Cycling through Atlanta’s streets offers many benefits, from health to environmental impact, but it also comes with risks. One of the most alarming situations for any cyclist is being struck by a vehicle, only to have the driver flee the scene. These hit-and-run bicycle collisions leave victims not only injured but also uncertain about how to secure justice and compensation.
Knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in protecting your rights and recovering from the ordeal. Here, our Ashby Thelen Lowry personal injury attorneys in Georgia explain.
Immediate Steps After a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Collision
Your safety and well-being should be the top priority if you’re involved in a hit-and-run while cycling.
Here’s what to do:
- Call the Police
A police report is critical for documenting the incident and initiating an investigation. Provide the officers with as much detail as possible about the fleeing driver, vehicle description, and direction of travel.
- Gather Evidence
If you’re able, collect evidence at the scene. Take photographs of your bicycle and any injuries, debris, tire marks, or damage to the road. Write down everything you remember about the collision, including the vehicle’s color, make, or license plate.
- Talk to Witnesses
Witnesses can be vital in helping identify the driver. Ask for their contact information and statements about what they saw.
- Check for Surveillance Cameras
Many areas in Atlanta are monitored by traffic or security cameras. Nearby businesses, homes, or even dashcams from other vehicles may have captured footage of the collision or the fleeing vehicle.
- Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask symptoms of severe trauma. Call 911 for emergency assistance and get checked by medical professionals immediately.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
If you have auto insurance with uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, it may compensate even when the at-fault driver is unknown.
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, we understand that taking the necessary steps after a hit-and-run crash can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries—or impossible if your injuries are severe. Gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and navigating insurance claims are challenging tasks for anyone, let alone someone focused on healing. That’s why we are here to help. Our experienced attorneys take on the heavy lifting, from investigating the crash and identifying the driver to managing communication with insurance companies and pursuing compensation on your behalf. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery. Contact us today to learn more.
How to Prove Fault in an Atlanta Hit-and-Run Bicycle Collision
Although the driver fled the scene, proving fault is essential to obtaining compensation.
This can be achieved by:
- Relying on Police Investigations
Law enforcement will attempt to identify the driver through witness statements, camera footage, or physical evidence left behind, such as paint transfers or debris from the vehicle.
- Using Expert Analysis
Reconstruction experts can examine the evidence to determine how the crash occurred and establish fault, even when the driver cannot be immediately located.
- Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim
If the fleeing driver remains unidentified, an uninsured motorist claim shifts the focus to demonstrating that another driver caused your injuries. Evidence like witness statements, damage to your bicycle, and medical records will be crucial.
Why Legal Representation Is Key
Hit-and-run bicycle collisions pose unique legal challenges. Identifying the driver is not always possible, and dealing with insurance companies can be complicated. At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys understand the intricacies of these cases and are dedicated to helping cyclists recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
We will investigate the incident thoroughly, work with experts to build a strong case and advocate on your behalf, whether in negotiations or the courtroom. Even if the driver is never found, we’ll explore all available avenues to secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Cyclists should never have to navigate the aftermath of a hit-and-run collision alone. If you or someone you love has been injured in such an incident, contact Ashby Thelen Lowry for a free consultation. Let us help you find a path forward to justice and recovery.