When you are involved in a traumatic hit-and-run bicycle accident, you may feel disoriented and overwhelmed, especially if you have been injured due to being thrown off your bike by the impactful collision. When this occurs, there are essential steps you can take in order to help your personal injury claim in the future.
At Feller & Wendt, we have over 70 years of combined experience in handling complex bicycle accident cases such as hit-and-runs. We focus on protecting clients’ rights through extensive investigations and obtaining evidence to prove liability. We fiercely advocate for the compensation our clients are owed for their substantial losses. We handle every aspect of your case so that you may focus on your recovery.
5 Steps to Take After a Hit-And-Run Bicycle Accident in Utah
A hit-and-run bicycle accident can be traumatic. They occur when a driver responsible for the collision flees the scene of the accident. Utah Code 41-6a-401.3 prohibits drivers from leaving the scene, and doing so may be punishable through potential jail time, fines, and a conviction of a misdemeanor or felony if a violation occurs.
Take the following steps if you have been wrongfully injured in a hit-and-run bicycle accident:
1. File a Police Report
Filing a police report promptly after experiencing a Utah hit-and-run accident is the most beneficial thing you can do in order to have a record of the incident in detail and also give the investigating officer a chance to locate the driver with the information you provide them. If the driver cannot be located, a police report is imperative for filing a personal injury claim with your insurance company.
2. Record Any Information About the Driver
Some details may be forgotten in time if they are not recorded promptly. If you remember the license plate number, jot it down. If you failed to catch it before they drove away, record the make, model, and any other identifying information that could be useful in the investigation of the at-fault driver.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company of Your Hit-And-Run Bicycle Accident
How soon you have to notify your insurance company varies from state to state, it is imperative to report your accident within ten days in Utah. If the at-fault driver is not located, filing with your insurance company may be the only way for you to recover compensation for the injuries you have sustained. They may cover expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, bicycle replacement costs, and emotional suffering.
4. Seek Medical Attention Immediately Following the Accident
If you have been substantially injured in a Utah hit-and-run accident, it is essential to seek medical attention right away. Not only can a medical professional provide better insight into the treatment of your injuries, but the medical documentation also links your losses to the accident. Additionally, even if you think you are not hurt or can manage to recover at home, you may develop symptoms and injuries as time progresses. In order to be fairly compensated for your damages down the road, it is vital to have an initial assessment by a medical provider.
When beginning treatment, it is also imperative to do the following:
- Follow the doctor’s orders and treatment plan closely
- Do not skip appointments or stop treatment
- Avoid riding your bike or posting on social media
Deviating from the treatment plan or riding your bike before you are cleared to do so can result in your insurance company rejecting or minimizing your recovery of compensation. Speak to an experienced bicycle accident lawyer at Feller & Wendt to provide legal guidance surrounding your case and work with skilled negotiators to help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve for the damages you’ve incurred.
5. Speak to Witnesses or Document Evidence of the Accident Scene
If you have been struck in a hit-and-run accident, chances are, you may have been too stunned to gather any pertinent information about the at-fault driver. Witnesses at the accident scene may have noticed details you didn’t. Document their recollections of the accident and obtain their contact information.
Common Utah Hit-And-Run Bicycle Accident Injuries
Depending on the impact, speed, and type of vehicle involved in the hit-and-run bicycle accident, injuries can vary tremendously. The following are commonly experienced injuries in Utah bicycle accidents:
- Lacerations, bruising, and soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken and fractured bones
- Internal organ damage
- Paralysis
- Death
If you have been terribly injured in a hit-and-run accident due to a negligent driver that fled the scene, speak to an experienced Utah bicycle accident lawyer for a chance to recover the compensation you are owed for injuries and other losses experienced in the accident.
Speak to an Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyer at Feller & Wendt
If you have been substantially injured in a Utah hit-and-run bicycle accident, speak to an experienced bicycle accident lawyer for an assessment of your claim. Recovering compensation for the damages you have experienced may help you substantially when pursuing treatment for your injuries, helping with medical expenses and lost wages, and regaining your quality of life. At Feller & Wendt, we fight to protect your legal rights after sustaining injuries in a bicycle accident caused by the neglectful actions of another individual.
The legal team at Feller & Wendt has over 70 years of combined experience in handling complex bicycle accident cases such as hit-and-runs and providing personalized client-oriented representation with a 95% success rate. We believe in working tirelessly for the justice you are owed. Call (801) 499-5060 for a free legal consultation of your claim, or fill out our contact form for experienced legal guidance.
