Hit-and-Run and Underinsured Driver Bicycle Accidents

Los Angeles Attorneys for Hit-and-Run, Underinsured, and Uninsured Driver Cases

If you were injured in a bicycle accident caused by a hit-and-run driver or an uninsured motorist, the situation can feel overwhelming. You might think that you have no path for financial recovery, but depending on your insurance coverage, avenues for compensation may be available to help address accident-related losses and expenses.   

At McGee Lerer Ogrin, we have helped injured bicyclists navigate some of the most complicated legal and insurance issues. We take the time to explain your rights and explore available compensation options.

From your first call, you will speak directly with an experienced attorney—not just a case manager or assistant—who will listen to your story and provide clear, actionable guidance. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation so you can understand your options before making decisions about your case.

If you were struck by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver in Los Angeles, contact us at (310) 231-9717 to learn more about the claims process.

Pursuing Compensation When the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Fled the Scene

One of the most upsetting challenges for injured bicyclists is realizing that the at-fault driver either has no insurance or cannot be identified because they fled the scene. This situation can leave victims wondering if any compensation is possible. Often, alternative ways to recover damages are available.

The cyclist’s own auto insurance policy’s Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage becomes the primary path to financial compensation. 

These policies can provide crucial protection in situations such as:

• Hit by an uninsured driver
• Hit by an underinsured driver
• Hit by a driver who leaves the scene

However, these claims are subject to specific conditions. For example, in an underinsured driver case, the driver must have coverage, but their limits must be too low to fully compensate the injured party. In a hit-and-run case, UM coverage usually requires physical contact between the vehicle and the bicycle.

Maximizing Recovery Through UM/UIM Coverage for Injured Cyclists

Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage are designed to protect you if an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. For you as a bicyclist, this protection can be especially important. UM/UIM policies act as a safety net, covering your losses when the responsible driver cannot.

Filing a UM claim will not increase your premiums, and we strongly recommend that bicyclists carry this coverage on their own auto insurance policy.. An ideal policy limit is $100,000 per person, offering significant protection against the financial burden of a serious crash.

If you are injured in a collision with an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver, UM/UIM coverage can provide compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Past and future lost income
• Past and future pain and suffering
• Damage to your bicycle and other property

Our firm’s exclusive focus on personal injury law gives us a deep understanding of using UM/UIM policies to pursue compensation. We can explain the claims process to help prevent you from being left to take on the financial burden of an accident you did not cause.

Essential Actions After a Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident

The moments following a hit-and-run bicycle accident are critical for your health, safety, and legal rights. 

Taking the proper steps immediately can impact your ability to recover compensation later:

• Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries are not immediately apparent.
• File a police report promptly to create an official record of the incident.
• If it is safe, document the scene, including photos of your bicycle, visible injuries, and surrounding conditions.
• Contact your insurance company to notify them of the collision and potential UM/UIM claim.

Prompt action protects your health and legal position, making it more difficult for insurers to challenge your claim.