Ylla Gosney, Attorneys at Law helps people in Tulsa when they’re injured in bicycle accidents. Not every bike accident ends with a clear exchange of information and a simple insurance claim. One of the most upsetting types is a hit-and-run–when the driver who caused your injuries simply takes off.
If that’s what happened to you, you’re probably dealing with a lot of confusion, stress, and unanswered questions. Our team has helped people in your shoes before, and we’re here to help you figure out the next steps. Set up a free consultation today and let us help clarify your options.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer After a Tulsa Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident?
In a normal bike accident, you’d at least have the other driver’s information to start your insurance claim. But in a hit-and-run, you’re left without even the basics–no name, no insurance policy, no accountability. That’s where having a lawyer comes in. Even if the driver hasn’t been found yet, you may still have options. We can help by:
- Walking you through what your rights are after a hit-and-run
- Investigating the accident to try to identify the driver
- Looking into camera footage, witness statements, or accident reports
- Working with your insurance to get you compensation, even if the driver isn’t found
- Filing a lawsuit if we’re able to track down the person responsible
Tulsa has its fair share of busy intersections and streets–especially around places like 71st & Memorial or Riverside Drive. Unfortunately, these high-traffic areas are common places where hit-and-run bicycle accidents happen. It’s frustrating, but remember, you’re not out of options. But there’s a big question that needs to be answered: who pays for your injuries?
Who Pays for Your Losses in a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident?
Obviously, the biggest issue with a hit-and-run bicycle accident is figuring out how you’re going to pay for your medical bills, lost income, and physical and emotional pain. Even if they flee the scene, the driver who hit you is still legally on the hook for your damages.
However, this hinges on whether or not you can find them. If you can, it’s just like a normal bicycle accident claim. But if you can’t, you have to take another path, which usually involves:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage – If you have car insurance with UM coverage, it can kick in even if you were on a bike. It works just like regular liability insurance would–covering things like medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Health insurance – This can help cover doctor visits, hospital stays, and physical therapy. It won’t cover things like lost wages or pain and suffering, but it’s a critical source of help.
- Homeowners or renters insurance – These policies might cover damage to your bike or gear, but usually not your injuries.
Basically, if you can’t find the driver, you have to go through your own insurance. The best-case scenario is finding the driver and going through their insurance, but again, that’s not always possible. Regardless, we’ll help you explore every other option to make sure your recovery isn’t left hanging.
What Damages Can You Get in a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident Claim?
The way you file a claim after a hit-and-run bicycle accident is going to depend on the circumstances, but generally, it’s either going to happen through an insurance claim initially. If you can find the driver, you should also think about filing a lawsuit in civil court, since that gives you a better opportunity at recovering full “damages.”
That said, what you can recover depends on the seriousness of your injuries and the coverage available, but generally includes:
- Medical bills, including ER visits, surgeries, and follow-up care
- Ongoing treatment for permanent injuries or disabilities
- Lost wages or a drop in your ability to earn a living
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life or mobility
- Wrongful death expenses in fatal accidents
If the accident tragically resulted in a death, surviving family members may also be able to recover wrongful death compensation. And in cases where the driver’s behavior was especially reckless—like speeding through a crosswalk or intentionally swerving—there may also be grounds for punitive damages. Punitive damages are extra, awarded on top of these other damages.
Also, leaving the scene of an accident isn’t just wrong–it’s a crime. Tulsa police will investigate. And if the driver is found, they could face criminal charges on top of any civil claim you bring.
What Should You Do Right After a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident in Tulsa?
In any bike accident, the moments right after are chaotic. But with a hit-and-run, those moments are even more important. This could be your only window to gather key details about the driver and preserve evidence for a claim later on. Here’s what you should do if you’re in a hit-and-run bicycle accident in Tulsa:
- Call 911 immediately – Get emergency medical help on the way. Even if you think you’re okay, let paramedics check you out, especially for head injuries or trauma masked by shock.
- Report the accident to Tulsa police – Whether it happened near Cherry Street, along Riverside, or in a neighborhood like Brookside, make sure it gets officially reported. Provide every detail you can remember.
- Remember the driver and vehicle – Anything you recall could help. Try to write down or voice record things like the color, make, or model of the vehicle–and especially the license plate if you saw it.
- Take pictures and videos – Take photos or videos of the crash site, your injuries, your bike, and any road conditions that might have contributed (like a blocked bike lane or pothole).
- Talk to witnesses – If anyone saw what happened, get their name and contact info. Ask if they have photos or dash cam footage.
- Get checked out at the hospital – Even if paramedics clear you, go to the ER or your doctor soon after. Some injuries develop slowly or show up later.
- Contact your insurance company – Once the scene is taken care of, contact your insurance company and let them know you were in a hit-and-run bike accident. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, see if it’s in-effect even though you were biking. Let them know what happened, but don’t give a recorded statement just yet.
- Save every piece of evidence – Police reports, photos, hospital records, insurance emails—all of it helps build a strong claim.
- Be mindful of what you say – To both the police and insurance reps, avoid phrases like “I wasn’t watching” or “I should’ve seen them.” These can be twisted to reduce your claim.
A hit-and-run bicycle accident takes an already tough situation and makes it even more upsetting. Whether the driver didn’t notice you or chose not to stop, taking the right steps early on can go a long way in protecting your rights and building a strong claim.
Legal Support After a Tulsa Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident
At Ylla Gosney, we know how stressful and unfair it feels to be left at the scene of your bicycle accident by a careless driver. But even if you don’t have their information yet, we’ll walk you through what comes next–from checking your insurance to helping police track the driver down.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Let’s talk through your situation, explore every option for financial support, and make sure your recovery is on solid footing. Contact us today for a free consultation.
