Car Hits Sacramento Cyclist Then Flees

A car struck a cyclist in Sacramento on Wednesday morning, November 28, 2018, on S. Watt Ave. The driver fled the scene behind the injured cyclist who died at the scene. Police closed the highway both directions for a few hours while crime scene investigators processed the scene.

A Sacramento police officer at the scene said that the suspect was driving south on S. Watt Ave. when he hit the cyclist going the same direction. So far there is no identifying information on the suspect or the vehicle. Police are still looking for the driver of the car and ask anyone with information to call the Sacramento Police Tip Line at (916) 264-5471.

Hit-and-Run and Bicycles

Hit-and-run accidents are heinous because it often means that help for the victim is delayed. When a car collides with a cyclist, the cyclist is at far greater risk of a serious injury because of the difference in mass between a car and a bike and the lack of protection that comes with riding a bike.

Because of this, an injured cyclist is often in greater need of a fast response. However, when the driver—who is usually unhurt—flees, then it may be minutes or longer before someone calls the police.

Insurance Claims and Hit-and-Run

In a hit-and-run, the at-fault driver is unknown which can cause problems when the victim wants to get compensation for his or her injuries. Many questions arise such as:

• Who is going to pay for my injuries and loss time from work?
• Can I make a claim against my own insurance company?
• If so, even if I was riding a bike?
• Am I now an enemy with my own insurance company?
• What if I settle and then they find the person who did it?

All of these are great questions that often have different answers depending on the circumstances. The best thing to do if you are the victim of a hit-and-run as a cyclist is first to get medical attention, and then (even at the scene if possible) get pictures and save all damaged or even undamaged bike equipment as they may be useful later. Even if the police do their own investigation, make sure the items from the crash are not discarded.

Do I need an Attorney for a Hit-and-Run?

It doesn’t matter if the insurance company is yours or the other driver’s, they still have one job to do: pay as little as possible. Insurance companies don’t make a profit if they give out too much money, so they only pay out what they have to.

You need an attorney that understands bicycle law and is experienced in both bike accidents and hit-and-run cases. The attorneys at Bay Area Bike Law have the knowledge and experience to help you in these cases. They are the only firm in northern California that deals exclusively with bicycle law.

Start putting someone on your side, call us at (415) 466 8717 or click here to contact us online. If you still wonder if we’re the right firm for you or even if you need an attorney, read this this for help answering these questions.