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A hit-and-run bike crash can alter your life in an instant. You followed the rules, stayed alert, and rode with care. But that didn’t stop a reckless driver from hitting you.
Now you’re dealing with injuries, bills, and more questions than answers. You deserve answers and have options to recover compensation – even if the driver hasn’t been identified yet.
1. File an Uninsured Motorist Claim
Many cyclists don’t realize their car insurance can apply to bike accidents, too, especially in hit-and-run cases. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering – just like it would if the driver had stayed and had no insurance.
Georgia law requires car insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage that meets the state’s minimum liability threshold. However, the law doesn’t require you to buy this coverage. Review your policy to see if uninsured motorist coverage is an option.
2. Explore Other Insurance Policies in Your Household
Not every injured cyclist has their car insurance. However, that doesn’t mean they’re out of options.
If you live with a relative – like a spouse, parent, or adult child – their auto insurance policy might cover your medical expenses and other losses. Georgia law often lets you use uninsured motorist coverage from family members living in the same home, even if you aren’t on the policy. An attorney can help you find out what policies might apply.
3. Use Health Insurance or Medical Payment (MedPay) Coverage
If you have health insurance, it should help with your medical expenses after a hit-and-run crash. But you may still have co-pays, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs.
If you also have MedPay coverage through an auto insurance policy, it can help pay for your medical bills, no matter who caused the crash. MedPay kicks in quickly after a collision, and you can use it alongside your health insurance to lighten your financial load.
4. Help Identify the At-Fault Driver (If Possible)
While many hit-and-run drivers aren’t caught immediately, there’s always a chance to identify them. Traffic cameras, security footage, witness statements, or even broken car parts at the scene can help law enforcement track them down. If police find the driver, you can file a personal injury claim against them or their insurance. A lawyer can also investigate privately or send letters to local businesses asking for video footage to aid the police in their efforts.
Potential Compensation for a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accidents
Your compensation for a hit-and-run bike accident depends on your insurance coverage, the severity of your injuries, and whether the police find the driver. Uninsured motorist coverage will cover your lost income, medical bills, and other losses up to your policy limits. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you’ll have at least $25,000 available because that’s the minimum requirement under Georgia law. Health insurance or medical payment coverage through your auto policy only covers your medical expenses, but that’s better than nothing.
The best outcome is for the police to find the driver who hit you. If that happens, you can sue the other driver for the full extent of your losses.
How Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm Can Help After a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident
At Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm, we know what to look for and how to fight for full compensation after a hit-and-run bicycle crash. We can help you figure out where to start, deal with the insurance adjusters, and help you make the most of your insurance coverage. Our Georgia bicycle accident lawyers can also help the police with their investigation and sue the other driver if they’re caught.
Ready to discuss your legal options? Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
