Riding a bike can be a lot of fun, and is a great way to exercise and get around. Taking the proper safety precautions – such as always wearing a helmet – can also be a safe activity. However, bicyclists can’t always prevent accidents caused by careless drivers. In 2020 alone, 7,941 bicyclists were injured in motor vehicle accidents in California – and another 153 bikers were killed.
While leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in California, some motorists will still flee an accident scene. If you are hurt in a hit-and-run bike crash, you should get to a safe place, call 911 to report the accident, and then seek medical attention as soon as possible. Taking these steps will not only keep you safe but may also protect your ability to seek financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
The Appel Law Firm LLP advocates for injury victims throughout Northern California, including bicyclists injured in hit-and-run accidents. We offer free initial consultations and never charge a fee unless we get money for you. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a Walnut Creek bicycle accident attorney, contact our law offices today.
What Should I Do After a Hit-and-Run Bike Crash?
Being hit by a car can be incredibly scary. When you’re riding your bike, it is even more frightening due to the potential for serious injuries like traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and spinal cord injury.
If the driver leaves the accident scene after hitting you, it can make it even harder to know what to do. Below, we outline some steps that you can take if you are hurt in a hit-and-run as a bicyclist.
Get to Safety
The first – and most important – thing that you should do after an accident is to get yourself to a safe location. If you’re on the road, this may mean getting onto the sidewalk. Once safe, you should check yourself for injuries. You should then call 911 to report the accident and get help.
Collect Evidence
If you are able to do so, you should try to collect evidence at the scene next. This may include taking photos and videos of the scene, your injuries, and your bike. You can also get information from any witnesses about what they saw and take down their names and phone numbers. If you or any witnesses remember anything about the driver or vehicle (such as the make, model, color, or license plate number), you should write it down.
File a Police Report
When law enforcement reports to the scene, you should file a police report with the officers. Tell them what you can remember about the crash and any information that you may have gathered from witnesses.
A police report will be incredibly helpful in not only bringing the hit-and-run driver to justice but also in your own personal injury claim. The police have more resources when it comes to investigating crimes. They may be able to locate the driver who hit you and charge them with a crime – which will be incredibly helpful when it comes to the civil legal process.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think that your injuries are minor, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible after a hit-and-run accident. Some injuries don’t necessarily show symptoms right away, especially if you are in shock from the crash. Getting medical help is the best way to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
These medical records will also be important as proof in a personal injury claim because they will establish a connection between the accident and your injuries. Your personal injury attorney will use this documentation to prove that you suffered damages (losses) due to the accident.
In addition to medical care, you may also talk to a therapist or other mental health professional about your accident. Being hit by a car can be traumatic and may lead to feelings of anxiety and/or depression. Getting help for both your physical and mental health is incredibly important for your well-being and your legal case.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
When you get home, you should report the accident to your own car insurance company. If the at-fault driver isn’t located, you might be able to file a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage. This is a type of coverage that you can purchase that will protect you in the event that you’re in a motor vehicle accident with a driver who either doesn’t have auto insurance or leaves the scene.
When reporting the accident to your insurance company, include any details that you have, such as when and where the crash happened. If you have a police report number, you can also include that. Your insurance company will perform its own investigation and may cover your losses related to the hit-and-run accident.
Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
When you are able to do so, reach out to a personal injury law firm to schedule a free consultation to explore your legal options. A lawyer can investigate the accident and try to locate the hit-and-run driver. They can assist you both with filing a claim against the driver and/or with your own insurer.
Through a personal injury claim, you could recover financial compensation for all of your losses. This may include money for your property damage, lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. This money can help you move forward with your life as you recover from your physical injuries and deal with the emotional and psychological impact of being in a bike accident.
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is 2 years. This means that – with a few exceptions – you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Because it can take time to locate a hit-and-run driver, contacting a personal injury lawyer sooner rather than later can help to ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
In Walnut Creek, the Appel Law Firm has experience handling both hit-and-run and bike accident cases. We are fierce advocates for our clients, working hard to get them maximum compensation for their losses.
Preventing a Bike Accident
It is important to understand that not all bike accidents are preventable. You could do everything right and still be hit by a drunk driver or a driver who isn’t paying attention to the road. However, there are some things that you can do to reduce the likelihood of being hit while riding your bike.
This includes:
- Wearing highly visible, bright colors so that drivers can see you;
- Always wearing a helmet to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury;
- Using bike lanes when available;
- Installing reflectors and lights on your bike;
- Following all traffic laws;
- Never ride your bike when under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Taking these steps may not prevent all hit-and-run accidents – but doing things like wearing safety gear can help to protect you if you are struck by a car. If you are involved in a bike crash, reach out to our law offices as soon as possible to schedule an appointment with a member of our legal team.
Hurt in a Bike Accident? We Can Help.
Too many Californians are hurt – or even killed – in bike accidents every year. When the driver leaves the scene of the accident, it can be hard to feel like you will ever get justice. Our law firm will stand by you through each step of the legal process, working to get you the compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
Based in Walnut Creek, the Appel Law Firm represents people who have been hurt in all types of accidents, from slip and falls to bike accidents to work-related injuries. We handle all personal cases on a contingency fee basis so that our clients can always afford to get the highest quality legal representation for their cases. To learn more or to talk to a Walnut Creek bike accident lawyer, give us a call at 925-938-2000 or fill out our online contact form.
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