Automotive: What Happens When You Hit a Cyclist With Your Car

Bicyclists must observe more caution on roads because the likelihood of them sustaining injuries is far higher than for those inside normal cars.

According to the National Safety Council, bicycle accidents that are preventable and result in death went through a 53 percent increase between 2014 and 2023, with a 1 percent rise shown in the year 2023 alone. The numbers increased from 9,021 in 2014 to 1,377 in 2023.

Things possibly could get out of hand very quickly if you hit a cyclist with your car. You might be terrified, but you must first prioritize the safety of everyone involved.

According to Charlotte car accident lawyer William (“Bill”) H. Elam, careless and negligent drivers cause accidents that leave innocent parties injured. Being distracted is one of the most common causes of accidents. When drivers take their eyes off the road, they fail to provide reasonable care for others.

As a driver, you will want to know what your legal and moral responsibilities are first. After an accident, claims can pile up and fears of serious legal action arise.

Here are the actions that drivers should take to guarantee their safety while also assisting the biker.

Immediate Actions to Take After the Accident

After an accident, safety must come before anything else. Assess the damages inflicted on the cyclist or any other people involved in the incident. If there are none, then shift your vehicle and the bike to a safe place away from the road.

Calling emergency services immediately after the accident is important. Ask for medical assistance if there is anybody who needs it. Supervise and comfort the cyclist while waiting for the emergency unit. Do not make assumptions about whether the cyclist is injured.

Do not argue or assign blame. Be calm and helpful. Ask for witness information, especially names and contact details.

Take photographs of the scene, damage to the vehicles, and any injuries that may be apparent. These records shall stand as evidence of the accident in the future.

Stay put until the authorities arrive. Leaving could make the situation much worse.

Learn more about the law regarding bicycle and traffic accidents through this website: https://bwplaw.com/

Understanding Legal Responsibilities

You should be aware of your duties while preserving the safety of all parties and seeking help. Provide your details to the cyclist, including your insurance details.

Never leave the scene, regardless of what happens. In some states, the laws require you to assist the injured party.

If the situation involves bodily harm or serious damage to property, you might have to go to the police station and file a report.

Take care and always seek a lawyer’s opinion on what might be best in this incident for the sake of fulfilling obligations and protecting rights.

Dealing with Insurance Claims

After verifying that everyone is safe and has exchanged insurance information, you should begin preemptive first aid for the insurance claim.

Report the accident to the insurance company. Provide all the data about the cyclist and the witnesses’ names, if any. Always be honest and thorough in recounting the incident to quicken the claim process.

Support your claim with relevant documents, including photographs of the scene and the police report. Then the insurance adjuster will investigate the facts and determine liability.

Keep notes of everything and make follow-ups to see the progress of the claim. When you start doubting any of the steps, hire a claims consultant to help you.

Potential Legal Consequences

The legal charges that might be imposed on an individual after hitting a cyclist should be understood beforehand.

Penalties can also constitute reckless driving and vehicular manslaughter if injuries are caused to such an extent that they take a person’s life.

The cyclist might sue for civil damages to recover their medical expenses, loss of income, and damages for pain and suffering.

Your injury policy might be able to pay for some of these costs. You are expected to pay for any costs that exceed your policy limits.

You should immediately consult a lawyer to understand the complex interactions that determine the legal consequences involved in bicycle accidents.

Emotional and Psychological Impact on Involved Parties

Bicycle accident victims’ injuries can have long-term psychological, emotional, or social consequences for the affected individuals. The people involved may feel shocked, guilty, or angry, depending on the particular condition of incidence.

Fear, sadness, and distress will surely hamper recovery. Usually, support from relatives and good friends is sufficient. However, sometimes professional assistance is necessary.

The counselor may be a good option for discussing concerns related to individuals who are healing and growing after experiencing trauma.