Biking is a huge form of recreation and travel throughout Bakersfield for so many individuals. Nearly all riders use designated routes and paths such as the Kern River Bike Path to get from one place to another as safely as possible. However, there are still dangers to bicyclists in Bakersfield, especially when drivers are in the area.
The important thing for drivers to remember is that bicyclists have virtually no protection from harm when they are involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle driver. This means that the injuries that result from one of these accidents can be devastating and even deadly. Bicyclists may wonder what options they have moving forward after a serious bicycle accident involving a hit-and-run driver.
Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident on Kentucky Street in Bakersfield Injures One
A man was hurt in a hit-and-run bicycle accident that took place in Bakersfield on Saturday evening. A report from KGET confirmed that the accident happened around 6:48 p.m. on Kentucky Street around Alta Vista Drive on October 14, 2023.
When Bakersfield Police arrived on scene, they found an adult male bicyclist who was down in the roadway with his damaged bicycle nearby. He was allegedly traveling west on Kentucky when he was struck by a vehicle that was driving in the same direction. The driver immediately fled the scene after striking the bicyclist.
Paramedics were called to the scene to assist the cyclist. He was rushed to a local hospital with major injuries but has since been listed in stable condition. Nobody else was hurt as a result of the accident.
Bakersfield Police continue their investigation into the circumstances leading up to the accident. They are still trying to identify the driver involved in the accident.
Damages Available in Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Claims
It can be difficult to get back on your feet after a bicycle accident, especially one that has caused severe trauma. As you focus on your physical recovery, you may wonder how you are going to afford to keep up with the many bills that continue to pile up in your case. It is especially challenging to handle a hit-and-run claim, as different rules apply.
If the at-fault party cannot be identified after a hit-and-run accident, you may have to file a claim through your insurance company for uninsured motorist coverage. However, if the driver has been apprehended by police, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim against the driver. This means you could be eligible for the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses you have incurred and expect to incur in the future
- Lost wages and future lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and therapy-related costs
Contact a Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Lawyer
After you have been hurt in a bicycle accident caused by a hit-and-run driver, it is normal to feel alone and confused about your next steps. You will likely not be able to answer many legal questions on your own, which is why it is vital that you speak with a Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyer soon after your accident.
Our attorneys at Maison Law are dedicated to helping you throughout the legal process in regards to your case. We do not want the insurance company to take advantage of you in any way after a bicycle accident, which is why we want to start protecting your rights from the get-go. Contact us today for a free and confidential case consultation that comes with no fees to you. You deserve to get back on your feet during these difficult times.