Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents
If you frequently ride your bicycle, you understand the importance of staying alert at all times to avoid accidents. Even so, bicycle accidents can still occur due to the negligence of others.
Injuries from bicycle accidents can be severe and require intensive medical attention and time off of work. The situation is magnified when the driver who hit you flees the scene, leaving you without any means of identifying or holding them accountable.
While pursuing a claim in a hit and run case can be difficult, The Cartwright Law Firm is here to assure you that you have legal options available to you. We are committed to advocating for the rights of our clients who have been a victim of a hit and run bicycle accident.
Our experienced San Francisco bicycle accident attorneys can help you seek justice for your injuries. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find a hit and run driver and seek compensation for your injuries.
What to do Following a Hit and Run Accident?
A bicycle accident of any kind can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience. Knowing what to do following the accident, especially in the case of a hit and run, can help you protect your legal rights and seek compensation for any injuries.
Review the steps you should take following a hit and run bicycle accident:
- Call the police: Immediately call 911 and report the accident. Make sure the police arrive at the scene to file an accident report. This report is crucial evidence in a potential legal claim.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you have no visible injuries, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Due to adrenaline, you may not feel your injuries yet.
- Preserve evidence: Take pictures of the accident scene, note the location, and take contact information of any witnesses if possible.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer: Your lawyer will help you find the defendant, navigate the complex legal process, and fight for compensation for your injuries.
Liability in Bicycle Accidents
Liability refers to the legal responsibility for causing an incident that results in damages such as injuries, medical bills, and property damage. In the case of a hit and run auto accident, liability would fall on the driver of the vehicle that hit the bicyclist and fled the scene. Drivers owe a duty to share the road and drive safely around bicyclists. The driver is considered negligent for failing to meet their duty of care towards the bicyclist and causing injury.
Additionally, as the bicyclist, you must prove that you obeyed all road rules and laws at the time of the accident. If not, you could also be held partially liable for the damages incurred. This is because California’s comparative fault law allows for a fair determination of liability in cases where multiple parties may have contributed to an accident.
As the injured party, you are the plaintiff and, therefore, must prove the driver’s fault as well as negate any fault of your own. For instance, if the accident occurred at night, you can provide proof that you wore reflective gear while riding for drivers to see you.
Our San Francisco personal injury attorneys can work to gather evidence, find the party responsible, and demonstrate they are liable. Our ultimate goal in hit and run accidents is to obtain justice for our clients by successfully determining liability and seeking compensation for our client’s damages.
Common Bike Accident Injuries
Bicycle accidents can cause severe, life-altering injuries and fatalities. It is important to seek medical attention immediately after a bicycle accident, regardless of the severity of the impact or immediate presence of injury. Some injuries may have delayed symptoms, and prompt treatment can help prevent long-term health complications.
Some common injuries that can occur in hit and run bicycle accidents include:
- Broken bones: Arm, wrist, and collarbone fractures are among the most common injuries for bicyclists involved in auto accidents.
- Head injury: Bicyclists who suffer a blow to the head are prone to sustain a concussion or more severe traumatic brain injury, which can result in memory loss, personality changes, and other serious health complications.
- Spinal cord injury: These serious injuries can impact a bicyclist’s ability to move or feel sensations in various parts of their body and may cause permanent disability.
- Soft tissue injuries: Soft tissue injuries, including bruises, lacerations, and cuts are extremely common.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance Can Protect Injured Persons
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UMC) is a type of insurance that can offer substantial protection to individuals who are involved in a hit and run accident.
If you are in an accident with a driver who does not have auto insurance or you are unable to find the driver to obtain their information, UMC can help cover the costs associated with your injuries. This coverage is from the injured party’s auto insurance which can help injured persons recover from the financial burden of medical expenses and lost income resulting from a hit-and-run bicycle accident.
If you have an auto insurance policy, consider adding this type of coverage, especially if you frequently ride your bicycle.
If you are injured in a hit and run bicycle accident and do not have your auto insurance policy or a policy with UMC, it is especially vital to retain a skilled lawyer to help you track down the hit and run driver.
Contact Our San Francisco Bike Accident Attorneys
At The Cartwright Law Firm, we understand the physical and emotional toll that a hit and run bicycle accident can take on a person. Our team of reliable personal injury attorneys and dedicated staff will help you navigate the legal process with compassion and commitment. It is essential to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced San Francisco bicycle accident attorneys today. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation with our experienced California law firm.
