What To Do If Hit By a Car On a Bike

Bicyclist accidents are, unfortunately, very common. Hundreds of bicyclists die each year in the United States after being struck by motor vehicles. This is often due to: 

• Distracted driving: This involves drivers not paying attention to the road. Distracted drivers often hit bicyclists while texting and driving or engaging in other distractions.
• Unsafe lane changes: This happens when drivers change lanes without checking for bicyclists.
• Poor visibility: Cyclists become less visible to drivers in low light or adverse weather conditions.
• Speeding: Drivers going too fast may not have enough time to react to bicyclists on the road.
• Failure to yield: A driver ignores the right-of-way rules at intersections or turns and hits a bicyclist.
• Driving under the influence: Impaired drivers lose their ability to react appropriately, leading to accidents with bicyclists.
• Lack of cycling infrastructure: Insufficient or poorly designed bike lanes increase the likelihood of collisions between vehicles and bicyclists.
• Aggressive driving: Drivers engaging in hostile behaviors on the road endanger bicyclists.
• Running a red light: Drivers who ignore traffic signals can collide with bicyclists crossing intersections legally.
• Right hook: This occurs when a driver turns right without noticing a bicyclist riding alongside or approaching an intersection.
• Dooring: Car occupants opening doors without checking for approaching bicyclists cause bicyclists to crash into the doors.

Some of the most common injuries caused by being hit by a car on a bike include:

• Bruising: Impact during a bicycle accident can cause bruising on the skin and deeper tissues.
• Concussions: A sudden jolt or blow to the head in a bicycle accident can lead to concussions, affecting brain function.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Severe impacts to the head during bicycle accidents can result in TBIs, causing long-term brain damage.
• Broken bones: The force from a collision or fall can break bones in various parts of the cyclist's body. Fractures occur when the physical trauma from a bike accident breaks or cracks bones.
• Muscle strains: Overextension or sudden impact in a bike accident can cause muscle strains, where muscle fibers are stretched or torn.
• Lacerations: Sharp objects or rough surfaces during a bicycle accident can cause deep cuts or lacerations on a bicyclist's skin.

Auto insurance policies typically do not cover bicycle accidents unless the bicyclist is involved in a collision with a motor vehicle and the vehicle's driver is at fault. In such cases, the motorist's auto insurance may cover the damages.

If you have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay), those policies may help cover your medical bills, regardless of who was at fault. You can also rely on your health insurance policy to cover some of your medical bills.

There are certain steps you can take to pursue a claim after being hit by a car on a bike. That includes:

• Prioritizing safety: If you're able to, move yourself and your bicycle off the road to avoid further danger. Then, assess yourself for injuries.
• Call for help: Dial emergency services even if your injuries seem minor. Ensure a police report is filed. This document is crucial for insurance and legal purposes.
• Document the bicycle accident scene: Photograph your injuries, the vehicle, the bicycle, and the overall accident scene. Also, write down everything you remember as soon as possible, including the time, location, and any relevant road conditions or traffic signs.
• Seek prompt medical attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
• Understand your legal rights: Consider consulting a personal injury attorney, especially if there are significant injuries or disputes about who is at fault.

How much can I expect from a bicycle accident settlement?

There’s no way to initially determine how much money you’ll get in a bicycle accident settlement. It often depends on the extent of your injuries and the impact they have on your life. An experienced bicycle accident attorney will need to evaluate your damages and determine how much money you’re eligible for.

They will factor in medical expenses, future rehabilitation, lost wages, future earnings, pain and suffering, and property damage.

If you were hit by a car on a bike, it’s important that you get legal representation. Despite the fault of the driver who hit you, insurance companies may use tactics to keep their costs down. That includes offering a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover all of your damages. If you accept it, you’ll be barred from pursuing additional compensation.

Let a Law.com Premier Bicycle Accident Lawyer investigate your accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation. It doesn’t cost anything up front to hire a Premier Attorney. They operate on a contingency fee basis and only get paid if they win your case. Don’t wait. Contact an attorney near you for a free consultation.