Coral Springs & Parkland Injury Lawyers > Blog > Bicycle Accident > Hit And Run Bicycle Accidents

Hit And Run Bicycle Accidents

According to the FLHSMV, approximately 25% of all traffic crashes involve a motorist who flees the accident scene. Choosing to leave an accident scene without helping the injured party and exchanging information is immoral. It’s also against the law to leave the scene of an accident. Unfortunately, hit-and-run bicycle accidents are common. In fact, hit-and-run bicycle accidents are among the most common bicycle accidents. If you were injured in a hit-and-run bicycle accident, you are likely thinking you have no chance of recovering compensation. Indeed, when involved in a hit-and-run accident, your chances of recovering compensation might reduce. However, it is possible to recover compensation after a hit-and-run bicycle accident.

Why Do Drivers Flee From the Accident Scene?

There are several reasons a driver may decide to flee the scene after hitting a bicyclist. For example, a driver might flee the scene after hitting a bicyclist because they have no insurance. It is estimated that over 20% of Florida motorists don’t have auto insurance. A driver might also flee the accident scene because they know they did something wrong and don’t want to face legal consequences. They may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Also, a motorist might flee the scene after hitting a bicyclist because they do not have a license or have a suspended license.

Seeking Compensation After a Hit and Run Bicycle Accident

After being involved in a hit-and-run bicycle accident, it might seem as though you have no way of recovering compensation. However, this is not true. You can recover monetary damages after suffering injuries in a Florida hit-and-run bicycle accident. A qualified lawyer can help you evaluate your legal options and recover the compensation you deserve.

After suffering injuries in a hit-and-run bicycle accident, your options for recovering compensation will largely depend on several factors. For example, if the police can find the runaway driver and track their insurance cover, you could recover compensation from the driver. On the other hand, if the police cannot locate the runaway driver, you may be able to seek compensation from your auto insurance through your uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits (UM/UIM). If you were in a hit-and-run bicycle accident, seek clarity from a qualified lawyer.

Steps You Should Take After a Hit and Run Bicycle Accident

There are a number of steps that you need to take after a hit-and-run bicycle accident to protect your health and legal rights. Firstly, ensure you call the police and file a report. Even if the driver is not found and you end up filing a claim with your insurer, you’ll need a police report. Secondly, seek immediate medical attention. Seeking prompt medical attention ensures your health and legal rights are protected. If, for example, you fail to seek prompt medical attention and then end up filing a claim against the other driver, their insurer might argue that you suffered your injuries in a different accident. Lastly, you should gather evidence. For instance, take photos and videos of the accident scene, the fleeing vehicle, and your injuries, and gather witness statements.