You’re biking down the road, following your regular route when a car swerves into the bike lane. The driver forces you off the road causing you to fall off your bike. The car drives off without stopping and you’re left to tend to your injuries and get bike repairs on your own.
This situation is called a no-contact crash. To understand how cyclists suffer from these incidents, we need to look at the causes and the aftermath.
Causes of a No-Contact Crash
No-contact crashes occur when a motorist’s reckless driving forces a cyclist to crash so they avoid a collision. These typically happen at an intersection, such as when a driver makes a right turn by driving into the bike lane.
Here are a few examples of no-contact crashes from a driver:
- Swerves into the bike lane
- Doesn’t look at the crosswalk before turning
- Doesn’t notice a cyclist alongside them before changing lanes
In each of these incidents, a cyclist may have no other option but to crash while the driver moves on, not realizing what they’ve done. In some situations, a cyclist squeezes their brake as hard as they can to avoid a collision and are thrown from their own bike. The good news is that it’s possible to recover damages from these situations.
Aftermath of a No-Contact Crash
After a no-contact crash, you should try to get the license plate number if at all possible. Get a picture before the car speeds away or quickly write it down on your phone. With the license plate number in hand, the authorities and your attorney will have a better chance of finding the person who caused the crash and holding them responsible for their negligence.
If you’re unable to get the license number, check if there were any witnesses to the crash. This might include bystanders, shopkeepers, or even nearby traffic cameras. You should look for any evidence that might confirm the “phantom driver’s” identity. The more information you can gather, the better your chance of getting a fair recovery.
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries in a cycling accident, we are here for you. If you’d like an experienced Grand Junction personal injury lawyer from Veritas Injury Lawyers to evaluate your case, please call (970) 292-7171.
