Steps to Take if You’re Injured in a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident

Riding a bicycle is fun, a great workout, and an exhilarating way to travel and be outdoors. Florida has a huge cycling community. From families enjoying a bike ride together to competitive cyclists working out along A1A or any other number of roads or gravel pathways, bicyclists are all over our great state. Bicycle riding, of course, comes with certain risks, as does any activity. One such risk is the negligence or recklessness of motorists who ignore the safety and rights of cyclists with whom they are supposed to share the road.  The sad truth is this: bicycle accidents occur, and when they do, the injuries and harm suffered by the bicyclists can be devastating. Matters are worsened when the motorist who causes the crash leaves the scene, which sadly also occurs on occasion. Following any incident, a victim is often left injured, concerned, confused, and overwhelmed with having to determine his or her next steps. Should you or a loved one find yourself having suffered injuries following a bicycle accident, there are several steps to take, including contacting an experienced personal injury attorney who can assist you through the process and help pursue a claim.  

At Hersh Kirtman Injury Law, our Florida personal injury law firm has many years of experience helping clients who have been harmed in bicycle accidents, including those involving a hit-and-run scenario. Our Florida personal injury lawyers provide dedicated legal assistance to clients as they navigate this difficult time. Our trusted personal injury attorneys have a track record of success and will protect, guide, and advocate for you throughout each phase of the claims process as you fight for the fair compensation you deserve. 

What to Do if You Are Injured in a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident

Being involved in any crash is frightening. It is overwhelming having to cope with recovering, medical bills, and a potential legal claim. Your primary focus should always be your health. Remaining focused on your own recovery means allowing legal counsel to assist you through the unfamiliar legal process. There are certain steps, though, that you can, and should, take after a bicycle crash, especially if it was a hit-and-run, to help protect your legal claim.  

Obtain a Police Report

Law enforcement should always be called to the scene after a hit-and-run bicycle accident. This serves many purposes. Perhaps most importantly, law enforcement will hopefully take every step available to them to locate the motorist who caused the crash. This is, of course, critical should there be a claim that can be pursued against the motorist. In addition, law enforcement will document the incident. Following a crash, law enforcement will prepare a crash report. Should the crash have resulted in a death, law enforcement will prepare a traffic homicide report following an involved traffic homicide investigation. These reports are crucial, as they will document that the crash occurred, assist in identifying witnesses and parties, and may help in determining fault. Your lawyer can help in obtaining any reports once they are finalized, but it is critical that you immediately call 911 and have law enforcement arrive at the scene. If you do not do so, the crash may not be documented and critical evidence may be lost. 

Seek Medical Treatment

Seeking medical care after a hit-and-run bicycle accident is important for several reasons. First, seeking medical care from a healthcare professional is important to ensure you have the greatest chance of a full recovery and avoid worsening any injuries you have suffered. Remember — your health is the most important thing. Some injuries are not immediately apparent. Getting medical attention is vital to making sure you are on the correct path to recovery. In addition, and as it pertains to a potential legal claim, getting medical care evidence and documents the injuries you have suffered, the course of treatment you experience, and your ultimate and future prognosis. If you do not seek medical attention, insurance companies will spin that to suggest you were never hurt. If you delay in getting medical attention, insurance companies will spin that to suggest that you were either not hurt or that your injuries were minimal. Some people want to wait to get medical treatment until they know whether the immediate pain and discomfort will naturally subside. Get medical attention immediately. It is better for your health, and it is critical to any potential case, as doing anything else will be used by insurance companies to attack and devalue your legal claim. Do not give them that ability. Make sure your injuries are addressed by medical providers and documented so that you have the evidence to prove what you experienced. 

Collect Crucial Evidence

To pursue a legal claim following a bicycle crash, you need evidence to prove your case. In any case following a crash, you must prove that someone was negligent and at fault, and that their negligence caused the crash and your injuries. This requires evidence, which can be photographs, videos, the bicycle or car itself, and testimony. Following a crash, either you, or if you are unable, a friend or family member, should attempt to gather and collect any available evidence. Things to focus on include getting photos or video of the crash scene. The scene may help show what happened and who was at fault. Where the bike and the car, and other debris, comes to rest may also help tell the story of what happened. Document the scene before things get moved around or lost. Also, photograph or video the damage to the bicycle or the car, or other things in the vicinity, such as buildings, the roadway, any skid marks, or other items involved in the crash. All of this is evidence that will help tell the story, and may be necessary for experts who may later need to reconstruct what happened. In addition, witnesses are crucial. If anyone saw the crash, or what happened just before or after, get their names and information. They may prove critical to your case.  

Have the Right Insurance

In a hit-and-run bicycle crash, you may never learn who the motorist was who caused the crash. In the absence of that person’s information, you cannot know who to sue. If you have the right insurance though, you may still be able to recover compensation for the harm suffered. Make certain you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This may protect you if you have been harmed in a hit-and-run accident, where you have no motorist to pursue. This must of course be taken care of before the incident.

Seek Legal Counsel

The most important step you will take when pursuing a personal injury claim is to retain the help of a Florida hit-and-run bicycle accident lawyer. Working with a team of experienced personal injury attorneys who have the skills and knowledge to help you get justice will ensure you are able to focus on your recovery.

The Florida legal process can be complex and daunting for victims of hit-and-run bicycle accidents. However, when you work with a lawyer after a hit-and-run bicycle accident, they can help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to. Contact a Florida personal injury law firm today to learn more about how a lawyer can help with your case.

Get the Legal Help You Need After a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident

At Hersh Kirtman Injury Law, we understand how overwhelming it can be to recover from a hit-and-run bicycle accident. With years of experience handling these complex cases, we’re dedicated to guiding and protecting you through every stage of the legal process. Our approach is built on genuine care and a deep understanding of what our clients are going through. We strive to ensure you feel supported and heard as we work diligently to pursue a successful claim on your behalf.

Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference in your recovery and your case. At Hersh Kirtman Injury Law, we pride ourselves on our client relationships and our proven track record. If you’re ready to explore your legal options, call us today at (561) 208-3700 or reach out through our contact form.