There are many benefits to cycling, including better health and environmentally friendly transportation. Despite these benefits, cyclists are also at risk for accidents on the road, especially hit-and-runs.
Hit-and-run incidents, in which drivers escape the scene after hitting someone, may be hazardous. The financial, emotional, and physical costs of such an event might be a lot for a cyclist to handle. If you are involved in a hit-and-run bicycle accident, contact a personal injury lawyer in New Jersey.
What to do after a hit-and-run bicycle accident case
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a hit-and-run:
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Consult With A Doctor Immediately
After a vehicle collides with a bicycle, you must evaluate your injuries and call for help immediately. Specific injuries fail to show up right away, even if you do not appear to be injured. Additionally, during the crash, your body could have released adrenaline, which may reduce the pain from injuries.
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File a Police Report
The most important thing to do after a bicycle hit-and-run collision is to file a police report. Even if the car’s driver escaped the scene, the police could still utilize their resources to begin a search that could lead to the driver’s identity. A police report is likely to be needed by insurance providers to process your claim.
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Collect evidence
Try to capture the accident scene and gather as much information as possible. As an example, you can:
- Take photos of the condition of the roadways.
- Take pictures of your injuries and any bike damage.
- Get the witness’s contact details.
- Never throw away the clothes, your helmet, or other protection gear you were wearing.
- Notify Your Insurance Providers
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Notify the insurance company.
Notify your health insurance provider and the insurance company for your vehicle as soon as you can about the hit-and-run bicycle and automobile accident. Many states require you to submit a claim immediately to be eligible for damages and compensation.
You can do the following things to keep yourself safe while riding a bicycle on the roadways:
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Install a rear-view mirror.
Equip your bike with a rearview mirror, and check it regularly. A mirror might help you recognize the involved car if you cannot prevent an accident.
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Cameras are of great help.
Put a camera on the handlebars to record every ride you take. The video could contain witnesses, license plate information, and other essential details in the case of an accident. Additionally, a recording could support your right to recovery and show safe cycling practices.
