The number of bicyclists in Massachusetts and across the country increases each year. As more cyclists take to the roads, more accidents occur, including those involving a hit and run. When one of the parties involved in an accident leaves the scene—without rendering assistance to injured parties, exchanging insurance information, or reporting the accident to police—this is known as a hit and run.
Approximately 700,000 hit and run accidents occur every year in the United States, and these numbers increase each year. That’s nearly 2,000 hit and run accidents per day. A large percentage of these accidents involve automobiles and bicyclists. Studies have shown that motor vehicle-bicycle accidents occur most frequently in urban environments, but can happen anywhere, especially after dark. A Boston bicycle accident lawyer can help you determine how to proceed if you’ve been injured due to another’s negligence.
Motor vehicle and bicycle collisions can cause serious property damage, physical injury, and even death. These accidents sometimes result in the victim needing prolonged medical treatment, and missing work for an extended period. If the driver of the motor vehicle leaves the scene of the accident, the victim may be stuck without a way to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, damaged property, or pain and suffering.
Notably, wearing a bicycle helmet can decrease your risk of serious injury by almost 50%, and using a designated biking lane may decrease your risk of serious injury by almost 90%.
If You Are a Bystander
A hit and run bicycle accident can be a terrifying experience for everyone involved, whether you are the victim or a bystander. Staying calm is critical. If you are a bystander, the very first thing you should do is to assist the victim. Be sure the victim is in a safe place and call 911. Stay with the victim until medical assistance arrives. Later, once the victim is being cared for, describe everything you saw to the police. A MA bicycle accident attorney can help you recover damages if you’ve been injured due to another’s negligence.
If You Are a Victim
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle-bicycle collision, call 911 for help if you’re able to. If not, ask a bystander for assistance. Even if you are not seriously injured, stay on the scene of the accident until police arrive; ask any witnesses or bystanders to stay with you. As soon as you are in a safe place, record everything you remember about the circumstances of the accident. An accurate and detailed police report will assist the police in finding the at-fault driver. These details should include:
- Vehicle make, model and color
- License plate or partial license plate, including what state the license plate is from
- Any distinguishing characteristics of the car, including graphics, dents or other damage
- Description of driver or passenger, if known
- The vehicle’s direction of travel
- The circumstances that led to the accident
- The names and contact information for every bystander or eye witness
- Photographs and/or videos of the scene of the accident, especially any skid marks, your injuries, and damage to your bicycle or other property
Once you have received initial medical attention and reported all relevant details to the police, call your insurance company and file a claim. A lawyer with expertise in these types of accidents can help guide you through the insurance and legal process.
Altman & Altman, LLP—Top Bicycle Accident Law Firm in MA
If you have been the victim of a hit and run motor vehicle accident, the skilled legal team at Altman & Altman, LLP can help. Our experienced, compassionate lawyers will ensure that you fully understand your rights and options before moving forward, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. You may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact Altman & Altman, LLP today for a free and confidential consultation about your case.