Bicycle accident advice

Jebus314

So I was on my bicycle and I collided with a guy on his bicycle. For legal reasons I'm assuming it's best if I don't go into great detail, but suffice to say I do not believe I am at fault. It was a head on collision, and while I was actively breaking and it was fairly low speed, since I was wearing a helmet and they were not they ended up being taken to the hospital in an ambulance. The cop who was on the scene said he wasn't going to give out any citations (kind of indicating he didn't believe anyone was at fault) and wasn't 100% on whether he would even file a report but was leaning towards yes given that the other person had been injured.

My question is basically what should I be doing if anything right now. Mostly I'm concerned about the other person suing me or something for medical bills. I don't think it's my fault in anyway but I've scene car accidents where the cop flat out said that the person I knew had 0 liability because the other person was breaking the law and yet they still got sued and their insurance company wanted to settle. Also I don't know if this would be covered under any type of insurance if it comes to that. I think my renters insurance covers bike damage but it seems unlikely that it would cover liability, and I don't think car insurance would extend to a bicycle.

As a secondary question is there anyway for me to find out how the other person is doing? I didn't exchange any info with them because they were kind of out of it after the accident and I didn't want to interfere once the ambulance showed up. I have the cops number but I doubt he would know, and I thought about calling the nearest hospital but I'm pretty sure they aren't allowed to give out any information.

zagdrob

If the officer files a police report you can request it through a FOIA request.

Right now, there isn't much you can really do. You can touch base with your insurance agent and see if they extend your liability insurance to cover liability when riding a bicycle. It's POSSIBLE they do depending on your policy, so it won't hurt to know.

Otherwise, if you are really concerned, I'd recommend you do a quick consultation with a lawyer. It's possible that you could be sued - as it's possible for anything - but I don't think there is much of anything you can do at this point in time.

Bowen

Yeah, prepare for the worst here.

You might want to consider talking to your homeowner's/renter's insurance to get an addendum to the policy to cover liability for bike accidents like this. Let's say in the future you hit someone's car and it is your fault. You'd be better off. I think if I were to add it to mine, it'd add $5 a month to my premium.

Telex

Car insurance doesn't usually cover bike-on-bike accidents (I might be wrong, IANAL). Likely the person will not be going through that and thus you won't have to worry about determining fault. And unless it's a really serious injury it probably won't be worth the cyclist's time and money to go after you - especially if it looks like there is no fault/the guy wasn't wearing a helmet.


I wouldn't worry about it unless you get a call. You can't do anything about it now anyway.

Edit: If you want to do something, write down exactly what happened while it is still fresh in your mind. Include as many details as you can. Then, if it ever comes time to give your side of the story, you will be prepared.

LostNinja

Telex wrote: »

Car insurance doesn't usually cover bike-on-bike accidents (I might be wrong, IANAL). Likely the person will not be going through that and thus you won't have to worry about determining fault. And unless it's a really serious injury it probably won't be worth the cyclist's time and money to go after you - especially if it looks like there is no fault/the guy wasn't wearing a helmet.


I wouldn't worry about it unless you get a call. You can't do anything about it now anyway.

Edit: If you want to do something, write down exactly what happened while it is still fresh in your mind. Include as many details as you can. Then, if it ever comes time to give your side of the story, you will be prepared.

Car insurance won't, but homeowners/renters might under liability coverage.

Like everyone above said, prepare for the worst and get in touch with your insurer and see if you might be covered. The fact that the officer indicated that no one was at fault will work in your favor as far as defence goes.

MichaelLC

Probably obvious, but if asked to recount the events, don't admit fault. Stick to facts only; "i was traveling southbound, going about 10mph, the second rider was approaching..."

mts

yea, if no report was taking there is no fault of yours. did the other guy run a stop sign or anythign or did you two just randomly hit each other

Invisible

If an ambulance was called and the police responded, there's definitely a report and record of the incident. He may have not filled out an accident report, but the incident is in the system and there are reports associated with it (paperwork for the ambulance/patient, officer response, call log). Some states don't require the officer to assign fault, they just write down the facts and witness statements and let the insurance companies determine who was at fault. I'd see what your insurance covers, home, rental, auto or other and prepare for that just in case.

mts

but the guy doesn't have his info and the cop doesn't either, he is in of the clear. any ambulance report is going to be like responded to bike accident. at least that is how it sounds based on what he said

Maguano

read number 1