What to Do in a Hit-and-Run Accident Involving a Bicycle

Bicycle accidents happen more than you might think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are about 1,000 deaths and 130,000 injuries from bicycle accidents in the United States every year. Unfortunately, some of these bike crashes are hit-and-run accidents, leaving cyclists and their families having to deal with the aftermath alone.

If you were injured by a negligent hit-and-run driver while riding your bicycle, there are ways you can recover compensation for your losses. Our Miami hit-and-run attorney team explains what to do to receive the justice you deserve.

What is a bicycle and car hit-and-run accident?

A bicycle and car hit-and-run crash occurs when a victim is hit by a car while on a bike, and the driver flees the scene. Many drivers are distracted by texting, talking on the phone, or chatting with passengers and fail to notice cyclists on the road. When careless drivers hit cyclists and choose to drive away, the accident is considered a bicycle hit-and-run accident.

Who is at fault in a car crash involving a bicycle?

More often than not, a negligent motorist is responsible for a bicycle accident. When a driver does not take reasonable care to operate their vehicle safely, they are being negligent and can be held responsible if they cause a bicycle crash, injuries, and property damage. However, there are some cases in which the cyclist or a third party may be at fault.

Some third parties who may be liable for damages include:

• Bicycle manufacturer
• Manufacturer of a defective vehicle part
• A government agency that did not post proper road signage

A car-hits-bicycle crash generally leaves cyclists with serious injuries, costly medical bills, and extensive pain and suffering. Cyclists can work with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to see what their legal options are to claim compensation — even if it was a hit-and-run accident involving bicycle injuries.

What should you do if you are in a crash with a bicycle?

Drivers who collide with a bicycle on the road should follow the same steps they would if they were involved in a car crash. You should:

• Stop your vehicle in a safe place
• Get medical assistance for yourself or the cyclist
• Wait for the police to arrive
• Exchange information
• Inform your insurance company of the accident

What should you do if a car hits you on your bicycle and flees? 

If you are hit by a car while on a bicycle, here are the steps you should take to stay safe and put yourself in a good position to take legal action:

1. Call for immediate medical attention

The first thing you should do after a car-hits-bicycle crash is assess your injuries and call for immediate assistance. Even if you don’t seem to be hurt right away, some injuries take a while to become apparent. Also, your body may have released adrenaline after the accident, which can mask the pain of an injury.

Getting medical attention right away means you have documentation of your injuries and can treat them before they leave permanent damage. Focus on your health and follow through with all medical advice from your healthcare professionals.

2. File a police report

Filing a police report may be the most important thing you do after a bicycle hit-and-run accident. Even if it seems pointless to contact the police because the driver fled the scene, the police can use their resources and start an investigation to potentially identify the driver. Also, insurance companies will likely need a police report to pay your claim.

3. Gather evidence

If possible, you should try to document the scene of the accident and gather as much evidence as you can. For example, you can:

• Take pictures of the road conditions
• Take pictures of your injuries and damage to your bike
• Get witness contact information
• Do not dispose of the clothes, helmet, or other protective gear you were wearing

4. Notify your insurance companies

Do not wait to let your auto insurance and health insurance companies know about the car and bicycle hit-and-run Florida accident. In many states, you must report the accident immediately to open a claim and qualify for compensation for damages.

5. Consult a skilled hit-and-run bicycle accident attorney

Although a bicycle accident can be devastating for victims and their families, a hit-and-run bicycle lawyer may be able to help you get financial relief for your losses. Contact an experienced attorney who understands bicycle accidents to see what you can do to recover damages and get the support you need to get your life back on track.

Schedule a free consultation with our Miami bicycle accident lawyers

The trusted Miami bicycle accident attorneys at Bernstein & Maryanoff Injury Attorneys can help you fight for the compensation you deserve after a hit-and-run crash. To learn more about your legal options and how we can assist you in your claim, contact us to schedule a free case evaluation today.

Sources:

Bicycle Safety. (2022).

Hit and Run Accidents and the Consequences.Reasonable Care. (2020).