If a motorist hits a bicyclist in Georgia, what happens next depends on the people involved in the crash. It is crucial to stop your vehicle after the collision. The number one priority should always be ensuring your own safety. Then check on the other people involved in the incident. Call the police to report the accident, then document the scene by taking photos and videos.
Things You Should Do When You Hit a Bicyclist With Your Car in Georgia
Unfortunately, accidents happen all too often in Georgia, so it’s essential to know how to handle the immediate aftermath.
Stop Immediately
This should be the first thing you do when involved in a collision. You need to stop your car immediately. According to Georgia’s hit and run statute, O.C.G.A. §40-6-270, the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident that caused damage or injury must stop or return to the scene.
Not stopping at the accident site can get you a hit-and-run charge. A hit-and-run conviction carries harsh penalties, including steep fines and jail time.
Check on the Cyclist
When you run into a bicyclist, you should check on the other person. You need to make sure they are okay, and if they aren’t call an ambulance immediately. Common injuries the bicyclist can sustain when hit by car include:
- Facial injuries
- Head injuries
- Neck and spine injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
Call the Police
Once you make sure the bicyclist is stable, you should call the police. While this might be a difficult phone call to make, especially if the collision resulted in severe or fatal injuries, it is nonetheless a critical step to take.
If there are any witnesses around, have them give their names and contact information to the police. An Augusta bicycle accident lawyer may be able to help you if you are held liable for the injuries or death of a bicyclist.
Take Pictures or Videos of the Accident Scene
You should take pictures or videos of the bike and any injuries sustained by the bicyclist. It can help you prove the circumstances of the incident. In some cases, you may use these as evidence when dealing with insurance companies or if there will be a lawsuit.
Things You Should Avoid When a Bicycle Collides With Your Car
Knowing what not to do is just as important as learning what steps to take after an accident. Certain actions will only further endanger you or the other parties involved in the incident.
Don’t Move the Bike or Bicyclist
When you run into a bicyclist, the last thing you should do is move an injured bicyclist or their bike. Doing so could be seen as tampering with evidence. In the case of an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may have a better chance of getting a fair settlement.
Don’t Admit Fault
Do not admit fault when you speak to the bicyclist or anyone else about the accident. If any witnesses heard what you said or record your statement this information may be entered into the suit. What is more, even something as simple as “sorry” can be used by the opposing side as an admission of guilt, despite your good intentions.
Proceed With Caution
If you hit a cyclist in Georgia while driving, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities. Always do the right thing and stop at the scene. Check on the other person involved in the incident and call for an ambulance if necessary. Call the police and your insurance company to report the accident.
Try to do the responsible thing for yourself and others. When talking to the authorities offer honest answers but do not admit guilt or say that you are sorry for what happened, as this might end up hurting you in the end. If you desire further guidance with your case, contact a legal expert for personalized assistance.
About author: Leland D. Bengtson
As a journalist, Leland D. Bengtson dedicated most of his career to law reporting. His greatest satisfaction is to convey legal matters to the public in a language that they can understand. He is active on various platforms and media outlets, writing about common legal issues that people confront with every day. While medical malpractice is his strong suit, Leland covers plenty of other topics, including personal injury cases, family law, and other civil and even criminal legal matters.
