Virginia is one of the few states that do not require drivers to insure their cars and other vehicles, but even in places like D.C. and Maryland where insurance is required, many drivers do not have coverage. What can you do if an uninsured driver hits you while you’re on your bicycle? Or what if you’re hit by a driver who runs off without providing insurance information or identification? Do you have any chance of recovering compensation for your medical bills, suffering, and other losses?
Assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney can enable you to recover damages, but you need to act with even more haste than usual to collect evidence and start building your case.
Hit and Run Bike Accidents are Surprisingly Common
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a driver to flee the scene of a bicycle accident without providing information or even checking to see if the victim needs assistance. Some drivers are afraid of the consequences because they’ve been drinking or are driving on a suspended license. Others are too busy and self-important to take the time to stop. They may tell themselves that since there’s no other car involved, it’s no big deal and the accident doesn’t need to be reported.
Regardless of the reason a driver disappears without providing information, it is important to take quick action to locate and preserve evidence that reveals the driver’s identity and proves that they caused the accident and resulting injuries. If the driver realized that they fled the scene of an accident—and many of them do—they may try to take steps to erase evidence. For instance, the accident may have knocked the car’s license plate loose, and the driver will notice and reattach it quickly.
When there are witnesses to the accident, they are often willing to provide testimony in a hit and run case because they feel outraged at the conduct of the driver. Sometimes they take extra steps to identify the driver, such as photographing the license plate, taking notes about the vehicle, or even chasing down a driver to get a better look at them.
Leaving the scene of a collision is a crime in Virginia, D.C., and Maryland, and it can be penalized severely if the driver caused injuries. For that reason, hit and run drivers can be motivated to hide evidence and strenuously deny their involvement. However evidence from information such as cell phone records, traffic cameras, and witness testimony can be used to prove responsibility for the accident.
Recovering Compensation When the Driver Lacks Insurance
An experienced personal injury attorney can help recover compensation for accidents caused by uninsured motorists. First, if the injured bicyclist is a driver covered by their own insurance policy and they have uninsured motorist coverage, that coverage may provide benefits to offset the victim’s losses. This could include amounts to cover medical bills, lost wages due to time missed from work, and pain and suffering. If the insurer denies the claim, an attorney may be able to demonstrate why they should provide benefits.
In addition, an attorney can assist in recovering compensation through means other than insurance. Filing a lawsuit may provide a judgment that can be enforced against assets owned by the driver. It might also be possible to bring a claim against a third party involved in the accident.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Gather and Preserve Vital Evidence
In any bike accident case, it is vital to obtain evidence to demonstrate causation. It is important both to show that the motorist acted negligently and that the bicyclist was riding responsibly and following the rules of the road.
An attorney can assist by working to locate and obtain footage from traffic cameras and security cameras, interviewing witnesses, analyzing photos of the accident scene, and other efforts. The sooner you begin working with a personal injury lawyer, the more opportunities you give them to collect evidence while it is most readily available. In addition, an attorney can help you find the medical care you need and provide advice about what to say and do—and what to avoid—to preserve your options for recovering damages.
Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC Can Help You Recover Full Compensation After a Bike Accident
Bicycle accidents often result in devastating injuries with long-term effects. The full extent of the damage may take some time to become evident, particularly if a bicyclist has suffered head injuries.
The dedicated team at Jennifer Porter Law, PLLC works tirelessly to help victims of bike accidents receive fair and complete compensation for all of their losses, including resources to meet future needs. For a free consultation and case evaluation, call us at (571) 532-9070 or contact us online today.