most standard insurance policies have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This means you can make a claim with your own auto or bicycle insurance provider if the at-fault hit-and-run driver is not identified. While compensation may be limited compared to what is recoverable from the liable driver, this extra policy coverage can provide some medical cost and loss wage reimbursement after a hit-and-run crash. Speak to your insurer about starting a claim.
Contact an Experienced Bicycle Accident Attorney
Consulting with a qualified bicycle accident lawyer after a hit-and-run collision is highly advisable. They can launch their own investigation using accident reconstruction experts, issue subpoenas for surveillance footage, access vehicle and driver databases, thoroughly examine medical reports and lost income documentation, handle negotiations with insurers, and take the necessary legal action to recover maximum compensation for your injuries, damages and losses. An attorney protects your rights and does the legwork so you can focus on healing. Many people find that this alone is worth hiring them for.
What Compensation Is Recoverable After a Bicycle Hit-and-Run?
The consequences of hit-and-run bike crashes can be extensive with huge financial strains. Working with an attorney helps accident victims pursue compensation for many categories, such as:
Medical expenses – All hospital, physician, therapy, medication, equipment, and transportation costs related to treating crash injuries are covered. Both immediate and predicted future treatments over a victim’s lifetime are accounted for.
Lost income – If injuries force time off work for recovery, compensation covers lost wages for that entire period. Future earning capacity can be reduced too.
Loss of future earnings – Permanent disabilities negatively impact long-term earning capacities. Lawyers work with vocational experts to accurately calculate overall professional losses over future years.
Pain and suffering – There is monetary compensation for emotional distress, physical pain, and mental anguish stemming from crash injuries and trauma.
Loss of enjoyment of life – Compensation can cover the impact on quality of life if victims can no longer participate in favored hobbies, recreational activities, sports, or valued interests they previously enjoyed.
Disfigurement – Visible scarring and disfigurement from collision injuries that impact confidence and self-esteem can be considered in claims.
Wrongful death damages – In fatal hit-and-runs, families can pursue damages for grief, funeral costs and loss of companionship.
Punitive damages – If gross driver negligence caused the hit-and-run, such as drunk driving, additional punitive sums can be claimed in some cases.
Experienced bicycle accident lawyers thoroughly assess all short and long-term losses to determine full compensable value. This provides accident victims with the strong legal representation needed to demand fair restitution from drivers and insurers after negligent hit-and-run crashes.
Don’t Suffer Further Because of Driver Misconduct
Being injured in any automobile collision can derail lives with mounting medical bills, lost income due to time off work recovering, and struggling with pain, disabilities, and trauma. When an irresponsible driver causes harm and then disappears from the scene without responsibility, it compounds distress for the helpless victim. But with an adept bicycle accident attorney fighting for your best interests, hit-and-run victims have support for legal and financial issues. Victims shouldn’t have to bear burdens alone where compensation can alleviate stresses. Consult with a lawyer about your legal options, so you have a backup against insurance barriers and system obstacles. Don’t hesitate to connect if a bicycle hit-and-run has harmed you or a loved one. There are people ready to help.
If you’ve been in a hit and run bicycle accident, we can help.
You can visit our office at 15 Broad St #800 Boston, MA 02109.
Or call now for a free consultation on (617) 263-0860.