Cyclists and drivers follow similar road rules, but collisions can occur due to rule-breaking by either party. The driver must stop and exchange information if the cyclist is injured in a collision.
Unfortunately, vehicular accidents can result in serious injuries for cyclists, leading to medical expenses and bicycle damage. If the driver speeds away, the cyclist must know what to do next to seek justice.
Keep calm and move to a safe location
If a cyclist gets hit by a motor vehicle, they should try and move themselves and their bicycle out of harm’s way as quickly as possible. They may move to a safe location if they risk being hit by moving vehicles. Safety should always be the top priority.
Contact the police and seek medical attention
In the event of a hit-and-run, a cyclist’s first instinct might be to try to pursue the driver. However, this is not advisable at the moment. Instead, they should report the accident to the police immediately, who can notify medical professionals for help.
Use a phone to document everything
Cyclists should take pictures of their bicycles, any visible injuries, traffic signs and signals, and the road surrounding the collision. Photographs or videos of the crash scene can provide critical evidence for law enforcement agents, insurance companies and attorneys.
Collect all the necessary information
If possible, cyclists involved in a hit-and-run must gather information about the vehicle that hit them, such as the model, color, make, and license plate number. They may also speak to any witnesses and get their contact information. Gathering evidence is critical as this can also help the police investigation and potentially identify the driver involved.
If no one can locate the driver
If the police cannot identify the driver, the cyclist may find it impossible to take legal action against them. However, a cyclist with uninsured motorist coverage may still be able to file a claim with their own insurance company. Further, consulting a legal professional may help them explore other options and ensure they take all appropriate steps.
When cyclists get hit, it’s already a challenging situation for them. But if the driver runs away, it can be even worse. This can upset cyclists and make things harder for them to seek justice. However, knowing what to do in this situation can be helpful and make things easier.
