I Hit a Cyclist With My Car: What to Do Next

Any kind of car accident is a stressful, dangerous situation. If you have collided with a cyclist, the risk of injury or death to them is much higher. Calling 911 is always the best first step since people cannot always tell the extent of their injuries. Once you have called for emergency services and done everything you can to help the people involved, there are some smart steps to take in order to avoid insurance companies or the law coming after you.

Stay on the Scene

Just like any type of collision, you have to stay on the scene of the accident. The only way to avoid the charge of a hit and run is to leave your contact information and file a police report yourself. But this rule only applies to accidents with an inanimate object; if other people are involved you must remain at the scene.

A hit and run can increase or add more charges against you and is often used as a signal of fault. Hit and runs can cause additional fines, suspension of your license, and even potential jail time. The charges increase based on the level of injury or damaged sustained by the victim. Because cyclists are usually injured from an accident with a motorized vehicle, the risk of severe consequences is quite high.

Reduce Your Risk

When you hit a cyclist with your car, you become a target whether you were at fault or not. Not only will police officers be looking to punish drivers who are a danger to others, but insurance companies are infamous for finding any excuse to pay out claims. Reduce your risk of being found at fault by following these steps.

Speak with an Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, speaking with a trusted bicycle accident lawyer can protect you in the event that the cyclist you hit has received an injury or dies. Any situation where police are involved is a good time to contact a lawyer. Some injuries from trauma, like a car accident, can take time to show up. So, even if the cyclist seems alright at the moment, you should prepare for the worst. Speaking with a personal injury attorney can help ensure that you are prepared and protected in the aftermath of a bicycle accident.

Do Not Overshare

While you should check on the other people involved in the accident, you must be careful about what you say. Keep discussion of the situation surrounding the car accident to a minimum, or you might implicate yourself or say something to imply guilt. It’s unfortunate, but even a simple apology can be used as an indication that you are at fault.

Document the Scene

Getting a copy of the official police report is the best way to have documentation for your insurance provider. However, the police report does not always match what you perceived. Documenting the scene of the accident is a critical step to protect yourself in the event that a criminal or civil suit is the result of the collision.

Find Witnesses

Finding witnesses who can corroborate your description of the events surrounding the accident is crucial. Many accidents and police reports involve two conflicting versions of the story, and witnesses can provide a tiebreaker or new perspective that allows the record to get closer to the truth.

Now is not the time to question witnesses extensively; you should get people’s names and contact information and move to the next person. Although, if there are very limited witnesses, you could ask them to explain what happened while you record a short video.

Take Photos and Video

Don’t be obnoxious, but recording a lot of details of the scene can help you when filing an insurance claim or proving who was at fault. Prioritize taking photos of the positions of the vehicle and bicycle. You should also document any damage to your car and the bicycle. Have someone else photograph any injuries you might have received and send you a copy.

Wrap Up

Use these steps to protect yourself both legally and financially if you have been involved in a car accident with a cyclist. If you are already involved in the repercussions of a collision, you should reach out to a professional with injury or traffic law experience.

Author’s bio – Michelle Eddy

Michelle Eddy is a staunch consumer advocate, fresh libertarian convert, a mother of three, and a part-time blogger. She covers topics from parenthood and child development to education and law. With a strong emphasis on consumer rights and helping the little guy stand up for their rights. Her favorite quote is “Sir, we are outnumbered 10 to 1.” “Then, it is a fair fight!”