Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law can guide you through the claims process when you’re injured in a bicycle accident in Oklahoma City. There are many different kinds of bicycle accidents, but one of the most frustrating is a hit-and-run. Just like in a car accident, a hit-and-run bicycle accident leaves you with unanswered questions and uncertainty about what to do next. Our team is here to guide you through the process and make it as manageable as possible. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run bicycle accident, having a lawyer is especially important–even though it’s not legally required. Without the driver’s insurance information, your options may seem limited–but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options entirely. Our experienced team can help by:
- Explaining your rights and options
- Looking into the accident to find the driver or others at fault
- Helping you file an insurance claim, even with your own insurance
- Taking legal action if the driver is found
Hit-and-run bicycle accidents in Oklahoma City come with unique challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. We have a strong track record of helping injured bike riders in your situation recover the financial support they need to get better, and we’re ready to do the same for you.
What Steps Do You Need to Take After a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident?
More so than other types of accidents, the steps you take after a hit-and-run bike accident are crucial. It’s not hard to see why: this might be the only chance you have at getting certain information about the driver that flees the scene. So, here’s an overview of the steps you need to take:
- Call 911 – Check yourself and anyone with you for injuries. Call 911 for an ambulance and medical help just so you can take care of any injuries.
- Call the police – Report the hit-and-run to the OKCPD, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, or county sheriff’s department. Police help is vital in this situation, so provide as many details as you can about the accident and the driver.
- Remember details about the driver – Try to recall anything about the vehicle, such as its color, make, and model. If you can, take a picture of the license plate–it’s crucial for tracking down the driver.
- Gather evidence – Also take photos or videos of the accident scene, your bike, and any damage. Get contact info from witnesses and ask if they have photos or videos that could help.
- Go to a hospital – Even if you don’t feel injured, get checked by a doctor. Some injuries from a bike accident may not be immediately obvious but can get worse over time.
- Call your insurance company – Let your insurance know about the hit-and-run. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it could cover some of your damages.
- Preserve your evidence – Keep all records like medical bills, police reports, photos, and any communications with your insurance company.
- Watch your statements – When talking about the accident with police or insurance reps, be careful and don’t admit fault. Insurance companies will use anything they can to reduce your claim.
A hit-and-run bicycle accident adds extra frustration to an already difficult situation. Whether they didn’t see you or just didn’t care, following these steps will help protect your rights and lay the groundwork for a potential claim.
Who’s Responsible for Damages in a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident?
Like any other bicycle accident where a driver hits you, they’re going to be the main one responsible for paying for your damages. But if they leave the scene and you can’t get their insurance details, the source of financial support changes.
This raises a big question: how can you cover your injuries and losses if you can’t find the driver? Here are some possible insurance options:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage – If you have auto insurance with UM coverage, it may apply even though you were on a bike. This coverage can help with medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages when the at-fault driver is unknown.
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance – This may cover damage to your bike or other personal belongings, but it won’t pay for medical costs.
- Health insurance – Your health insurance can help with medical bills, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and rehabilitation.
Finding the driver who fled the scene gives you the best chance of recovering full damages, but again, that’s not always possible. Even if the driver isn’t found, you still have legal options to seek the financial support you need to move forward.
What Are Your Legal Options After a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident?
Even though the driver left the scene, your legal rights don’t change. You still have the right to file an injury claim, just like you would in any other bicycle accident. But again, it all hinges on finding the driver:
- If the driver is found, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit against them.
- If the driver isn’t found, you may need to file a claim through your uninsured motorist (UM) policy or use your health insurance for medical costs.
Regardless of the situation, our team is here to guide you through the process and help you recover as much as possible for your damages. Your damages are going to depend on how serious your injuries are and what insurance coverage is available, but generally, you can recover things like:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing care for permanent injuries
- Lost income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
If the accident is fatal, wrongful death expenses may also be available to surviving family members. In cases where the driver acted with extreme negligence, such as intentionally hitting you, punitive damages may also be recoverable.
And remember, a hit-and-run isn’t just a civil claim–it’s a crime. Police will investigate and, if they find the driver, they could face serious penalties and time in jail. While the legal process can be complicated, taking the right steps can help you hold the responsible party accountable and get the financial support you need.
Legal Support After a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident in Oklahoma City
A hit-and-run bicycle accident can leave you feeling powerless, especially when the driver flees the scene. Without their insurance details, you may have to rely on your own coverage, which might not fully cover your losses. Still, you have legal options in place to help you with your injuries and damages.
At Ylla Gosney, we understand the challenges these accidents bring. Our team has the experience and resources to help you explore every possible avenue for recovery, whether through insurance claims or legal action. Contact us today for a free consultation to protect your rights and start your claim.
