Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents: What Cyclists Should Do

Getting hit by a car while cycling can be a stressful and traumatic situation. Of course, if the driver doesn't stop to check on you or exchange information, it adds an additional layer of stress. Unfortunately, hit-and-run bicycle accidents happen often, leaving many cyclists unsure about what to do next. In a busy city, the chances of having an accident are quite high.

Many cyclists are not sure how to gather evidence, file a report, or seek compensation for their injuries. Those who are involved in such situations find that contacting a bicycle accident lawyer in Atlanta is one of the best decisions they can make. The need for legal representation becomes even more critical when it is impossible to find the responsible driver. That being said, even before calling a lawyer, there are necessary steps you should take.

Focus on Your Health and Safety

The first thing to think about after a hit-and-run bicycle accident is your safety. If you are able to move in any way, get yourself out of the road or bike lane to a place that is safe from being hit again. Sometimes an injury makes moving more hazardous, so you should use caution and take your time. You may feel fine, but your body may be in "shock," and you could have injuries that are not apparent at that moment.

Once you are in a safe place, you should call for assistance immediately. Request medical and police assistance. Even if you believe your injury is insignificant, you should seek examination by medical professionals. Certain impacts can cause serious injuries, such as strains to muscle and tendon tissue, internal bleeding, or concussion, which can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Medical records are important for many reasons, but they serve as official documentation for existing injuries if you decide to file an insurance claim or seek legal action later. In such cases, the assistance of a bicycle accident lawyer in Atlanta can also be valuable.

Collect Information

Start documenting everything that happened as soon as you know help is on the way. The facts such as the color, model, make of the vehicle, the part of the license plate you remember, direction the driver took, unique features such as bumper stickers or damage on the vehicle will be extremely helpful.

You could use your phone to take pictures of the scene if it's safe enough. Take shots of your bike, location, any visible injuries you've sustained, and anything else that could show what happened. This might help in demonstrating the scenario later.

If there are potential witnesses, politely ask if they would be available to leave a statement. They can make an enormous difference in a hit-and-run case. Maybe later, the police can acquire the video footage from those nearby businesses or private homes that have cameras, showing the actual event. Such evidence and information can help your case, especially if you are working with a hit-and-run attorney in Atlanta.

Report to Police

It is crucial to file a police report as soon as possible after a hit-and-run bicycle accident occurs. Even if the driver who hit you has already left the scene, the police need to hear about the incident. They can create a written report to document the incident, begin investigating, and potentially track down the driver based on your information and any cameras in the area.

When speaking to police, try to stick to the facts. Explain what happened to the best of your ability, as clearly as you can, and as calmly as possible. Do not guess or speculate about things you have no way of knowing. Your police report will be a key document if, later, you have to deal with an insurance company or need to consult a bicycle accident lawyer in Atlanta to pursue your rights in the form of a legal action.

Conclusion

Hit-and-run accidents are horrible, unfair experiences, but knowing the steps to take can greatly assist your recovery. Your health and safety should always be your top priority. After that, collecting evidence and doing a police report is your best chance of getting justice and injury compensation. Remember that you are not alone, and the help you need to get through every step of this process is available to you.