Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto represents injury victims in bicycle accidents. These accidents come in many forms, and one of the most frustrating is a hit-and-run. Just like in a car accident, a hit-and-run involving a bicycle leaves you with a lot of unanswered questions. Our team is here to support you and make the process as smooth as possible. Contact us for a free consultation to explore your options.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer After a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident?
In most bicycle accidents, you have the information and evidence you need to take care of your injuries. In a hit-and-run accident, though, this is taken away. Not only do you not have any information on the driver, but you also don’t have the crucial insurance information you’ll need to protect your rights. That alone is enough reason to get a lawyer.
But even in this challenging situation, you still have certain legal options available. Our experienced team can help by:
- Helping you understand your rights and choices
- Looking into the accident to find the driver or anyone else who may be responsible
- Helping you file an insurance claim and work with your insurance company
- Filing a lawsuit for you if we find the driver
Hit-and-run bicycle accidents in Modesto are among the toughest you could be involved in. That’s why our team takes such pride in our approach and ability to help our clients in this situation.
How Are Damages Paid in a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident?
The legal responsibility–or liability–for a hit-and-run bicycle accident isn’t hard to figure out. It’s usually going to rest on the driver that hit you. But what makes a hit-and-run bicycle accident so frustrating is that, without getting their information or finding them, there’s no way to actually file a claim against them to make them pay.
So, a common question is: how are your damages paid? The answer is that you might have to rely on your own insurance, where there are several options available:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage – If you have car insurance with UM coverage, it can help cover your damages, even though you were on a bike. This covers many of the same expenses as a regular insurance claim when you can’t find the driver.
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance – These policies may help cover damage to your bike or gear but won’t cover your medical expenses.
- Health insurance – Your health insurance can help with medical bills, like doctor visits and therapy.
The best way to get full damages is by finding the driver who hit you, but this can be hard, even with legal help. However, taking legal action is one of the few ways to make sure your injuries are covered so you can move on after the accident.
How Do You Recover Damages After a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident?
Legally, hit-and-run bicycle accidents are treated the same as regular accidents, especially in terms of your options. You have the same right to file an injury claim after a hit-and-run as you would in any other bicycle accident.
If the driver is found, you can file an insurance claim or even a lawsuit like normal. But if the driver can’t be found, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company. Either way, we’re here to guide you and make sure you recover the damages that are available, which usually includes:
- Medical bills
- Long-term care for permanent injuries
- Lost income or future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life or companionship
- Wrongful death expenses, in fatal accidents
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence or recklessness
Keep in mind, a hit-and-run is not only a civil case but also a criminal one. The police will get involved and try to find the driver. The more serious your injuries, the tougher the penalties will be for the driver if they’re caught. Even so, given the situation, it’s vital that you take certain steps to strengthen your claim.
How Can You Strengthen a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident Claim?
A bicycle accident is always stressful and often painful, but when the driver flees the scene, it adds another layer of frustration. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are all too common, especially involving cyclists. Whether the driver didn’t see you or chose to leave the scene, it makes your situation much harder.
Even so, there are steps you can take to protect your potential claim:
- Call 911 – First, check yourself and anyone else for injuries. Call 911 immediately for an ambulance so EMTs can take care of you at the scene.
- Call the police – Report the hit-and-run to the Modesto Police Department (MPD), California Highway Patrol, or the local sheriff’s department. A police report is critical in this situation, so provide as many details about the accident as possible.
- Remember details – Try to recall specifics about the driver and their vehicle, like the color, make, or model. If you can, try to take a picture of the license plate before the driver flees.
- Gather evidence – As with any accident, take photos or videos of the accident scene. Get contact information from witnesses and ask if they have any photos or videos that could help–or better yet if they saw the driver and can remember any details.
- Go to a hospital – Even if you feel fine, get checked out at a hospital or urgent care. Some injuries might not be obvious right away but can worsen later.
- Call your insurance company – If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, inform your insurance company to start their claims process. This can help with your losses in the short-term.
- Keep track of evidence – Keep all records related to the accident, including medical records, the police report, and any communication with insurance companies.
- Be careful with statements – If you talk to insurance reps or the police, be careful and don’t admit fault for the accident. Even in something as blatant as a hit-and-run, an insurance company is still going to try to reduce their liability.
A hit-and-run bicycle accident in Modesto is particularly challenging. You’re dealing with injuries and missing key information to protect your legal rights. However, taking these steps will help lay the groundwork for a strong claim–whenever you file it.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents Happen?
Most drivers in Modesto know that hit-and-runs are against the law, but that doesn’t stop them from happening. Often, drivers leave the scene to avoid responsibility or because they don’t realize what just happened. Here are some common reasons for hit-and-run bicycle accidents:
- Driving while impaired – Drivers who are impaired may leave the scene to avoid getting in trouble.
- Fear of consequences – Some drivers panic and flee because they’re scared of the penalties for causing an accident.
- No insurance – Drivers without insurance might run away to avoid paying for damages.
- Invalid license – If a driver doesn’t have a valid license, they may choose to leave to avoid being caught.
- Criminal background – Drivers with legal issues, like warrants for arrest, might flee to escape getting arrested.
- Distraction or fatigue – Distracted drivers or those who have fallen asleep might not realize what happened and leave without stopping.
- Poor decisions – Some drivers make a quick, bad choice in the moment and think they can get away with it.
No matter what the reasoning is, leaving the scene of a bicycle accident is a reckless act and places the burden of recovery costs on you and your family. Even if the hit-and-run driver isn’t found, you still have options that our team can help you with. That’s why it’s crucial to talk to our bicycle accident lawyers as soon as possible after the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind.
Dedicated Modesto Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident Lawyers Will Work for You
Hit-and-run bicycle accidents can be very discouraging. You not only have to deal with your injuries and bike damage but also the hassle of trying to find the driver. Sometimes, the driver may never be found, but they can still be held accountable.
At Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Modesto, our skilled team knows how to handle these cases. Whether it’s locating the driver, working with insurance companies, or helping you file a claim, we’re here to support your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.