What if a bicycle is struck by a motor vehicle with no visible driver?

If a bicycle is struck by a motor vehicle with no visible driver in Washington state, the bicyclist may still be able to pursue a claim for damages. First, the bicyclist should gather as much evidence as possible, such as obtaining the registration number of the vehicle involved in the accident and any images or recordings from nearby security cameras. The bicyclist may then file a claim with their own insurance company under their uninsured motorist coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance which pays for damages a driver sustains in an accident with another vehicle that is uninsured or where the other driver cannot be identified. The bicyclist may be able to make a claim against their own insurance company if they can prove that their injury was the result of another motor vehicle’s negligence. Specifically, the bicyclist would need to show that the other driver acted carelessly and without regard for the safety of others, such as operating the vehicle in a reckless manner or in violation of the law. It can be difficult to collect evidence to prove the identity of the other driver in these cases, but an experienced personal injury attorney can help the bicyclist with this process. The Washington State Department of Licensing also offers a hit and run program which provides compensation to victims of hit and run situations involving an unidentified vehicle. To be eligible for these benefits, the bicyclist must have suffered bodily injuries from the hit and run and have a valid driver’s license or other proof of identity. The coverage amounts under this program are limited, so a bicyclist should contact a personal injury attorney to determine the best way to pursue additional compensation for their injuries.

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