One moment you are riding down the road, the next you are in a crumpled heap on the ground, screaming in pain as you watch taillights fade into the distance. Although most drivers would stop after hitting a cyclist, hit-and-run crashes do occur.
We hope you will never have to deal with the aftermath of a hit-and-run bicycle accident, but if the unforeseen does occur, it is important that you are prepared. Contact a Kass & Moses hit-and-run accident attorneys to protect your rights.
The most important way to protect yourself in the event of a hit-and-run crash while cycling is to have ample uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on your automobile insurance policy.
If you are struck by a vehicle while cycling and that motorist leaves the scene of the accident, you can get compensation through your own automobile insurance policy, just as if the other vehicle did not leave and had insurance. This is why it is critical to have at least $300,000 of insured/under-insured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of your car insurance package.
What to Do if You are a Cyclist Injured in a Hit-and-Run Crash
If you are struck by a vehicle that leaves the scene of the crash, it is important to collect as much evidence as possible. Photos from the scene of the crash can help to validate your story and provide evidence of your damages.
Call 911 immediately after the accident so that emergency services will respond. They will speak with witnesses and will write a report of the crash from the scene. This report will be important as you seek to receive compensation for your injuries.
We suggest you reach out to an experienced bicycle attorney—a lawyer experienced in bicycle hit-and-run cases—as soon as possible after your crash. When you call Kass & Moses hit-and-run attorneys, we will speak with you immediately and begin a full investigation into your case. We will speak with witnesses and police, and will scour the scene to determine if any video footage of the crash exists.
If it is possible to locate the driver, we will work with law enforcement and demand that justice be done. Even if we cannot find the driver, you can still receive compensation for your injuries.
Your medical bills represent the tip of the iceberg when it comes to compensation after your hit-and-run crash. In addition to those bills, which can easily exceed $10,000 for even a moderate injury, you will likely require a period of time away from work. This can mean a significant loss of pay. And some people face injuries that are so severe, they may never be able to return to work again.
Even if your injuries are relatively minor, you have still suffered emotionally from the trauma of the crash. You may now fear cycling, and feel insecure about riding on the road again. At Kass & Moses, we believe all cyclists have the right to ride freely, without fear of injury.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation. We will provide a thorough assessment of your case over the phone, and we will explain the next steps we will take to get justice for you. Remember, you will not owe a penny until we get justice for you!