Hit and Run Bicycle Accidents: Legal Steps for Injured Cyclists in San Diego

Being hit by a car while riding your bike is terrifying. But when the driver speeds away without stopping, it adds another layer of fear and uncertainty. You’re left not only with injuries, but with questions: Who will pay for my medical bills? Will the driver be found? What should I do next?

At Hulburt Law Firm, we understand the search for answers that follows a hit and run bicycle accident. We help injured cyclists in San Diego uncover the truth, pursue compensation, and hold wrongdoers accountable—even when the at-fault driver disappears.

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What Is a Hit and Run Bicycle Accident?

A hit and run occurs when a driver causes a collision and leaves the scene without providing identification or helping the injured. Under California Vehicle Code § 20001, this is a criminal offense—especially if it results in injury or death.

In San Diego, hit and run incidents involving cyclists often happen when:

• A driver clips a cyclist in a bike lane and keeps going
• A car door is opened into a cyclist’s path, causing a crash—and the driver flees
• A vehicle swerves dangerously close, forcing a cyclist to crash, even without physical contact

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What to Do Immediately After a Hit and Run Bicycle Crash

If you or a loved one is involved in a hit and run while biking, taking the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your legal case.

1. Call 911 Right Away

Report the crash to police and request medical assistance. A police report is essential for insurance claims and investigations.

2. Preserve the Scene

If you can, collect:

• Photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and bike damage
• Contact information from witnesses
• Debris left by the vehicle (e.g., mirrors, paint chips, bumper fragments)

3. Look for Cameras

Nearby traffic lights, homes, or businesses may have surveillance footage. These recordings are often deleted within days—your attorney can help obtain them quickly.

4. Share Every Detail With Law Enforcement

Even small details like the vehicle’s color, make, or a partial license plate can be vital. Be thorough in your report.

5. Contact an Attorney

Don’t wait to get legal help. A hit and run accident creates complex challenges—especially when the driver is unidentified or uninsured. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can immediately begin protecting your rights, guiding you through insurance claims, and coordinating with investigators to locate the at-fault driver.

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Can You Get Compensation If the Driver Is Never Found?

Yes. Even if the hit and run driver is unidentified, you may still be eligible for financial recovery.

1. Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

If you have auto insurance with UM coverage, it often applies—even if you were biking at the time of the crash. It can help pay for:

• Emergency room visits and ongoing medical care
• Lost wages if you miss work
• Pain and emotional suffering
• Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases

Important: Notify your insurer promptly. Many policies require you to report the accident within 30 days.

2. Victim Restitution (If the Driver Is Found)

If the police identify the driver and they are charged, the court can order them to pay victim restitution—covering your medical bills, lost income, and more.

3. Civil Lawsuit

If the driver is located and has insurance or assets, a personal injury lawsuit can help you recover full compensation for your injuries and losses.

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How Hulburt Law Firm Can Help

When you're hit and the driver disappears, you need an attorney who doesn't give up. At Hulburt Law Firm, we bring relentless energy and compassionate advocacy to every hit and run bicycle case.

Our team will:

• Work with investigators to identify the fleeing driver
• Obtain and analyze surveillance footage
• Review your insurance and file uninsured motorist claims
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Take your case to trial, if necessary

“Hit and run drivers think they can escape responsibility. Our job is to uncover the truth—and ensure victims aren’t left to pick up the pieces alone.”— Conor Hulburt, Trial Attorney

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Don’t Wait—Time Limits Matter

Legal deadlines can affect your ability to file a claim:

• Personal injury lawsuit: Must be filed within 2 years
• Government liability (e.g., dangerous road conditions): Claims must be filed within 6 months
• UM claims: Insurance policies often require notice within 30 days

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Talk to a San Diego Hit and Run Bicycle Attorney Today

At Hulburt Law Firm, we stand with cyclists who’ve been hurt and left behind. We investigate aggressively, advocate fearlessly, and always pursue the justice you deserve.

Call us today at (619) 821-0500 or schedule a free consultation online. Let us help you take the next step forward.

The Truth Demands Justice.

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Related Articles:

• Uninsured Drivers and Bicycle Accidents
• Statute of Limitations for Bicycle Accident Claims