What Happens if a Cyclist Hits My Car?
November 21, 2023
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It's a scenario that might not immediately come to mind when thinking about road accidents, but it's an important one: what happens if a cyclist hits your car? Whether you're a regular driver in the city or you prefer zoning around country lanes, understanding how to handle such a situation is important, especially when it comes to the question of eventual compensation, whether it be for you or the cyclist. Let's take a look.
Like with any accident, the first thing to do is ensure everyone's safety. If the accident is causing a hazard and blocking the road, and it's safe to do so, move your car to a safer spot, and put on your hazard lights to alert other road users.
Even if the cyclist insists they are fine, it's good practice to encourage them to seek medical attention, as some injuries - most commonly concussions - may not be immediately apparent.
Assess any damage to your vehicle, and take photos and videos of any damage. Documenting this is important for insurance purposes, especially if you need non fault claim help.
In the UK, you're required to report certain types of road accidents to the police, and this includes accidents where someone is injured or if there’s significant property damage. It's best to report the incident even if it seems minor; this keeps you in-line with the law and also reflects well on you as a driver.
You’ll also want to ensure that you communicate calmly and politely with the cyclist, so avoid admitting fault or making accusatory statements; this could complicate matters, especially legally and with insurance claims.
When you're in an accident with a cyclist, the way you document the incident can significantly impact any subsequent claims or legal processes; after all, it’s going to be your word against theirs. Start by taking clear and comprehensive photos of the accident scene, capturing both your vehicle and the bicycle, along with any visible injuries. Write down everything you can remember about the incident, including the time, date, location, and specific circumstances like road conditions. You’ll also not want to forget to collect contact details and statements from any witnesses on the scene, as their objective perspective can be invaluable in piecing together what happened.
Claiming insurance compensation can be a bit tricky in these situations, so here's what you should consider:
Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible, and provide them with all the documented evidence that you gathered at the scene.
Review your insurance policy to understand what is covered, especially in cases involving cyclists.
If the cyclist is at fault and they have liability insurance, you may be able to claim compensation through their insurance.
Above all, it's important to handle insurance claims professionally and promptly. If the accident wasn't your fault and your vehicle is damaged (either from the impact or due to you swerving due to the cyclist’s negligence), seeking professional help with your claim can guide you through the process and ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to.
Proving fault involves collecting evidence such as photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and any available CCTV footage. If the cyclist violated traffic laws, such as running a red light, this could also be used to establish fault.
Yes, it's advisable to contact the police, especially if there are injuries or significant damage. They can document the scene and provide an official report, which can be helpful for insurance claims.
Yes, you can still file a claim with your insurance company. If you have coverage for accidents with uninsured or underinsured individuals, this can help cover the damages.
In case of a disagreement about fault, it's important to rely on collected evidence and witness statements. Your insurance company and legal advisors can help in determining fault based on the evidence.
Collect the cyclist's full name, contact details, and insurance information if available. It's also useful to note down a description of the bicycle and any distinguishing features.
