What Should Cyclists Do If They Are the Victim of a Hit-and-Run?

Back in December, WRAL-TV reported on a hit-and-run accident that resulted in a bicyclist’s death. Reportedly, the crash happened around 11:30 pm on a Wednesday at the intersection of Carolina Avenue and Western Boulevard. After colliding with the 56-year-old cyclist, the 25-year-old driver fled the scene in her vehicle. The cyclist died on the scene.

The driver was arrested about an hour later when she was caught at a traffic stop officers conducted at the Hadley Road and Cross Link Road intersection. She was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI), felony hit and run, texting while driving, having an open container in her vehicle and felony death by motor vehicle.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

MSN released a list of tips for what hit-and-run victims should do following the wreck:

• Get Off the Road – You should not try to chase down the hit-and-run driver. If possible, just get to a safe place out of the roadway. If you or anyone else is injured, seek immediate medical attention.
• Call the Police – Even if you are not able to describe the vehicle that hit you and did not get its license plate number, you still need to report the accident to police. Reporting the incident could still lead to the culprit being caught. Plus, not reporting it could negatively impact your own insurance claim.
• Collect Evidence – If possible, get the contact information of any witnesses. Take pictures of the accident scene, damage to your car or bicycle and any injuries you suffered. Also, write down everything you can remember about the collision as soon as possible.
• Report the Accident to Your Insurer – Call your insurance company and report the accident. However, do not admit fault. If the hit-and-run driver is found and his or her insurance company contacts you, do not speak to them until after you have discussed your situation with an experienced car accident lawyer.

Have you ever been the victim of a hit-and-run wreck? What did you do? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? Tell us in the comment section below or on our Facebook or Twitter  pages. Hearing what you went through may help someone else in the future.