Bicycle / Car Accident Protocols; Shockingly Apathetic Driver

[Tim Kelley]

Welcome to the forum!

WABA has you covered: http://www.waba.org/resources/crash_faq.php

[dasgeh]

Welcome, Ben. Sorry it wasn’t under better circumstances.

In my opinion, you should call the police right now, and tell them everything you’ve told us. You should insist they write up a report. Be ready to really insist. That should get you insurance info.

I believe, if you remember nothing else after a collision, that you should 1) call the police; 2) collect contact information from everyone you can (e.g. that woman snapping photos); and 3) get as much information from the driver and scene as you possibly can. Get the insurance card and DL (you can snap a photo of each and you’ll have all the info without having to write). Take pictures of EVERYTHING. Don’t be definitive about your status, as you won’t know for sure for a few days.

If you didn’t get the contact info for the woman snapping photos, post around the ‘net – maybe you’ll find her.

Safe riding to you as well.

[guga31bb]

I had a somewhat similar situation in my first crash. I was so surprised that it happened that I didn’t really know what to do. I got up and told the driver I felt fine, and then they just drove off. I eventually discovered my rear wheel was out of true, but that was the extent of the damage. I didn’t bother telling the police because I didn’t remember anything about the car/driver and wasn’t injured…but that was probably a mistake. But the silver lining was that it inspired me to buy a helmet camera so I’ll be ready next time…

“I feel as though I completely mishandle the situation” –that’s exactly how I felt afterwards. Glad you weren’t seriously injured!

[83b]

I’m sorry that happened to you and hope you (and your bike) are back out soon. I’ve generally found the Hill to be very bike friendly and am sad to hear a neighbor would react to almost killing you so casually.

FWIW, I’ve found that stretch of 6th street to be less friendly than other routes in the neighborhood. There’s so much traffic coming off of the highway and heading north along 6th and drivers aren’t as patient as they should be. That’s especially true where northbound cars are trying to make the E St. light. Also a problem is where cars are turning onto 6th from C St SE and 6th St drivers are trying to position to turn right on North Carolina.

I’ve taken to using 8th St. instead. Barracks row may have a fair number of drivers pulling illegal parking/standing shenanigans, but everyone is at least on alert for pedestrians and bike because it’s such a high-traffic strip.

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