Bicycling is a great way to commute to work. It helps you burn a few extra calories and gives you wonderful sunrise views on your ride to the office. With the increase in sustainability and wellness, the popularity of bicycling and commuting to work has been at an all-time high.
Unfortunately, bicycling is also more dangerous than driving. You’re more exposed when riding a bike, and other drivers don’t always pay attention. If you’re involved in a hit and run accident, you’re at greataer risk of injury.
Being in a hit and run on a bike increases the risk of injury significantly. Although you must always remain calm, you can handle the situation by contacting the police and your family.
Read on for more information about what to do in a hit and run bike accident.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you are involved in a hit and run accident on a bicycle, seek immediate medical attention, even if you believe you are uninjured. You may have sustained head, neck, or back injuries that are not immediately visible.
Internal bleeding is also a risk if you have been in an accident, and it can be dangerous if not treated right away. Make sure that you get the medical attention you need as soon as possible, either by visiting a hospital, walk-in clinic, or calling an ambulance.
Be sure to contact the police and preserve evidence from the accident including any surveillance footage. Document the accident with pictures of your injuries or the damage to your bike if available. Keep a record of all medical bills incurred from the accident, as these will be needed for insurance claims in the future.
File A Police Report
The next thing you should do is to file a police report. This report should include as much detail as possible, such as the exact time of the accident, a description of the vehicle and the driver, if known, a description of any damages, and if any other witnesses were present.
You should also report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible and take pictures of the scene of the accident. If your bike has sustained damage, you may also need to repair or replace it. It’s important to act quickly to ensure that the hit and run driver is held accountable for their careless actions.
Gather Evidence
If you are involved in a hit and run accident while on a bicycle, it is important to gather evidence as soon as possible. Make sure you get the contact information for the drivers and any potential witnesses who were present and can verify what happened.
Take pictures of where the accident occurred, as well as the distance between the cars and the bicycle. Take pictures of the condition of the bike and any damage done to it.
Take notes of where you were and what the conditions of the roads were when the accident occurred. If possible, obtain a copy of the police report and any medical records related to the incident. Having as much evidence as possible may be very beneficial in the event of a court case or insurance battle.
Notify Your Insurance Companies
If you are involved in a hit and run accident while riding your bicycle, it is essential to notify your insurance companies as soon as possible. Provide all of the relevant information to your company about the incident, including the date, time, location of the accident, and any other details you know.
Be sure to also provide any contact information you have from witnesses. Notably, contact information from the other party involved is not necessary because it was a hit and run, but it should still be given to police.
After this, follow up with your insurer to make sure that your claim is being processed. As frustrating as the situation may be, remember to remain polite when dealing with insurance companies. This will make the entire process easier, and it is more likely to help your case score favorably.
Consult A Skilled Hit-And-Run Bicycle Accident Attorney
If you’re involved in a hit and run accident on a bicycle, it’s important to consult a skilled hit and run bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible. Depending on the state you’re in, the statute of limitations may be as short as one year– meaning that if you don’t act quickly, you may miss out on any possible legal recourse.
Also, the facts of the accident can get distorted when time passes too quickly- so make sure that you speak with a lawyer as soon as you can. The bicycle accident attorney can work to analyze the evidence of the accident, track down the person responsible, and assist you in seeking compensation for any medical bills, repair costs, and other related financial losses.
Learn What to Do in a Hit and Run Accident
If you find yourself in a hit and run accident, remember to document everything you can and contact the police right away. Make sure to get legal counsel who is experienced with bicycle accidents to ensure you have a fair outcome.
Take care of yourself and never hesitate to reach out when you need help. So take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your rights in case of a hit and run bicycling accident.
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