CYCLISTS: WHAT TO DO IN A TRAFFIC CRASH

From the League of American Bicyclists BikeLeague News:

CYCLISTS: WHAT TO DO IN A TRAFFIC CRASH
A League member who is an attorney in North Carolina urges cyclists: All bike-car collisions should be reported to police officers immediately for safety as well as insurance reasons, even if you don’t think you are hurt.

If you're involved in a hit-and-run crash while riding your bike, be sure to file a police report that same day. Your own auto insurance may cover you. If you delay and injuries crop up at a later date, you risk losing the benefits you've paid for under your own auto policy.

Recently, a North Carolina cyclist was struck and brushed off the road by a passing motorist. Initially, he thought he'd merely sprained his wrist and did not call the police. Five days later, however, when his pain worsened, he discovered he'd fractured his arm. He asked his own auto insurer to pay for "uninsured motorist" benefits, which cover your personal injuries when another at-fault motorist is uninsured or when a hit-and-run motorist cannot be located. The cyclist's insurer denied the claim and the North Carolina Court of Appeals agreed, because the state's controlling statute says you must file a police report within 24 hours of the accident. For more information on the case, see http://www.aoc.state.nc.us/www/public/coa/opinions/2004/030947-1.htm.