Getting involved in a hit-and-run bicycle accidents can be overwhelming, but knowing your next steps can make a big difference in your recovery and your ability to seek justice. This guide from Bike Legal lays out how to respond immediately after the crash, how to gather evidence, and what legal paths are available¡ªespecially when the driver flees the scene.
Right after the incident, the most important priorities are your health and safety. Seek medical attention¡ªeven if your injuries seem minor¡ªbecause early treatment both protects you and creates crucial documentation for your case.
Stay at the scene if you can, and try to collect as much information as possible: take photos of the damage (your bike, surroundings, injuries), note the direction the vehicle fled, and look for witnesses who saw what happened. Filing a police report is essential¡ªit provides an official record that will support any insurance or legal claims.
Legally, if the driver is never identified, your own insurance¡¯s Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage might apply to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the driver is later identified, you may have options to pursue a lawsuit or negotiate a settlement.
A specialized bicycle accident attorney can help with this, guiding you through claim timing, gathering evidence like surveillance footage or eyewitness statements, and maximizing the compensation you deserve. If you ever find yourself victim to a hit-and-run bicycle accident, having this knowledge can mean the difference between being stuck and being able to move forward.
